It started from my other-half’s silly idea where he challenged me to do artificial rock walls / rock climbing. At first I declined the idea because it just never cross my mind to do an extreme sport like rock climbing at my age, but after some consideration, I thought it may not do any harm trying new thing as long as I do it properly from professional guidance.
Lucky enough I met Mr. Ronny Lukito and his wife from Eiger. We talked about my healthy living and I told them about my husband’s challenge for me. They gave positive feedback and encouragement to make this challenge came true. He gave his support through Eiger Adventure Team to assist me in doing so.
Then I met Eiger Adventure Team, represented by Mr. Mamay Salim (Senior Indonesian Climber) and Mr. Kwecheng (Iwan Irawan) / World 7 Summit, and we discussed many things about rock climbing. They proposed me to do artificial rock wall climbing first in order to get ‘the experience or feeling’, so I spent a session with these two experts learning the proper climbing techniques and usage of specialized climbing equipment. As you know, I have trained my body muscle regularly but it doesn’t guarantee me to do well in rock climbing. This is yet another challenge to develop my skills, preserve of adrenaline and endurance because I learn several techniques for hands and feet and the combination motion of those two. To tell you the truth, it isn’t easy then it looks.
We decided to do my rock climbing challenge at Citatah, Bandung and of course I need to prepare myself physically and mentally. When I did my artificial rock wall climbing, I found that climbing use many muscle groups, both in upper and lower body. Your back, abdominal and leg muscles play important roles as well as your fingers, shoulders and arms. I’ve done many exercises in these areas when I did my weight training so nothing’s surprised me. Eat well and sleep well also make good contribution to do this sport.
Interesting to know for beginner level, it doesn’t require you to be super-fit to rock climb. A good technique is more important than physical strength so good footwork, body positioning and problem solving will get you up many more climbs than just brute strength.
This is it…. the day has come for me to do my rock climbing. My team from Eiger Adventure has prepared all climbing equipment’s a day before and my mentor, Mr. Mamay and Mr. Kwecheng, was side by side with me as my climbing partner so I was pretty confident in doing this challenge. I was so thrilled in making my first step but having climbing partner has put me at ease (thanks to Mr. Mamay and Mr. Kwecheng). Sooner I didn’t realize that I have climbed half-way easily and being up there to see all beautiful nature that God has created is something money can’t buy.
I just read an article about rock climbing and apparently for a regular climber, it can improve their stamina as well as muscle strength, reaching and stretching for holds improves flexibility and agility. It also helps to develop concentration, determination and problem-solving skills. Beside individual pursuit, rock climbing has social component by doing it with climbing partners (can be one or two persons or even group of friends, colleagues or families). With your climbing partner you will develop strong friendship due to level of trust involved, sharing challenges and experiences.
Many benefits you can gain from rock climbing but always remember that rock climbing is a physically and mentally demanding sport, one that often tests a climber’s strength, endurance, agility and balance along with mental control. It can be a dangerous activity because without proper climbing techniques and usage of specialized climbing equipment, it can put your life at risk.
I proudly declared that I have accomplished my challenge and I am quite happy about it. It’s worth a try but remember to plan everything in advance. Happy trying folks!