Rock Climbing is an exciting sport that requires strength, endurance, and skill. And lets not forget just a little bit of guts also.

It is a fun sport shared by all ages and is especially an exhilarating experience when you are on top of that mountain that you just conquered. Each mountain climber takes something special away when they have accomplished what most have not even dreamed of.

There are around 10 styles of rock climbing each having its own demand and skill. One style called, Solo climbing, is when the mountain climber uses just his wits, strength, endurance, and skill with no rock climbing gear at all.

Another style is little more conservative and is called sports climbing. Sports climbing is when the rock climber has a rope that is connected to his climbing harness. The rope is then connected to the rock face by a bolt and quickdraw. A person below on the ground, who is called a belayer, then controls the amount of rope given to the climber. And if the climber should lose his footing or start to fall, the belayer will stop the fall by locking the rope onto his belay harness. So, the risk is still there, however limited by the safety harness and belayer below.

Each mountain climber will choose a style(s) that will match his or her skill set, risk factor, and what he or thinks is enjoyable.

The best way to learn rock climbing is to start off slow. Most experience mountain climbers will suggest you start off with indoor rock climbing. Indoor rock climbing is when you climb man made structures that are just like rock faces you see out in nature. It is in a controlled environment with safety harnesses and rock climbing gear.

Once you are familiar with rock climbing skills and rock climbing gear, you can move onto one of the other many types of rock climbing. It is best to start off slow and then progress to more advanced climbing ventures. Try hooking up with a friend or someone you trust who is more experienced in rock climbing to guide and instruct you. If you have the money, invest in personal or small group professional classes.