Terrain, or land relief, is the vertical and horizontal dimension of land surface. When relief is defined underwater, the term bathymetry is used. Terrain is used as a general term in geography, referring to a physical landscape. It is generally stated in terms of the slope and elevation, and orientation of its features. Surface water flow and distribution were considerably affected by a terrain. Over a huge area, it can disturb weather and climate forms.
There are two types of terrain based sports – Rock Climbing and Canyoning (or Canyoneering).
1. Rock climbing is always considered by non-climbers to be a uncontrolled and dangerous, a nerve-thrilling sport. It can also be a fun way to push oneself to one's physical and mental limits. Rock climbing also presents an excellent encouragement to seek out some of the most beautiful places in the world in search of some fresh rock.
The Basics of Rock Climbing
Rock climbing has many different forms that are designed typically by the type of equipment used when ascending. The two main sets are aid climbing and free climbing.
- Aid climbing is a style in which gears such as cams, nuts and/or screws, pitons are positioned allowing the climber to tug on them and pull himself upward.
- Free climbing, this style generally / naturally referred to as rock climbing. Cords and other equipment are used exclusively for protection in the case of an accidental fall. Free climbing is further categorized into five (5) types based on the protection used.
(1.) Trad climbing (short for "traditional") involves the placement of temporary protection such as nuts, cams and hexes, into the rock's usual structures while ascending.
(2.) Sport climbing involves the use of pre-set protection, often metal rings (known as bolts) bored into the rock, while rising upward.
(3.) Top roping involves climbing using a rope that is anchored at the top of the route as protection.
(4.) Free soloing is the act of climbing without any rope or protective equipment. In the absence of rope, the hiker has no need of a partner to "belay" (the act of a partner maintaining the proper tension on the rope to keep the climber safe in the case of a fall).
(5.) Bouldering is centered on climbing shorter and more difficult routes. Bouldering does not use any protection either aside from foam pads known as crash cushions, which are usually positioned at the bottom to protect against rough landings.
Gears that usually use during rock climbing are the following:
- Rock climbing shoes
- A harness
- A helmet
- Ropes
- Webbing and Cords
- Slings – are used to set up top ropes and to prevent rope abrasion.
- Carabiners
- Quickdraws - are used to attach ropes to bolted anchors for protection
- Cams - are devices used for protection when placed in cracks.
The charge of climbing in various cases is free of charge. However, several locations do charge day rates intended for the entrance fee (maintenance and other purposes) and not for the sport. Countless rock climbing is can be located around the world. One of the best great spots for rock climbing adventure was Mt. Arapiles in Victoria.
It is one of the best cliffs in the world for customary (traditional) climbing. The site is only 3–4 hours drive from Melbourne, Australia. In Asia, a Himalayan kingdom near the capital offers a popular place called Thimphu, which is called The Nose. Likewise, the great rock climbing experience for only those most skilled and experienced climbers is found in Black Canyon, Gunnison National, Colorado, USA.
Canyoning or Canyoneering is about going in a bottom of a canyon, which is either dry or full of water. It is perfectly combines several vital elements from climbing, swimming, and jumping. Though, canyoning requires only moderately training or physical conditioning to get started unlike rock climbing and scuba diving.
There are several types of methods and techniques in canyoning such as jumps and slides (toboggan in Spanish), horizontal (moving over a rope above a river from one side of canyon to another) and vertical rappeling (or abseiling) and sifons (dive-under). Other features of a canyon are altitude difference, length, time and duration.
Rock climbing and canyoneering are intense outdoor activities that require physical and mental preparations. It is extremely dangerous to those climbers that are not acquainted well to these kinds of adventures. But, it is tremendously enjoyable to those people who are physically and mentally fit.