Mountain climbing also known as mountaineering is a modern-day exercise that originated in the 1700s. In Kenya, the activity is also very familiar among its citizens with many gaining interest in exploring mountains. The most common mountain in Kenya for climbers is Mount Kenya which is located in the former Eastern and Central provinces in Kenya.
According to experts, Kenya is registering a great number in female climbers compared to the male climbers. apparently, women climb the mountains foe leisure while on the other hand men climb mountains only because they are mountaineers helpers. Stella Kaburu who has earned the tittle of mountain goat is among the renowned mountain in climbers Kenya.
Benefits of Mountaineering
The persuasion of reaching a mountain top and conquering challenges is a sense of achievement and is rare when it comes to mountain climbing. However there are benefits of this exercise are untold.
Mountain climbing promotes mental resilience. This exercise takes strength, tolerance, and mental toughness which further pushes climbers to their limits and overcoming hesitation.
It is said mountain climbing is a great way of climbers connecting with nature and its beauty. Climbers get the experience to view nature at its best.
Mountain climbers try out new things and build confidence. During the exercise of mountain climbing, the climbers get to encounter new challenges which they end up solving as they procced.
The climbers build cooperation and friendships as they get to depend on one another for safety and support. Climbers get to work together to accomplish their targets.
Mountain climbing is a great way to improve and connect with nature, explore new areas, and team building.
Requirements of Mountaineering
Invest a good amount on time on investigating the mountain before you undertake the exercise of mountain climbing. These includes the topography, weather challenges, and route.
Engage in regular fitness routine and increase your stamina in rock climbing, and hiking.
Expose yourself to high-attitude terrains often to adapt to the extremes atmospheric conditions in the mountains.
Get first-aid training.
Pay attention to safety protocol to deal with challenging terrains.
Ensure to learn and have knowledge of using and navigating tools such a a map, compass or GPS device.
Work on building mental resilience and patience which are important qualities to get you in difficult times during the exercise of mountain climbing.
Risks and Challenges of Mountaineering
Mountain climbing is a fun and exciting exercise but with it coms challenges.
Mountain weather is not for the weak and keeps on changing rapidly. storms, lighting, heavy winds and snow can shock climbers causing hypothermia, frostbite or even death.
Mountaineers ought to cross steep slopes, snowy ridges and loose rocks. Climbers can easily sleep and die.
Equipment failures and rockfalls can cause climbing accidents.
Attitude sickness is caused by thin, oxygen-deficient air high altitudes. Attitude sickness can easily lead to life-threatening headaches, dizziness and shortness of breath.
The exercise may also be expensive depending on the chosen route, the duration of the climb, and the number of persons in a group.
Mountain climbing is not just about reaching the peak but also a journey faced with various challenges. But that should not stop you, it is actually a testament to build courage, perseverance create passion for exploring.
