Scrambling
Climbing rock surfaces that are not hard or steep enough for Rock Climbing is called Scrambling. Scrambling basically uses hands and feet, of course, when going up ridges, rock faces, or buttresses. In difficult scrambles, use of the different pieces of climbing equipment such as ropes is necessary.
The main advantage of Scrambling is the freedom it offers from the use of the different pieces of climbing equipment. However, for safety purposes, carrying along a rope during scrambling is necessary. This proves handy during difficult scrambles, when assisting other climbers, or when climbing down.
Scrambling areas are generally categorized into easy, moderate, and difficult. Difficult ones may need route-finding skills and regular handholds, while the easy Scrambling locations may just need minimal exposure with a couple of handholds. Route-finding skills may be useful for the moderate areas.
Aside from these three categories, there are also routes called Grade3S. S means serious, and these have been previously categorized as Rock Climbing routes. These are difficult ones, so thorough preparation is essential. Knowledge of the terrain is also needed before going Scrambling in any route.
When finding Scrambling routes, you can take the hint from smoothed-out handholds. Most of the time, these have been used, and have experienced a lot of human traffic. Always go for compact handholds to prevent slipping off the route. Moreover, make sure that you put most of your weight on your feet.
With regard to clothing, always go for comfort. Do not opt for baggy clothes as these may snag on rocks. Wear thermal and windproof pieces of apparel, put together with boots that have solid soles. When scrambling in colder climates, use mitts or fingerless gloves to keep your hands warm.
Scramblers, regardless of their skill level, are advised to retreat when they have to go through mountain difficulties that need the use of the different pieces of climbing equipment. Scramblers have to know their limits, and should not take many risks as this a potentially dangerous activity.
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