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Getting Started In Mountaineering
By John Morris | Published 08/31/2006 | Recreation and Leisure | Unrated
Getting Started In Mountaineering

It is definitely the closest thing to flying. Being literally on top of the world, that is. Also, mountaineering is the sport for those who wish to do so. Many a person has risked his life just to be able to reach peaks like those in the Himalayas. Scary but thrilling. Most of them say that the view from the top is worth all the effort.

But before you get carried away with the dream of reaching new heights, here are a few simple things you need to remember as you start out in the wonderful adventure of mountaineering. No seasoned mountaineer goes by without them.

1. Great things start from small beginnings

Dont dare take on the Himalayas if you havent tried some anthills. Of course, that might steal your fun for awhile. Small elevations means small fun. On the contrary, gradual but steady improvement in climbing skill makes for a more stable stance as a mountaineer. You would not want to miss that over things as small as your pride.

2. Keep the Fun Factor Flaming and Alive

You can never expect to stay unscathed and untouched in such an activity, but one thing that will make you quit faster than I say mountain is the lack of passion and enjoyment for what you are doing.

3. Carry a positive attitude all throughout the climb

A severe motivation must keep you going, and if you cant laugh at your shortcomings from below, you can not expect yourself to be jolly and bright when your feet are lifted off solid ground.

4. Appreciate yourself

Mountaineering is an extremely personal activity in the sense that each person who chooses to do it can vary because of the difference in mix of strength, endurance and conditioning of the body. Try you best to be objective in every climb. Your goal is to reach the top and challenge yourself, not kick down the other guy whos unconciously making it up there earlier than you do. You might even endanger yourself more if you keep on looking at how other people are faring compared to you.

5. Expect the load and trust your instincts

When something doesnt feel right, dont blindly go for it. Also, it will really eradicate any unnecessary difficulties if you have already made a mental gauge of the load you will be carrying even before you start the climb. Remember, the terrain can get very steep, and so will your carrying abilities.

6. Love your liquids

Water will be your best ally. It wouldnt look too good to be dehydrated in the middle of a steep climb. Only God can make water really come out of the rock, and it might not even be safe for you to drink if you were able to do so. Make sure you have enough water supply to keep you going. You would not want to take a climb and realize that you have not packed enough water and you are already dying of thirst.

7. Ask around

Now is the time to be more open-minded. You can never know everything just by reading about it or trying it once. More experienced mountaineers will be able to provide you with information your research materials might have failed to tell you. Also, dont be afraid to ask, because your life may literally depend on it.

8. Prepare physically

Gain or lose weight if you have to. Make sure you know the state of your body before, during and after the climb. Watch out for symptoms such as pain and fever. Also, get some resistance training for a few months before you decide to eMBArk in the whole mountaineering experience. This is also the perfect time to know your strengths and weaknesses. You wouldnt want to experiment on that in the middle of a potentially dangerous climb.

9. Climb with music

Some auditory entertainment may help alleviate your worries away. You cannot possibly be thinking of worst-case scenarios when your favorite song is plugged in your ears. Just make sure you dont get too carried away and find yourself letting go and dancing to the beat.

10. Rope up with buddies

Mountaineering for the first time is really something that will require you some experienced company of sorts. You may wish to climb solo, but save that when you are already used to it. In the meantime, being with a group who have already gotten a feel for the climbing process can help you get used to it easilyand keep you safe and sound and in one piece.

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John Morris
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