Your ticket to be a rock climber

The Kanheri Caves, which are located within the park, are a much-frequented spot for tourists and local climbers. In fact, most rock climbers in Mumbai have started out in what is called the 'Bus Stop Nursery', which is one of the most convenient places to head for with rocks suitable for climbers starting out. According to M Asif of Nature Knights, a leading adventure sports company, rock climbing happens behind Kanheri Caves and the height of the climb here is almost 200 feet. Asif says that this space is particularly conducive for rappelling, but in order to climb here one needs special permission.

Apart from the Kanheri Caves spot there is another spot within the National Park, which is also used regularly. "This place is near the entrance and called the Gandhi Memorial and there are almost 5 or 6 different spots between 10-40 feet where one can practice different styles," adds Asif. Some of the styles that can be practiced here include the chimney and crack climbing,

Mumbra hills
Located in Thane District and a few minutes by local train from Thane railway station, this location is often referred to as a climbing nursery and most serious climbers and adventure enthusiasts head here over weekends. There are around boulders of various shapes and one can carry out activities like laddering, commando bridge, monkey climbing. Another great aspect about a climb in the Mumbra hills is that there are permanent anchors on some of the boulders and this reduces the chance of accidents.

Manori
The Manori rocks, which are located between Manori and Gorai beach, are a big hit among climbers. The height of the rocks here varies between 4-10 m and the main stack of rocks is called Camel. According to Jayesh Morvankar of Odati Adventures Manori is a great place to climb because of the solitude and the fact that it's next to the sea. "There are plenty of routes to explore and enough challenges as well,"
he says.

Karla mountains
These are located about 16 kms from Khandala. The location has a large cluster of caves dating back to 160 BC. The Karla mountains offer sheer rock faces and the main spot here is called Duke's Peak.

Khopoli
Near the Zenith Falls there are spots, which are very favourable for climbing. M. Asif shares that in this spot one can do rock climbing as well as rappelling and even do styles like the overhang climb (see photo). However, to climb here one needs special permissions.

Igatpuri
This is one of the most challenging regions in the Sahyadris. It has some fascinating hill forts, some peaks and many demanding spots for rock climbers.
Other favourites spots among rock climbers: Naneghat, Malshej Ghat

Climbing the Ropes
Rock climbing is not an easy sport and it is a pursuit where one climbs both natural and artificial formations and the main goal is to climb the rockmountain from top to bottom. As one picks up skills along with experience, climbers start experimenting with more challenging climbs.

This is a dangerous sport and using the correct equipment is of primary importance. Jayesh Morvankar of Odati Adventures provides a ready reckoner of some fundamental equipment that all climbers should possess:

Ropes: A climbing rope and a few short slings to tie anchors
Carabiners: These are solid aluminium rings with a spring-loaded latch and hold the ropes firmly.u00a0
Harness: To wear on self and use to protect oneself from fall. In its simplest form, a harness can be made from a length of rope or nylon webbing tied round the waist.
Belay Device: To arrest and lock the fall of a climber during belaying. A belay device act as a friction brake, so that when a climber falls with any slack in the rope, the fall is brought to a stop.
Helmet: To save your head from injuries due to a fall or a falling stone/rock
Climbing shoes: To take your skills to a different level
Chalk Powder: Optional if your palms are really very sweaty.
Equipment can be found at:
Avi Industries
13, Shriji Sadan, 352 Chandavarkar Road, Matunga (E);
Log on to:u00a0www.aviindustries.com
Allied Safety Equipments Pvt. Ltd.
109, Ajit Industrial estate, Mira village, off Dahisar Check Naka, Western Eastern. Highway, Thane District;
Call 2228456117/5227

Rocky Road
Rock climbing can be done alone or you can do it in a group. Asif advises that it is always best to climb in at least a group of three. It is not an easy sport and any veteran climber will advise that it is important to at least join an introductory rock-climbing course.

According to Morvankar, almost anyone who wants to try his or her skills and are ready for some physical exercise can take to rock climbing. "A lot of people try their hands at rock climbing but do not continue as they feel it is physically too demanding and needs a lot of practice and patience. Once a beginner sticks to this sport for a few sessions and begins understanding the nuances, he quickly elevates his skill and enjoys it much more this sport needs endurance and perseverance. It is a self-introspecting sport."

When one takes on the sport there are certain skills and terms that most climbers pick up and these are:
Freed and Aided Climbing: There are two kinds of climbs free and aided. In the free climbing ropes are kept for safety and not to help the climber and in aided the ropes, do the job of security as well as help one move up. Most enthusiasts prefer climbing free.
Bouldering: This is the most basic form of climbing where one uses only one's hands and feet and a bouldering pad for security. Bouldering is done on spots that are no more than 10-15 feet tall.
Top Roping: Here, an anchor is set up at the top of the route before the climb begins and a rope is run through the anchor. This type of climbing is the safest; most beginners start this way.
Free soloing: This is when a person climbs without protection. It's extremely dangerous and though similar to bouldering, it is more risky because the climbs are higher.
Solo aid: This is similar to free soloing but one uses a harness for security and this is used in the dangerous spots.
Indoor climbing: This kind of climbing has become quite popular today and is done inside. This is a great way to improve skills and prepare for the real thing outdoors.

Rock climbing with the experts
*u00a0www.odati.com
* ww.natureknights.net
* Arun Samant Climbing Wall, Andadeep

High School,Jayprakash Nagar, Road No. 4, Goregaon (E) Call 09930668841/ 09224812150

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