Difference between Rock Climbing and Mountain Climbing
Heading for the great outdoors is something that many people enjoy, and there are literally dozens of activities to choose from. For those who are looking for something a bit more challenging than hiking or lounging on the beach, rock climbing and mountain climbing offer a great alternative. Although seemingly quite similar, these activities actually have a number of differences, as you will see in this comparison article.
Definition
Rock climbing is an activity that involves climbing up natural rock formations or artificial rock-modeled structures. The goal of the sport is reach the topmost part of the formation or the end of the route without falling. In rock climbing competitions, participants are often also required to complete the route in the shortest possible time or get the furthest along an increasingly more complex path. Rock climbing shares a lot of similarities with scrambling, which also involves scaling hills and similar formations. However, rock climbing is slightly different in that the hands are typically used in order to support the weight of the climber, as well as to assist in balancing.
Mountain climbing (also referred to as mountaineering) is a sport that involves hiking and climbing mountains. In some cases, it may also involve skiing. Although mountain climbing generally requires practitioners to reach the highest point of a mountain, it has since branched out into several specialized tasks, such as rock climbing, snow climbing and skiing, depending on the condition of the particular route.
Details
Rock climbing is a fairly demanding pursuit, both from a physical and from a mental standpoint. It requires of its participants a considerable degree of strength, endurance, agility and balance, as well as strong mental control. It is also often a risky sport, and it requires considerable knowledge of climbing techniques and familiarity with climbing equipment.
Mountain climbing is just as demanding a sport, and it requires a significant level of experience, athletic ability, and knowledge in order to ensure safety.
Issues
In spite of increased emphasis on more environmentally sound rock climbing methods and activities, the sport itself undoubtedly inflicts a certain degree of damage to the environment. Many climbers follow a "minimal impact" and "leave no trace" policy, although there are still many who disregard such practices. Among the most typical effects that rock climbing causes on the environment are erosion of the soil, accumulation of chalk on rock walls, littering, the abandonment of bolts and ropes, leaving behind of excrement, and the introduction of plants that are not native to the region.
Mountain climbing for its part can be quite a hazardous activity, and it may result in anything and everything from rock falls and avalanches. Climbers are also frequently at risk from bad weather, equipment failure and falls.
Summary
Rock climbing
- Involves climbing up natural rock formations or artificial rock-modeled structures
- Participants are often also required to complete the route in the shortest possible time
Mountain climbing
- Involves hiking and climbing mountains
- Has since branched out into several specialized tasks
