Climbing Honor

Recreational Activities

Requirements

  1. Know and practice the safety rules that must be followed when climbing.

    Answer: Always climb accompanied and under supervision; use and check all the equipment (helmet, harness, rope, carabiners); check the knots and anchor points before climbing; always keep a belayer on the rope; never climb beyond your own ability; check the weather and rock conditions; and communicate through agreed-upon signals. — Equipment checked, the rope always held by a belayer, and never climb alone — safety comes before the climb.

  2. Know and demonstrate skill with the following climbing equipment:
    • Carabiner
    • Hammer
    • Pitons
    • Clamps
    • Hooks
    • Nylon rope
  3. What care must be taken with the rope during use and storage?

    Answer: During use: do not step on the rope (it dirties and wears down the fibers), avoid friction on sharp edges, do not expose it to chemicals, and protect it from excessive sun. In storage: keep it clean and dry, coiled without tight knots, in an airy place, away from heat, moisture, sun, and chemicals. Inspect the rope regularly and discard it if there is any damage. — The rope is your life hanging in the balance: protecting it from friction, chemicals, and sun, and keeping it clean and dry, is vital.

  4. Demonstrate skill in making the following knots:
    • Bowline
    • Clove hitch
    • Double fisherman's knot
    • Figure-eight knot
    • Double figure-eight knot
    • Prusik
  5. List the different levels of difficulty of climbing locations. Include observations on how to identify each level.

    Answer: Climbs are classified by grades of difficulty (there are scales such as the Brazilian, French, and American ones), from easy to extremely difficult. The level is identified by the inclination of the wall (from slightly inclined to vertical or overhanging), by the size and quantity of the holds (from many and good to small and scarce), and by the technical and physical demand of the route. — The more vertical the wall and the smaller the holds, the higher the grade — the grading guides the climber in choosing the right route.

  6. Do the following during a climb:
    • Demonstrate the ability to "belay" two climbers, correctly using the rope, carabiner, and clamps
    • Demonstrate correct body positioning
    • Describe the surfaces suitable for "braking"
    • Coil the rope during the ascent
  7. Know and demonstrate the signals used for communication between climbers.
  8. Show the ability to climb at least 10 meters up a vertical rope.
  9. Do a free climb, with a difficulty level between 4 and 5. During it, put the following concepts into practice: rhythm, looking ahead, weight on the feet, and balance.
  10. Do the following:
    • Set up a rappel (using a mechanical method) and pull the rope
    • Practice rappelling on at least 2 courses of 15 meters each
  11. Know locations near your region where it is possible to practice climbing (natural and artificial).

    Answer: This is local research: identify, in your region, NATURAL climbing locations (cliffs, mountain ranges, hills, and rocks suitable for the practice) and ARTIFICIAL locations (gyms and facilities with climbing walls and boulders), noting where they are and how to access them safely and with guidance. — Knowing the locations (natural rocks and artificial walls) near you is the first step to practicing safely.