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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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QUESTIONS AND RESERVATIONS

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) It has been a pleasure to do the via Larga climbing course with Santi. We learned a lot and had a great time both days. Santi has been like a friend and teacher. Soon we will return to do more courses with you. Gasss
(Original) Ha sido un placer hacer el curso de escalada de via larga con santi. Aprendimos mucho y nos lo pasamos muy bien los dos dias. Santi ha sido como un amigo y profesor. En breves volveremos para hacer mas cursos con vosotros. Gasss

– Victor ML
Excellent!

My family was in Barcelona on vacation and wanted to go climbing. Santi picked us and took us on what we all thought was the BEST day of our vacation. He asked what kind of climbing we wanted and found the perfect spot. He offered to take us to a restaurant for lunch that had amazing food, perfect atmosphere and the best sangria you could find. Without a doubt I would highly recommend Santi for any activities you may want to do. He is very attentive and offers a lot of local advice! Thank you Santi!

– Michelle Hingst
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Great climbing course! Santi knows how to transmit all his experience, he also explains very well and makes the most of each one by transmitting confidence. Great experience!! A great group!
(Original) Gran curso de escalada! Santi sabe transmitir toda su experiencia, además explica muy bien y hace sacar el máximo de cada uno transmitiendo confianza. Gran experiencia!! Un grupo genial!

– Meritxell Lorente Vall
Excellent!

Santi is an amazing teacher. It is very clear that he has a lot of experience and you can ask him anything about climbing amongst other things. Santi is also super friendly and easy to get along with. I would absolutely recommend the lead-climbing course I did here. It felt very professional and complete and I think it is one of the best ones you can get. Another note; Santi made awesome pictures of us :-), thank you so much for everything!

– Céline
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Very good experience with Southclimb. I will repeat!
(Original) Muy buena experiencia con Southclimb. Repetiré!

– FRANCISCA ISABEL ZAPLANA ALCARAZ
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) I have done the initiation course and I liked it a lot, because of the content, relaxed atmosphere and at the same time serious in relation to safety. I will surely sign up for more activities!
(Original) He he hecho el curso de iniciación y me ha gustado mucho, por el contenido, clima descontraído y a la vez serio en relación a la seguridad. Seguramente me apuntaré a más actividades!

– Marcello Pagnotta
Excellent!

I had an incredible experience climbing Naranjo de Bulnes/Picu Urriellu with Santi. From the very first emails, communication was quick, clear, professional, and helpful - he gave us detailed advice on routes, logistics, and even transport and accommodation options.

On the mountain, Santi was outstanding you could see his love for the mountains and watched him come alive! He explained everything very clearly. His knowledge of the area and his patience with us made the whole day very enjoyable.

We can't recommend him enough - if you're thinking of climbing in Picos de Europa or anywhere else, book with Santi. Thank you for helping us make this such a memorable trip!

– Peter Wyllie
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) I highly recommend all the courses offered by Southclimb. Santiago is an extremely competent, professional, and fun instructor. The long distance course is an essential course for those who want to evolve in the world of climbing and Southclimb has provided me with this knowledge in a clear, objective and experience-based way. I will certainly take more courses! Thank you Santiago.
(Original) Recomiendo muchísimo todos los cursos ofrecidos por Southclimb. Santiago es un instructor extremadamente competente, profesional y divertido. El curso de larga distancia es un curso esencial para aquellos que desean evolucionar en el mundo de la escalada y Southclimb me ha proporcionado este conocimiento de una manera clara, objetiva y basada en la experiencia. Ciertamente tomaré más cursos! Gracias, Santiago.

– Júlia de Oliveira
Excellent!

Excellent day, great spots for climbing, safe and clear instructions. The views were incredible over the valley.

– S L
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Great experience from Santi's hand. We did two long routes in Monserrat and Santi was very professional at all times and a wonderful person. 10/10!!
(Original) Buenísima experiencia de la mano de Santi. Hicimos dos rutas largas en Monserrat y Santi fue muy profesional en todo momento y una persona maravillosa. 10/10!!

– Sergio H