Perhaps you have seen that famous quote; “go climb a rock.” In some aspects, it is used in a derogatory way as in; “go fly a kite.” But, if you’re a climber, you probably have a t-shirt that says this and you wear it with pride. Other people may not understand the meaning, because they have never climbed a rock or realized how rushed one is on the way and after reaching the top. Specifically, at this time I would like to discuss this and introduce you to some potential materials and technologies to assist you in your rock climbing.
In fact, I’m not sure if you’ve seen some of the new technology that grad students at the University are introducing that allow people to wear gecko-like gloves and shoes to help climb, but that technology is out there. moving forward, along with the high-level ones. technological materials so that all climbing equipment is super light. You will be able to take more rope and hardware with you. This means you can scale with more confidence, since you can carry more gear without expending more energy to maintain your performance and agility.
Right now, gecko gloves and shoes aren’t there yet, but the technology is advancing and taking it to the next level. Soon all of this will be miniaturized and will add safety as well as help a climber endure. How could this work you ask? Well when you reach for your gecko glove you will lay the glove flat on the rock and squeeze the inside of the glove which will become your handle. When you are ready to move forward again, you will remove the glove from the handle, allowing it to disengage on its own, for the next move.
The soles of your climbing shoes will be similar, and much wider than what you are used to. Meanwhile, your shoes will be pointy so you can wedge them into the crevices, and this will allow you to peel off those sticky-soled, pointy-end shoes you’ve stuck into the rocks.
The new strings will probably be made of carbon fiber, but ultra-flexible, and don’t worry, it will be stronger than steel, and extremely light and easy to use. Flexibility will offer rubber band-like characteristics similar to a pole vault, allowing for new maneuvers. The future of rock climbing and all of these great technologies will be here within the next 10 to 20 years. So even if you’re getting older and worried about your future body strength, these new materials and technologies can make up the difference.
You may be able to climb vertical rocks well into your 80s and 90s. Wouldn’t that be great? Think of all the experience you will have by then. Please consider all this and think about it.
