The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Thrill of rock climbing

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Thrill of rock climbing

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The General Thimmiah National Academy of Adventures, in association with a private adventure sports association, Mars Adventures, is organising a summer camp until May 14 to train youngsters in rock climbing at the Kanteerava Stadium.

An International Grade Wall has been built to replicate the thrill of climbing a real rock in the wilderness. Managing Trustee of Mars Adventures John Thomas said, "This is a sport in which one competes against oneself and where each step is an accomplishment."

Age is not a barrier. Vidur Shah, a nine-year-old participant, says, "My father was my inspiration to join this camp." Vidur, who attended a similar camp last year, is actually scared of heights but is ready to take up the challenge with the help of trainers.

Encouraging

He adds, "The trainers are encouraging and to overcome my fear, I don't look down when I climb."

Incidentally, Vidur's father himself is a rock-climber and that helped.

"In this sport, which is not glorified like cricket or football, the body is controlled through mental power and means going beyond oneself," points out Mr. Thomas.

Perhaps, the lack of knowledge about the sport is a key reason why rock climbing is yet to be in the forefront.

But, for those who want to be agile and mentally strong, this is, perhaps, the best place to start.

So, what are you waiting for? The camp could be the perfect start to the adventurous one hiding within you. With so much to gain in terms of health and fitness, this could be one big exercise and outing you would not forget in a hurry.

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