Sport climbing in Joshua Tree National Park!It almost sounds paradox since the JTree is rather well known for full on #tradclimbing style routes! However, sport climbing exists and this one is a sweet line fully protected by bolts.Climbers distinguish between these two styles: #sportclimbing vs. trad climbing.Sport #climbing means: the sole use of bolts for protection.Trad climbing means: using natural features such as, cracks, rock tie-offs, trees and boulders for protection.Advantages of #sport climbing: – more focus on technical climbing moves rather than focussing on placing #gear. That is why climbers often push their difficulty #limit on "sport climbs". – no "bad gear" (as long as bolts are placed correctly and in good condition). Sport climbs are usually well equipped with a safe distance from bolt to next bolt = no #runout – less mental stress due to no "bad gear". In sport climbing you are usually not worried that a #bolt will come out – great for beginner #leadclimbing because clipping bolts is easier to applyAdvantages of Trad-climbing: – all gear is removable and barely leaves any visible traces on the rock. Very popular trad routes still have "rock scars/friction grooves" due to extensive placing and removing of gear. It is much less visible compared to bolts placed on rock – increased #freedom in climbing! If you know how to use #tradgear your perspective on #rockclimbing will #change. A lot of the trad routes in the #USA are long and high #quality routes with continuous climbing for many hours or even days. – more freedom/creativity in placing your gear! Often you have multiple opportunities to place gear on a trad route and its up to you to pick where and how you protect yourself. This also gives you a great feeling of having more control over your actions and safety while climbing.Rock climbing is a diverse sport with many styles disciplines. Find yours and keep exploring!
