Why Rock-Climbing is the Ultimate Adventure Sport in India right now
Because what is sport without a little adventure, eh?
Picture this.
You look around you and you can see as far out as miles — nothing dotting your vision all the way to the horizon. Over rivers, lakes, tree-tops, even entire forests. Below you hard, rough, rock glitters as the sunrays beat against it, for a few hundred, if not thousand feet. A solitary eagle flies by. And there you are — hanging by a rope (or not), holding on to the cliff like your life depended on it — because it really does. No, this isn’t a scene out of 127 hours or Cliffhanger. This is rock climbing — and it’s a sport like no other.
When it comes to adventure sport, or any sport for that matter (because hey — what’s sport without adventure) Rock-climbing (aided, free or solo) is as badass as it can get. If you’re the kind that likes to push themselves — then here is the edge. Hang on.
You can hardly ever find a sport that tests strength, endurance, speed, agility, balance, control and mental disposition all at one go and if you’re free-climbing, then at very high stakes too. Whether climbing aided (with the help of equipment) or freely (no equipment, just belay rope and helper) or solo (no equipment or helper, just you) it gives you a high that no other sport can.
The most important part of rock climbing is the rock itself. Different types of rocks bring out different challenges. For instance, climbing a slab (an angled surface) brings into account more balance and friction than strength; climbing a crack in a rock is a matter of mastering technique and strength; whereas climbing overhangs can really test a climber’s mental state, endurance and balance.
A rock can also be of different sizes — taller rocks such as those on cliff sides call for greater endurance and stamina. Climbing small rocks or boulders is an off-shoot of rock climbing called ‘bouldering’ which calls for an altogether different kind of skill set and technique.
Such inherent features make rocks and also boulders easy or difficult to climb, and that’s also how rock surfaces are graded for the sport, though grading isn’t yet standardised across countries. Most grading happens on an experiential basis, with climbers’ personal opinion weighing in significantly. Some of the world’s most difficult climbs are -
El Capitan in Yosemite Park
La Dura Dura, Spain
Flatanger Cave, Norway
This last one, in particular has been rated the most difficult climb yet in the history of rock climbing at grade 5.15c.
So, does this mean you have to spend a bomb on a flight ticket to try out any of these? Not really. While rock climbing is still to catch fire in India, there are plenty of locations, groups and enthusiasts out here too!
Himachal Pradesh has the most number of rock climbing locations in the country. Sar Pass in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh is a very popular trekking destination, and also offers immense rock climbing opportunities. The spectacular views of snow-capped Parvarti mountain ranges only adds to the enchantment!
But if snow isn’t your thing, try out Madhugiri or Hampi in Karnataka. The almost 4000 feet monolith at Madhugiri presents great challenges for climbers, whereas the innumerable boulders at Hampi attract climbers from all over the world
Maharashtra isn’t far behind either. With over three hundred forts dotting the Western Ghats in the state, it has some great locations for rock climbing. Trekking to any fort guarantees the chance to grapple your way up a rock surface, but particularly the cities of Mumbai, Pune and Nashik have some very popular climbing sites.
Singhgad, Plus Valley, Telbaila and Tamhini Ghat in Pune, Borivali National Park in Mumbai, and forts Alang-Madan near Nashik are great to explore your rock climbing potential. Tuhin Satarkar, one of India’s most prolific professional climbers and son of veteran rock climber Vikas Satarkar recently became the first Indian to climb India’s toughest route Ganesh (graded 8b+) in Badami, Karnataka.
But rock climbing is still a long way away from being considered a ‘sport’ in India. Tuhin Satarkar had to quit conventional school altogether because, “the biggest problem in India is not getting leave from school for sports. You can get leave if you play cricket, but not for rock climbing.” A professional climber now, he has scaled some of the toughest routes in India, while also bolting numerous new ones. Along with fellow climbers, Tuhin is also one of the founders and managers of www.indiaclimb.com, a website dedicated to the sport in India.
Still, with climbers like Tuhin on the scene, things are fast changing, and you can now find far more climbing groups and enthusiasts than about 10 years ago. If you want to get started –
- One of the best ways is to find a climbing group in your city. Most professional trekking groups have professional climbers on their team who are more than enthused to take out groups on rock climbing expeditions.
- Check out local YHAI, YMCA and YWCA charters or clubs. These typically hold climbing and trekking events regularly and have experienced personnel.
- Find local climbing walls or Indoor Climbing Gyms. A climbing wall is a wall specially erected with artificial foot holds and hand holds to simulate the experience of climbing a rock face. However, never climb the wall on your own or without any harness or equipment, particularly if you’re a beginner.
Finally, understand that rock climbing is a sport, and requires serious effort and concentration. It’s not about the adrenaline rush. Climbers put in a lot of time, thought and tactic into climbing, and the risk of injury is perhaps the more than in any other sport. Alex Honnold, currently the world’s most expert free soloist says, “If I’m feeling a rush while climbing, it means something’s gone horribly wrong somewhere.” So keep your head on your shoulder at all times, and climb on
