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Show /port/ B8 MONDAY • AUGUST 28 -2006 Climb on Mathew Williams Sports Writer If you've been up the local Rock Canyon in Provo recently, there is a good chance you've seen people rock climbing. Climbing is becoming increasingly popular because of the World Class Climbing we have here in Utah and, even closer to home, in Utah County. There are all types of climbing locally, including American Fork Canyon and Rock Canyon. The routes span all levels of climbing and range from the basic beginner to some of the most advanced climbing in American Fork's "Hell's Cave." Most Rock Climbing routes in the United States use the Yosemite Decimal System that rates climbs from easy, 5.5, to expert. 5.15. A route rated 5.5 basically means that most people with the right equipment could make the climb. Climbing becomes increasingly difficult as the grades go up, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, and so on until you reach 5.15. the hardest grade which only a few in the world have completed. Climbing takes training and experience to be able to participate safely and smartly. A complete knowledge of the gear you're using is vital in having a good and safe time. The easiest way to learn how to climb is to take classes. UVSC offers two classes on rock climbing taht are held at the local climbing gym, The Quarry. The classes are REC 127 (Rock Climbing I) and REC 1528 (Rock Climbing II). The Quarry also has "Explore Climbing" classes if your not sure climbing is for you or if you don't want to take the UVSC classes. There are two main types of climbing, Sport and Trad climbing. In Sport Climbing, there are bolts all ready placed on the rock. Trad climbing requires the climber placing his own gear as he climbs. • Trad climbing is more expensive because of the vasst amount of gear you need. Another more "natural" type of climbing is called Bouldering. Bouldcring is done close to the ground and generally involves much more technically challenging problems. In Bouldering, routes are called problems. Many climbers Boulder to keep in shape for climbing and the relaxed yet challenging experience it yields. It can also be a very good way to get started climbing because the only gear required is shoes and chalk. There are many climbing specific stores close by, including Mountain Works, which is located inside The Quarry climbing gym. It has everything you will need for climbing: shoes, harness, rope, quickdraws, carabiners and a friendly and informative staff that will help you choose the right gear for you. Other stores in the area include Hansen Mountaineering, Out 'N' Back, Matt Williams/NetXNews Recreation Outlet and outdoor superstore REI. A climber up American Fork Canyon works on a difficult problem at the House Boulder •, -.,-•' - -••• ..;•' • * -•' - v r . . . •:-.-'i ,v:-:at want wide open service that's... Call today and get served, fastestnetcheapestphoneclearesttv 877.678.2763 msta r mstar.net Utah's largest fiber-optic service provider and safest internet filter. UTOPIA • iProvo • DSL • dial-up |