Climbing Readiness
Many climbers neglect to recognize the fact that climbing is not a sport that can be taken lightly. The sport, even for the most experienced, requires careful preparation.
The concept of climbing readiness is the term applied to the mental, physical and equipment preparation needed for this most exhilarating activity. Whether indoors, outdoors, boulders or glaciers climbing readiness is a something to be taken seriously.
Climbing Readiness comes in three forms. Firstly is the personal readiness requirement. Questions that must be asked at this level of preparation include ones regarding your personal skill and the skills of those you plan to climb with. Do you have the right level of physical fitness for the challenge ahead.
Mental readiness is the second level of preparation, but it can be summed up in one simple phrase. How is my level of confidence regarding this climb? Overand under confidence levels can be the quickest route to dangerous situations.
Finally, there is the requirement to assess equipment readiness. This is perhaps the area that most climbers focus on to the detriment of the other two. Equipment readiness includes understanding the stress/load limits of the equipment you will have at your disposal, along with all the required visual inspection checks and regular replacement schedule, based on actual usuage.