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September 25, 2024 | CLIMBING

WHY DO WE CLIMB? REFLECTING ON THE MEANING OF ROCK CLIMBING

If you’ve ever found yourself clinging to a rock wall with sweaty hands, shaky muscles, and a racing heart, you’ve probably asked yourself: why on earth am I doing this? What is it about rock climbing that draws us in? What’s the point of all this effort to scale rocks and mountains?

In this blog, we’re going to dive into these questions and explore how this crazy sport benefits (and maybe even harms) us.

The Search for Challenge: Pushing Our Own Limits

For many, climbing is about testing yourself. Every route is a new challenge that pushes you out of your comfort zone. When you finally conquer that route that seemed impossible, the satisfaction is unreal. Climbing teaches us how to deal with fear and frustration and how to enjoy the process as much as the result. It’s an adrenaline rush and a confidence boost all rolled into one.

Connecting with Nature: Unplugging to Reconnect

In a world full of screens and concrete jungles, climbing gives us the perfect excuse to unplug and reconnect with nature. Climbing a wall isn’t just a physical workout; it’s a full experience. The feel of the rock, the sound of the wind, and the breathtaking views from the top fill you with energy and remind you how awesome it is to be alive. You can’t get that at a gym!

Benefits for Body and Mind: A Total Workout

Climbing is one of the most complete workouts out there. It builds strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination. But it’s not all about the physical side. It’s a mental challenge too, forcing you to stay present, think through each move, and make quick decisions. Plus, it releases endorphins, reduces stress, and leaves you with a huge sense of well-being. It’s like yoga, but vertical!

The Climbing Community: A Group That Rocks

Climbing isn’t just for loners. It’s actually a super social sport. Sharing tough moments on a route, cheering on your friends from below, or celebrating together after completing a climb creates strong bonds. In a world where we’re often more disconnected, climbing gives you a real community where support and camaraderie are the norm. It’s like one big vertical family!

The Downsides? Nothing’s Perfect!

But, like everything in life, climbing has its downsides too. It can become an obsession, where some people start neglecting other areas of their life in the pursuit of the “perfect project” or the “hardest grade.” Plus, the environmental impact is something to think about. Trail erosion, trash, and respecting natural habitats are issues that climbers need to handle responsibly.

So, Why Do We Climb?

Everyone has their own answer. Some want to conquer their fears, others fall in love with nature, and many find climbing to be a form of active meditation. The truth is, this sport is more than just a physical activity; it’s a lifestyle, a way of expressing yourself and discovering who you are. And even though we may keep asking ourselves why we do it, maybe the real answer is in the act of climbing itself, always seeking that next adventure beyond the summit.

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You can contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone to (+34) 645 432 307, or by filling up the contact form in the following link.

Client Reviews
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Excellent course with Santi. I have done the rock climbing initiation course, a very complete course and ideal for those people who have never rock climbed or who already climb but want to improve. Apart from the great professionalism and confidence that he transmits at all times, I want to highlight the detail of being very aware of each one of us (group of 6 people). It has also taken into account the weather and the sectors where to climb without wind or cold. Very highly recommended!
(Original) Excelente curso con Santi. He hecho el curso de iniciación a escalada en Roca, curso muy completo y ideal para esas personas que no han escalado en roca nunca o que ya escalan pero quieren perfeccionar. A parte de la gran profesionalidad y confianza que transmite en todo momento, quiero destacar el detalle de estar muy pendiente de cada uno de nosotros (grupo de 6 personas). También ha tenido en cuenta la meteo y los sectores dónde escalar sin viento ni frío. Muy muy recomendable!

– Gemma Margarit
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Totally recommended! A great experience at the hands of Santi, very professional and friendly. We will definitely see each other again soon. 🤘🏿
(Original) Totalmente recomendable! Una experiencia buenísima de la mano de Santi, muy profesional y simpático. Sin duda nos volveremos a ver pronto. 🤘🏿

– paty candia
Excellent!

The most beautiful setting with endless awe inspiring walls and valleys. We’re new to outdoor climbing and our instructor couldn’t have been better. Interesting, enthusiastic, patient and inspiring we felt like we were climbing with a friend who taught us so much and tailored our weekend amazingly to our ability. We felt challenged without feeling completely out of our comfort zone. So fun!

– Katie Dufort
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Highly recommended for people who want to start climbing or want to improve. Excellent and experienced guides, and good atmosphere. You learn and have a good time. What more could you want?
(Original) Muy recomendado para personas que quieran iniciarse en la escalada o quieran mejorar. Guías excelentes y experimentados, y buen ambiente. Aprendes y lo pasas bien. Qué más se puede pedir?

– Mònica Bernabé
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) I did the fear management course and we had a great time while learning a lot. 100% recommendable!
(Original) Hice el curso de gestión del miedo y lo pasamos en grande a la vez que aprendiendo muchísimo. 100% recomendable!

– Joaquim G
Excellent!

I can’t say enough good things about my experience with SouthClimb. Let’s begin with how gorgeous Siurana was! Our guide Santi found an area and climbing routes that were fun and perfectly suited for the grades that myself and the other girl in our group climb. There were specific skills I wanted to work on (cleaning the anchor) and Santi climbed up the route next to one I climbed so that we could work through the process together in a way that was simple, clear, and made me feel safe. I HIGHLY recommend a tour with SouthClimb whether you’re very experienced and want a challenge or it’s your first day on the rock. Don’t hesitate to let your guide know if you have specific goals in mind, because they’re very kind and enthusiastic about helping you learn and grow in the sport. It was a gorgeous day and I am eager to spend more time with SouthClimb! A massive thanks to Santi!

– Claire Stephens
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Incredible climbing baptism!! It has been a great experience from start to finish. We have enjoyed, laughed and, above all, learned a lot! Thank you Santi for this great morning and for the confidence and security you give!!! We will repeat without a doubt ☺️
(Original) Bautizo de escalada increíble!! Ha sido una grandísima experiencia de principio a fin. Hemos disfrutado, reído y, sobretodo, aprendido muchísimo!! Gracias Santi por esta estupenda mañana y por la confianza y seguridad que das!!! Repetiremos sin duda ☺️

– Carla Re Lo
Excellent!

My goal coming to Spain was to get out for a couple days rock climbing with my family. I’m a fairly accomplished climber but the mechanics of trying to take the family out on my own. Mariano our guide was the perfect example of what a guide should be, he was quick to set up and take down the climbs, had the perfect eye for challenging but achievable routes for the family, was friendly, great with the kids, a just an all around good guy. I can’t recommend this company enough, and am already planning my return trip to Spain to climb with them.

– James & Carmen Corbin
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Great experience! A spectacular treatment, they have adapted perfectly to my schedules and needs. It has been two days of the course where I have learned a lot, I have felt safe at all times, they have helped me with the necessary material and most importantly I have had a great time! Thank you Santi for your quick response and organization and special mention to Mariano who is a guide of 10! I will definitely contact them again to do the long track course!
(Original) Experiencia genial! Un trato espectacular, se han adaptado perfectamente a mis horarios y necesidades. Han sido dos dias de curso donde he aprendido muchísimo, me he sentido seguro en todo momento, me han ayudado con el material necesario y lo más importante me lo he pasado genial! Gracias Santi por su rápida respuesta y organización y especial mención a Mariano que es un guía de 10! Sin duda volveré a contactar con ellos para hacer el curso de vía larga!

– J Molpe
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) An incredible experience. I hope to return on the rock very soon
(Original) Una experiencia increible. Espero volver en la roca muy pronto

– Piergiorgio Castioni