Climbing Today
Today, rock climbing is increasingly becoming a more accessible sport that anyone can try. As climbing popularity develops there continues to be more recognition for it by international organizations. For example, recently, the IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing) tried to get rock climbing into the Olympics. Unfortunately, they were declined access to the Olympic games in 2016, so the fight will continue for the 2020 summer Olympics. However, there are still many opportunities for professional climbers to show off their skills to the world. For example, every year the IFSC holds several world championships in three categories: lead climbing, speed climbing, and bouldering. Furthermore, for younger climbers, there are the International Youth Championships where they can progress and show their skills to the world. Overall, despite the fact that it hasn't made the Olympics yet, there are many opportunities for professional climbers to compete and show their skills.
In addition, as rock climbing has become more popular, so has the demand increased to have accessible places to train close to home, without having to travel to a nearby crag (a cliff with a climbing route or routes). Therefore, in the past several years, many climbing gyms have sprung up in cities to fuel this new sport. For example, the first indoor climbing gym in the United States, called the Vertical Club, was opened in 1987 in Seattle. Since then, many more climbing gyms have opened across North America. The climbing gyms, with their plastic holds and indoor environment, are generally looked on, by experienced outdoor climbers, as a place to train and develop skills. However, they are great places for beginner climbers to 'get into the sport', and develop strength and skills before venturing outside. Overall, with climbing gyms being introduced to many areas, in recent years, climbing is becoming a more accessible sport to the general population.
Furthermore, as rock climbing continues to develop, there is an increasing 'push' from the environmental community to lessen the impact that climbing has on the environment. For example, as talked about in the 'A New Sport is Born' section, many early climbers used steel pitons, which damage the rock and left behind 'scars'. Today, any form of climbing that permanently damages the rock is looked down upon by the climbing community. Some people are even considering banning the use of bolts (permanent anchors) on popular climbing routes (click here if you want more in depth information on this topic). In addition to pressure from fellow climbers to reduce your impact on the environment, there are non-profit organizations like Leave No Trace, in Canada, that encourage outdoor enthusiasts to respect their 'play ground'. The Leave No Trace organization gives courses on protecting your environment, while having fun. In conclusion, climbing today is receiving pressure from the climbing community, and outside organizations, to reduce its impact on the environment.
Also, in recent years, there has been a major movement, across North America, that cliffs, and places to climb outside, should be free to access by climbers. With this movement the Access Coalitions, that spread across America, have been born. These organizations, for example the Ontario Access Coalition, work with land owners and climbers to make crags and boulders (places to climb), free to access and environmentally respectful.
In conclusion, rock climbing today is a balance between the joy of competition, respecting the environment, and providing access to climbing for everyone.
In addition, as rock climbing has become more popular, so has the demand increased to have accessible places to train close to home, without having to travel to a nearby crag (a cliff with a climbing route or routes). Therefore, in the past several years, many climbing gyms have sprung up in cities to fuel this new sport. For example, the first indoor climbing gym in the United States, called the Vertical Club, was opened in 1987 in Seattle. Since then, many more climbing gyms have opened across North America. The climbing gyms, with their plastic holds and indoor environment, are generally looked on, by experienced outdoor climbers, as a place to train and develop skills. However, they are great places for beginner climbers to 'get into the sport', and develop strength and skills before venturing outside. Overall, with climbing gyms being introduced to many areas, in recent years, climbing is becoming a more accessible sport to the general population.
Furthermore, as rock climbing continues to develop, there is an increasing 'push' from the environmental community to lessen the impact that climbing has on the environment. For example, as talked about in the 'A New Sport is Born' section, many early climbers used steel pitons, which damage the rock and left behind 'scars'. Today, any form of climbing that permanently damages the rock is looked down upon by the climbing community. Some people are even considering banning the use of bolts (permanent anchors) on popular climbing routes (click here if you want more in depth information on this topic). In addition to pressure from fellow climbers to reduce your impact on the environment, there are non-profit organizations like Leave No Trace, in Canada, that encourage outdoor enthusiasts to respect their 'play ground'. The Leave No Trace organization gives courses on protecting your environment, while having fun. In conclusion, climbing today is receiving pressure from the climbing community, and outside organizations, to reduce its impact on the environment.
Also, in recent years, there has been a major movement, across North America, that cliffs, and places to climb outside, should be free to access by climbers. With this movement the Access Coalitions, that spread across America, have been born. These organizations, for example the Ontario Access Coalition, work with land owners and climbers to make crags and boulders (places to climb), free to access and environmentally respectful.
In conclusion, rock climbing today is a balance between the joy of competition, respecting the environment, and providing access to climbing for everyone.