The Climber's Handbook

by Garth Hattingh (Author), Garth Hattingh (Author), Sir Chris Bonington (Foreword)

• Used

  Paperback
  2006

  $4.21

  Climbing, one of the world's fastest growing sports, is a demanding discipline requiring concentration, courage, physical strength and dexterity, specific equipment and skills, and a thorough knowledge of the climbing environment. In The Climber's Handbook , respected mountaineer Garth Hattingh gives clear instruction on all forms of climbing, from sport rock climbing to scaling Alpine peaks. The book is ideal for the beginner, as well as for the rusty or inexperienced. The sport is explained in fine detail, from equipment, techniques and skills to navigation methods and emergency procedures. Stunning pictures and clear diagrams inspire and inform in equal measure. This book is a perfect gift for the new enthusiast - it could even hook someone not yet caught.

• Used

  Paperback
  2000

  $3.26

• Used

  Hardcover
  1998

  $3.26

  The design of this handbook uses clean white backgrounds filled with deep-etched pictures and supported by fact/interest panels and informative running text. It is aimed at beginners who would like to learn to climb for the first time, but it is also aimed at experienced climbers who may need to refresh their knowledge and skills on tactics, specialized techniques, regulations and so on. A map at the front of the book will feature the world's major mountain ranges and climbing areas, indicating the type of climbing that is appropriate to each areas and listing the best time of year to tackle each climb. This text covers the three major categories of climbing, that is, traditional rock climbing, snow and ice, and alpine (mixed climbing). Some of the chapters include: a historical overview of climbing (including landmark events, famous personalities and their achievements); the mountain environment (ecology, weather, hazards, environmental and human impact); rock climbing essentials (basic principles, equipment common to all forms of climbing, skills and techniques); sport climbing (for the rock gymnast - techniques, equipment, training and fitness); big snow and ice climbing (specialized equipment and techniques, navigation, properties of snow and ice, and anticipating problems, avalanches, crevasses and other hazards); and expeditions and big mountain ranges (management and planning, food and nutrition, specialized equipment, medical overview).