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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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Client Reviews
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) It's been a fantastic Sunday!!! I never imagined I could climb. I am quite afraid of heights but this experience has made me overcome many of those fears and thanks, especially to Santi, the monitor. I recommend it!!! Without a doubt!!!💪🏽😍😍
(Original) Ha sido un domingo fantástico!!! Nunca imaginé que pudiera escalar. Tengo bastante miedo a las alturas pero esta experiencia me ha hecho superar muchos de esos miedos y gracias , sobre todo a Santi, el monitor. Lo recomiendo!!! Sin duda!!!💪🏽😍😍

– Fran Martinez
Excellent!

I had an amazing time here. It was only my second time climbing outdoors and I didn’t really know what to expect. Santi, the guide, paced the difficulty of the routes really well so I was able to progress each day. This trip exceeded all my expectations.

– David Arkell
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Perfect to start climbing. Totally recommended.
(Original) Perfecto para iniciarse en la escalada. Totalmente recomendable.

– o
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) We spent a great day learning to climb in very good company and in spectacular surroundings. Santi is a magnificent professional and knows how to convey the beauty of this sport to you. Looking forward to repeat!
(Original) Pasamos un gran día aprendiendo a escalar en muy buena compañia y en un entorno espectacular. Santi es un magnífico profesional y sabe transmitirte la belleza de este deporte. Con muchas ganas de repetir!

– Toni Masanes
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) A few hours of very pleasant climbing in Arbolí with the children. Great success, with a great time. Santi, the mountain guide, takes care of everything: the material, the routes, the level of difficulty adapted to each one, the photos, the security, and also his attention to everyone and everything for the preparation, before meeting to climb . Southclimb offers the knowledge and experience that allow you to learn, overcome limits, gain confidence, enjoy and share unforgettable family moments. A thousand thanks to you Santi Valerga
(Original) Unas horas de escalada muy agradables en Arbolí con los niños. Gran éxito, con un tiempo estupendo. Santi, el guia de montaña, se encarga de todo : el material, las rutas, el nivel de dificultad adaptado a cada uno, las fotos, la seguridad, y también su atenciòn a todos y todo para la preparaciòn, antes de reunirse para escalar. Southclimb ofrece el saber y la experiencia que permiten aprender, superar limites, tomar confianza, disfrutar y compartir inolvidables momentos de familia. Mil gracias a ti Santi Valerga

– Eric AGOPIAN
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) We did a climbing baptism yesterday with Santi and we loved it, he was super attentive, kind and always attentive to you, he made us feel safe and enjoy ourselves a lot. I recommend it 100%.
(Original) Hicimos un bautizo de escalada ayer con Santi y nos encantó, el super atento, amable y en todo momento está pendiente de ti, hizo que nos sintiéramos seguros y disfrutáramos mucho. Lo recomiendo 100%.

– Anna Barberán Bultó
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) We did the Sport Climbing course with Mariano, between Montserrat and Gelida. The course was very interesting, Mariano's treatment was great. Not only did he teach us the necessary maneuvers, but he gave us an extra dose of motivation to keep climbing and learning.
(Original) Vam fer el curs d'Escalada Esportiva amb en Mariano, entre Montserrat i Gelida. El curs va ser molt interessant, el tracte d'en Mariano ha estat genial. No només ens va ensenyar les maniobres necessàries, sinó que ens va donar una dosi extra de motivació per seguir escalant i aprenent.

– Marti Segura Julian
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Excellent rock initiation course. Highly recommended!
(Original) Excelente curso de iniciación en roca. Altamente recomendable!

– Gabriel Cárdenas
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) A beautiful day, the Montserrat area spectacular for climbing, Santi super nice and professional! Thank you for this beautiful day. I hope to be able to repeat soon.
(Original) Un día precioso, la área de Montserrat espectacular para escalar, Santi súper agradable y profesional! Gracias por este día tan bonito. Espero poder repetir pronto.

– Christine Claus