Sports Feature: School of Rock
Rock climber Cliff Torrijos takes on Fushan; photo by Phoenix Torrijos
Humans. What are we if not glorified monkeys? Climbing runs in our blood, from the tips of our prehensile fingers to the stubby nubs of our tailbones. Of course, we’ve made a game of it. Rock climbing is more accessible that you might think – most climbers tend to be friendlier than Golden Retrievers, and good balance supersedes biceps. So even if you’re not built like a rock, all you need to get down with one is a desire to get up.
Beijing has an abundance of artificial walls inside the city limits, and several natural sites nearby that “have a lot of potential, but are underdeveloped,” according to William Bi, who has been climbing around Beijing for years. If you’re looking for a sport that challenges you mentally as well as physically, and takes you to beautiful nature spots outside the city, climbing has it locked down tighter than a double figure-eight knot.
Tips for your first climb (courtesy of Touchstone Climbing)
Push with your feet; don’t pull with your arms
Instead of making your arms do all the work, push yourself up with your feet – they’re much stronger than your arms.
Keep your hips close to the wall
The closer your center of gravity is to the wall, the easier it is to hang on.
Keep your arms straight
If your arms are bent, your muscles will tire out easily. If you’re getting tired, straighten your arms and lean back to give them a rest
Use opposites
If you are on your left foot, reach up with your right hand to keep balance.
Trust your belayer
To keep the probability of death to a minimum, make sure your belayer is a certified instructor or has taken a basic safety course.
Channel the spider monkey
Not so long ago, you too swung from on high. Relax and scamper.
Places to climb today:
Touchstone Climbing Outdoor Wall
Daily 10am-9.30pm. Northeast corner of Ritan Park, Chaoyang District
(138 0105 2361)
RMB 40 (1 day), RMB 260 (10-climb card)
Ole Indoor Wall
Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-8pm. Dongshimencun Lu (just outside East Fourth Ring Road, just off Baiziwan Lu), Chaoyang District (5128 2825)
RMB 50 (1 day), RMB 380 (10-climb card)
Places to climb this weekend:
If you’re looking to hop onto an organized climbing trip, talk to the people at either Ole or Ritan; both organize weekend excursions to local spots such as Miyun and Shidu.
The climbs at Miyun’s Baihe range from beginner to advanced, including traditional and multi-pitch. Beautiful scenery and the clean granite rock makes this the best natural climbing in the Beijing area. De Lai Zhi Jia Climbers Hostel (6901 6247) can help with directions.
Shidu’s beautiful limestone crags are reminiscent of Yangshuo, but the dirty rocks and crowds leave something to be desired. Qingdao is also a weekendable option, with Fushan (see photo, above) located inside the city limits.
Places to climb on your next vacation:
Yangshuo, Guangxi province
Considered by many to be the number-one climbing site in the world right now, with dramatic limestone karsts rising out of paddy fields and mild temperatures year-round.
Tonsai Beach, Krabi, Thailand
Amazing climbing located on a pristine tropical beach only accessible by boat.