Rock climbing is a sport where people climb up natural rock formations and the goal is to reach the summit or an end point of a rock. There is Rock climbing competitions where the objective is to be the quickest to the top of a route or the furthest along on more difficult routes. It is similar to scrambling but is slightly different due to the fact that rock climbing uses the hands to support the weight and balance of the climber.

Rock climbing is physically and mentally demanding on a person’s body it also tests their strength, endurance and mental control whilst they are climbing. It can be a dangerous sport, the right knowledge and equipment are a must.

Due to the wide range and variety around the world rock climbing has been separated into a large number of different styles. Although it is not an Olympic sport it has been recognised by the International Olympic Committee as a sport in its own right.

Rock climbing began in the late nineteenth century mainly around various parts of Europe. Rock climbing went from being a necessity in the Alps to a distinct sport worldwide. Aid climbing was popular in the 1920’s to 1960’s (it was climbing with the aid of artificial hand and footholds), leading to ascents in the Alps that was considered virtually impossible without the means of the aids but as the climbing techniques and equipment etc have all evolved to the present day, free climbing is now the most popular form of sport.