A Beginner’s Guide To Rock Climbing In Mexico: How To Get Started

Rock climbing can be a fun and exhilarating hobby you can take part in at any age. Lots of people get their start in a climbing gym, however, many will quickly realize they don’t know how to transfer to the outdoors. With there being several types of rock climbing (Sport, Trad, and Aid Climbing), specific gear (shoes, harnesses and helmets) and equipment (cams, nuts, quickdraws) learning everything can be quite overwhelming. By following this quick guide you can advance your knowledge to help start your adventure.

Types Of Rock Climbing

There are two major types of rock climbing: sport climbing and traditional climbing. All climbing revolves around wearing specific shoes, a harness, and a helmet for safety. If you are visiting a climbing gym, then you can try on many different shoes and harnesses to see which you prefer.

Rock Climbing Slang

Terminologies are important for any genre of activity you are looking to take part in, and as such, rock climbing has its own fair share of jargon. These are necessary for communicating quickly and effectively with another rock climbers that you are tying in and climbing with or people at the cliffs.

●     Anchor: For top-roping this is the attachment point for the rope at the top of the cliff. It can also act as your connection to the cliff when lead climbing between pitches.

●     Approach: The hike to the base of the climb.

●     Beta: Detailed info about the climb or part of a climbing sequence provided by a guidebook or an experienced climber.

●     Clean: When a climber takes the protection out of the route as they climb it, they “clean it,” leaving no protection behind.

●     Crag: A small rock-climbing area, usually with several climbing routes.

●     Crux: The toughest portion of a climb.

●     Pitch: The length of a climb that can be done in one rope length. A multi-pitch route requires multiple length pitches to ascend the cliff.

●     Pro: Short for “protection,” this is any piece of equipment used to secure the rope to the rock to prevent the climber from falling.

●     Scrambling: The middle ground between hiking and rock climbing, scrambling doesn’t require a rope but does require both hands and feet.

●     Take: What a climber yells when they want their belayer to give the rope tension as a brake. When a climber falls or has completed the pitch.

Belay Certification

Belay certification refers to passing the basic test or training associated with rock climbing gyms in the U.S.A belay certification typically involves several tests when climbing inside a gym they start with—putting a harness on, tying a figure 8 retrace knot with a backup, performing a pre-climbing safety check and commands, belaying partners of differing weight, and showing proper lowering technique. Outdoor climbers are taught by their partners or guides and learn how belaying differs indoors versus outdoors.

Get Started With Your Rock-Climbing Adventure Today!

SouthernXposure Climbing School and Guide Service employs professional guides to facilitate your first rock climbing adventure or to lead big wall routes with more experienced climbers . As one of the most trusted guide services in Mexico, our guides are locally knowledgeable and worldly experienced. Book your rock-climbing journey with SouthernXposure today!

Sustainable Rock-Climbing Tourism in Mexico: Supporting Local Communities

Picture the impeccable limestone walls of Mexico and South America. These mountains are known for being a hot spot for rock climbers. It offers many things to experience climbers' tall granite monoliths, word-class splitter cracks, and cobbled overhangs. However, if you are an experienced climber or just starting your adventure, it's crucial to understand sustainable rock climbing and supporting local communities.

Here are a few tips that you can use to climb eco-friendly and protect the environment around you.

Let’s Not Leave A Mess Behind 

Many rock climbers unintentionally leave behind trash during their climb. This can have an obvious effect on nature and the ecosystem, making it necessary to leave nothing behind. It is as simple as sticking to the established route, leaving nothing behind, and respecting nature around you.  

Use Rental or Eco-Friendly Gear 

When it comes to gear, the best option is to make a conscious decision to choose an environmentally friendly option. Equipment such as rental, recycled, or repurposed can be excellent in reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to a sustainable environment. Furthermore, you can also choose environmentally conscious brands, so you don’t have to compromise on the quality of your climb. 

Support Local Conservation Efforts 

Nature always provides an excellent backdrop to your rock climbing session, so it's reasonable to make sure it stays healthy and vibrant. Several organizations work towards sustaining nature, trails, and the infrastructure around you. You can make a powerful difference by supporting local charities in your favorite climbing areas and donating whenever you can.  

Choose Eco-Friendly Transport 

Most locations for rock climbing are isolated cliff faces and mountainsides, forcing you to take off-road vehicles for traveling and moving your equipment. However, there are always eco-friendly routes that you can take when traveling. Consider using public transport, carpooling, or, if possible, biking. These methods can decrease the impact of your emissions and environmental damage. This can, in turn, benefit both your climbing experience and the nature around you. 

Educate Yourself With Sustainable Practices 

In many cases, knowledge is power. Similarly, educating yourself about sustainable practices, options, and the impact of climbing on the environment can lead to more eco-friendly climbers. Keep yourself informed of the local regulations when it comes to green practices and conservation effects when you climb. By having the necessary know-how, you can make informed decisions, spread the word, and take meaningful actions to reduce the impact on the environment. 

Learn More About Sustainable Climbing With SouthernXposure 

SouthernXposure allows you to take the climb of your life. Explore our variety of locations in Mexico, which are created for your adventurous needs. Furthermore, you won’t be alone with our experienced and local guides. Your rock climbing adventure will be safe and thrilling—book with us today for an experience that lasts a lifetime.

How To Plan The Perfect Rock Climbing Vacation In Mexico: Tips From Local Guides

It doesn’t matter where you go. It's really important to plan the perfect trip. So, to plan the perfect rock-climbing vacation to Mexico, we have outlined some of the important tips from local guides.

5 Tips From Local Guides

As much as you love a rock-climbing vacation, it's important to know how to plan for the perfect climbing vacation in Mexico. Below are some of the tips for the perfect rock-climbing vacation from local guides.

1.   Choose Your Destination Wisely

Tempting as it is to pick somewhere and go, it’s important to consider the area beforehand and check it suits your expectations. Make sure there’s a good spread of routes that sit (realistically) at your grade, or you could be in for a very frustrating experience. Once you’ve decided, study the guidebook extensively for helpful information and check climbing sites/forums for tips from fellow climbers.

2.   Plan Around The Weather

The weather can be a real wildcard when you're planning a trip. Check the forecast before you go, and have a backup plan in case it looks like rain.

If you're lucky to be heading somewhere sunny, you can usually predict the weather based on the season. Climbing in hotter weather can be slippery, so avoiding the summer months is best.

3.   Set Objectives

Your ambitions for the trip are important, but it’s equally necessary to check they align with your companions’. You may have your heart set on all-day multi-pitch extravaganzas, but if your friends prefer to do four relaxed climbs and hit the pool for the rest of the day, you may not get far without a bust-up. Get everyone to discuss beforehand what routes they want to climb, who’s willing to lead/second, and if you wish to do any activities other than climbing.

4.   Clock Your Local Amenities

Handy pre-trip questions include:

●        Where’s the nearest supermarket?

●        What are the opening times?

●        Where’s the nearest climbing shop (in case of emergency gear replacements)?

●        If you’re in a foreign country, what’s the emergency number?

●        And, top of all, where’s the pub?

It’s good to know what’s around beforehand, partly for your safety, so you don’t have to waste time figuring out logistics when you could be on the rock.

5.   Do Pre-Trip Training (Mind & Body)

Pre-trip training plans are a great way to get psyched up and build strength and stamina for more rewarding days on the crag. Overcoming the fear of falling also increases your confidence in rock. Practice a few small falls with an experienced belayer to boost your head game.

 And to avoid arriving sore, stay fresh by laying off climbing a few days before the trip.

 Plan Your Adventure Today With SouthernXposure

Are you dreaming of a rock-climbing vacation? SouthernXposure is right here for you. Our team of professionals creates an experience of a lifetime. Visit our website https://www.southernxposure.com.mx/ or call us at  +1-908-892-2227 to start planning your unforgettable experience.

The Evolution of Rock Climbing in Mexico: From Hidden Gems to Global Hotspots

Rock climbing is a sport that involves both the mind and body. It brings rock climbers face-to-face with nature's beauty and their own physical and mental boundaries. Central Mexico has all the elements that can undoubtedly be North America’s next excellent winter climbing destination. This blog will guide you through the hidden gems and global spots of rock climbing in Mexico.

La Peña De Bernal, Querétaro

La Peña de Bernal, looming proudly above the town, tells you you are lined up for some proper multi-pitching! This 1,700-foot hunk of granite you are headed to conquer is one of the world's tallest single upright blocks of stone.
Moreover, climbing here is primarily vertical, technical, and sustained on skin-friendly porphyritic granite. All sides are climbable and offer over a hundred sport and trad multi-pitch lines. If you’re not accustomed to alpine terrain, it is recommended to stick to the sports routes.
Furthermore, Bernal, a charming town in Querétaro, was established in 1647 and has earned the title of "magic town" in Mexico. This special recognition is given to places that have preserved their traditional architecture, customs, and cultural heritage. In this town of eternal springtime weather, the energy, vibrant colors, rich gastronomy, and beautiful streets make rest days as exhilarating as those on the wall.

Cascada De La Concepción (Aculco), Mexico

Cascada de la Concepción is an exquisite rhyolite crack climbing spot just outside Aculco de Espinoza. Settled amongst 60-foot protected oak trees is a winding scenic gorge with a gorgeous cascading waterfall.
What makes this place so special is the unique texture of the rock. It's full of tiny holes, making it feel smooth on your skin. This is especially nice when you're climbing cracks all day, making it the perfect place to practice and improve your skills.
Las Peñas De Dexcaní (Jilotepec), Mexico

Las Peñas de Dexcaní (a.k.a. Jilotepec) is a collection of beautiful cliffs with some of the best sports climbing you’ll find in Mexico. In fact, starting in the 90s, climbing really took off here and around Guadalajara when bolting became popular. As a result, you’ll find many classics and a few of the most complex lines around this volcanic stone.
Also, this place holds some excellent balance, slabby, and vertical 5.8s, 5.9s, and low 5.10s. Moreover, the routes here vary in length from 12 to 30 meters. If you're new to sport climbing, the overhanging walls are perfect for practicing safely because there's nothing below you to hit if you fall.

Discover Mexico's Hidden Climbing Gems With SouthernXposure!

Are you ready to climb the Gidden Gems of Mexico? Let SouthernXposure guide you on your next rock-climbing adventure. Our team of professionals will certainly create an experience of a lifetime. Contact us today by visiting our website https://www.southernxposure.com.mx/ or calling +1-908-892-2227.

The Science of Climbing: How to Build Strength and Endurance for Rock Climbing

The better you are at climbing, the less energy you'll need to climb a route. If you can climb efficiently and use less strength, you'll be able to climb longer.

Improve Your Technique

Your technique might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about endurance, and there’s a good reason why you should address technique first. If you can climb efficiently and rely less on brute strength to get you up the wall, you will be able to last longer and repeat more routes. 

Furthermore, keep working on your technique, and try climbing more accessible routes with good form. The obvious takeaway here is that repeating bad habits will never work out well. It's really hard to break a bad habit and learn a new one at the same time. It's like trying to do two things simultaneously, and you usually won't be very good at either.

Hangboard Sessions And Dead Hangs

Hangboards are precisely what they sound like - it’s a board, and you hang. These tools are designed to strengthen your fingers similarly to gym equipment that targets specific muscles.

Moreover, hangboards exist to train everything finger-related, from endurance to optimizing your grip in a multitude of orientations. Hangboard workouts are vast and riddled with increasing complexity and some scientific basis. However, the most accessible place to start is the classic 7:3 Repeater exercise. 

Increasing Strength In Your Core + Back + Shoulders

Becoming stronger will help with the ability to bust out multiple moves repeatedly. Some areas to start are your shoulders, back, and core. Even a Yoga session once a week would lead to noticeable improvements. 

(4x4s) For Bouldering

4 x 4s (Four by fours) is a classic exercise designed to train your power endurance. In other words, it teaches you to pump out powerful explosive moves for longer!

The idea is to train through the pump. In doing so, you not only get fitter and stronger but also build the mental capacity to work through the exercises and learn to try hard. After a good warm-up, pick 4x boulder problems that you know are relatively comfortable and are not likely to cause tweaks or injuries, ideally a few grades below your max. 

Cross-Training

Add other cardio to help develop your base and improve your mental stamina. If you start to feel a little sore or tired, or if you get bored with climbing, try doing something else, like another outdoor activity or a gym workout.

Push Your Limits And Build Endurance With SouthernXposure

Are you ready to take your climbing to the next level? SouthernXposure offers expert guidance and personalized training programs to help you build strength, endurance, and technique. Contact us today to book your adventure!