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How to Free-Climb a Rock Face
Free climbing is only for those athletes with no fear and great muscle tone. To climb up the face of a mountain, or even a large rock, with no ropes or spikes or any other kind of equipment takes daring and a sturdy constitution. If you are bound and determined to make a go of it, take a few of these tips, and a friend, to free-climb a rock face.
Step1
Learn how to free-climb by starting out bouldering. Bouldering is what you might do on a climbing wall with a net underneath you, and it's a good starting point to see how you do with no ropes or spikes to help you climb. Outdoors, boulderers stay to a lower section of a rock face and climb horizontally. They also keep a mat or net beneath them and do not climb higher than they can safely fall.
Step2
Get the right kind of gear to wear when you begin free climbing. Wear soft-soled shoes that will stick to the cracks and crevices where you must stick your toes to hold you while you find a place to grab onto to pull yourself up. A jacket or vest with zippered pockets to carry water and emergency ropes (just in case you do need them) is a great investment for free climbers.
Step3
Climb with other experienced climbers. This sport is not recommended for solo athletes. No matter how many times you've climbed a particular rock face, weather conditions and your own physical condition make each climb different.
Step4
Maintain a positive, can-do attitude when you take up free climbing. If you are tense, then you are setting yourself up for injury. When you are on the rock and you see the next opening or toehold, take it.
Step5
Don't hesitate, and don't second-guess yourself. Free climbing is a very intuitive sport. You must rely on your gut feelings and become part of the rock and let it guide your way.
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