The world history of climbing is not as ancient as some other sports. People climbed steep rocks and mountains because there was no other way out of it, but today, they indulge in it to taste adventure. Rock climbing up and down icy glaciers was part of rescue operations in the Alps.
Climbing first emerged as a sport during the latter part of 19th century from three separate areas of Europe. The first place was in the South-eastern part of Germany, close to the Czech border, in a mountain called the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. There were several climbing clubs getting formed and over 500 active climbers enjoying climbing by the year 1903.
In England at this time rock climbing was looked at as a sporting activity. Many climbers during this early phase became the focus of attention as they climbed some steep cliffs by themselves. Depending of the varying types of cliff formations, it is here that marking the various difficulty ratings first started. Climbers would meet up and share and discuss their climbing experiences, while the climbing clubs were slowly getting formed.
It took a 17 year old student from Munich Germany to do a solo climb in the Dolomite Mountains located in northern Italy to turn the area into the third hot spot for European rock climbing. In the United States, rock climbing and mountain climbing were viewed as similar activities, and it was not until the 1950′s that it began to emerge as a separate sport. Even to date, many techniques used were initially developed for mountain climbing.
In recent times, rock climbing has evolved drastically with new and improved styles and equipment being introduced every day. Many rock climbers are starting to consider the hobby as almost more of a lifestyle than a sport. Another noticeable trend is the setting up of indoor climbing in urban zones. Here many actual rock formations are duplicated in design with artificial rock faces. The safety equipment used in the indoor arenas have made it possible to practice and experience much of the thrill and demanding nature of rock climbing without the risk.
Rock climbing requires a lot of effort, strength and determination and can never be a risk-free experience despite the plethora of safety equipment and new techniques in place. In recent times, mankind had enough to go through to survive without inventing challenges. Climbing rocks was done by force and not otherwise. The growing popularity of rock climbing speaks volumes about the modern society. One of the primary drivers of human spirit is to seek fresh challenges and it is perhaps due to his fact that this sport exists today.