Getting Started In Mountaineering
Peter Sterling
It is definitely the closest thing to flying. Being literally
on top of the world, that is. Also, mountaineering is the sport
for those who wish to do so. Many a person has risked his life
just to be able to reach peaks like those in the Himalayas.
Scary but thrilling. Most of them say that the view from the
top is worth all the effort.
But before you get carried away with the dream of reaching new
heights, here are a few simple things you need to remember as
you start out in the wonderful adventure of mountaineering. No
seasoned mountaineer goes by without them.
1. Great things start from small beginnings
Don't dare take on the Himalayas if you haven't tried some
anthills. Of course, that might steal your fun for awhile.
Small elevations means small fun. On the contrary, gradual but
steady improvement in climbing skill makes for a more stable
stance as a mountaineer. You would not want to miss that over
things as small as your pride.
2. Keep the Fun Factor Flaming and Alive
You can never expect to stay unscathed and untouched in such an
activity, but one thing that will make you quit faster than I
say mountain is the lack of passion and enjoyment for what you
are doing.
3. Carry a positive attitude all throughout the climb
A severe motivation must keep you going, and if you cant laugh
at your shortcomings from below, you can not expect yourself to
be jolly and bright when your feet are lifted off solid ground.
4. Appreciate yourself
Mountaineering is an extremely personal activity in the sense
that each person who chooses to do it can vary because of the
difference in mix of strength, endurance and conditioning of
the body. Try you best to be objective in every climb. Your
goal is to reach the top and challenge yourself, not kick down
the other guy who's unconsciously making it up there earlier than
you do. You might even endanger yourself more if you keep on
looking at how other people are faring compared to you.
5. Expect the load and trust your instincts
When something doesn't feel right, don't blindly go for it. Also,
it will really eradicate any unnecessary difficulties if you
have already made a mental gauge of the load you will be
carrying even before you start the climb. Remember, the terrain
can get very steep, and so will your carrying abilities.
6. Love your liquids
Water will be your best ally. It wouldn't look too good to be
dehydrated in the middle of a steep climb. Only God can make
water really come out of the rock, and it might not even be
safe for you to drink if you were able to do so. Make sure you
have enough water supply to keep you going. You would not want
to take a climb and realize that you have not packed enough
water and you are already dying of thirst.
7. Ask around
Now is the time to be more open-minded. You can never know
everything just by reading about it or trying it once. More
experienced mountaineers will be able to provide you with
information your research materials might have failed to tell
you. Also, don't be afraid to ask, because your life may
literally depend on it.
8. Prepare physically
Gain or lose weight if you have to. Make sure you know the
state of your body before, during and after the climb. Watch
out for symptoms such as pain and fever. Also, get some
resistance training for a few months before you decide to
eMBArk in the whole mountaineering experience. This is also the
perfect time to know your strengths and weaknesses. You wouldn't
want to experiment on that in the middle of a potentially
dangerous climb.
9. Climb with music
Some auditory entertainment may help alleviate your worries
away. You cannot possibly be thinking of worst-case scenarios
when your favorite song is plugged in your ears. Just make sure
you don't get too carried away and find yourself letting go and
dancing to the beat.
10. Rope up with buddies
Mountaineering for the first time is really something that will
require you some experienced company of sorts. You may wish to
climb solo, but save that when you are already used to it. In
the meantime, being with a group who have already gotten a feel
for the climbing process can help you get used to it easily and
keep you safe and sound and in one piece.
About The Author: For more great mountaineering related
articles and resources check out
http://weknowmountaineering.info
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