Challenging, physical, fulfilling and fun are just a few of the words used by climbers to describe their sport which until now has remained one of Cyprus' best kept secrets.
It is not surprising that local climbers are tempted to keep the island's exciting and dramatic routes to them selves. However, greater interest and stronger develop ment by the country's national federation is drawing attention to Cyprus'considerable climbing potential.
With its growing number of bolted sport climbing routes the island offers variety for both beginners and experienced climbers, who can also tackle its ample traditional climbing areas. What's more, mild weather conditions mean enthusiasts can hit the crags during the winter season, while their European counterparts either climb indoors, wait for a break in the weather or brave ice and snow to satisfy their altitude craving.
Simply put, the sport of climbing uses physical power and specialised equipment to scale steep vertical crags and boulders, gently descending the way they went up or abseiling back down to earth. Sport climbers secure themselves along ascent lines set using permanently fixed anchor bolts placed in the rock, enabling them to focus on speed and technique rather than placement of protection. The traditional method requires climbers to ascend by placing temporary anchors, considered a riskier discipline it also offers substantially more freedom to explore quieter climbing routes.
Climbers describe it as one of sport's most challenging and rewarding activities, providing mental stimulation and a sense of achievement with more than a touch of adrenalin. Although indoor wall climbing is great for practice and training, nothing quite beats the great outdoors for an opportunity to score a spectacular view.
Forget the stunts you've seen in 'Vertical Limits'or'Cliffhanger,' as both movies portray a dangerous and inaccurate image of the sport. In reality, safety is every climber's priority; it's the first thing you learn and the one thing you can never afford to overlook, "It's one of those sports where if you forget something for a split second then the next thing you know you're lying on the floor," warns local climber Matt who has been climbing in Cyprus for almost 2 years. He admits that every climber can expect the odd blunder as they progress to greater challenges, "Falling is part of it, and honestly it's inevitable that you are going to fall at some point unless you stick to the baby routes for the rest of your life." On a brighter note, Matt insists that coming unstuck is not always as frightening as it appears, "With the more difficult routes, when you fall you just fall into space - the rope has elasticity so it catches you and it's not as dramatic as you think."
Acrophobia, an instinctive fear of heights combined with the dread of the physical danger of falling, prevents many people from climbing. Yet this needn't deter sufferers from having a go, says instructor Lex Economides of Vertigo Adventure,
"Most people find it easier than they though t and we try to make it less scary so you don't have to go all the way to the top, just as far as you want." He believes a good instructor can make all the difference, "It's all about encouragement especially if it's your first climb. Some will only reach a couple of metres but as long as they feel they've achieved something then they'll enjoy it and come back, but if they feel like they've failed completely then that's the end of their climbing days."
Novice climber Kevin is putting Lex's philosophy to the test, admitting that fear motivated him toward the sport. After a morning of theory he is finally prepared to confront his demons,
"/ still have a lot of fears about hanging off a rock but the good thing is facing and trying to overcome them and that's what I'm doing now," he explains. Climbing and descending the rock like a pro, Kevin returns to terra firma without a scratch, "It's scary and higher than you think but I'm overcoming my fear, so I'm getting there," he says triumphantly.
Once the initial fear subsides, experienced climbers love the combination of mental and physical skill required to challenge the authority of Mother Nature. "The best routes are very physical and the sport is almost like a puzzle as well, so you have to figure out your body moves and overcome your own anxieties about climbing," comments Matt. To South African climber Craig, the appeal lies in the sense of freedom climbing offers,
"You can isolate yourself, climbing up a ridge you are sort of on your own, you feel isolated, exposed and of course it's a challenge, there's the feeling of having accomplished something," he says.
Climbing is a highly social sport and local clubs and groups are always ready to welcome new climbers to share route information, events and competitions. On-line forums are a great way to find climbing partners and details of group days are often posted on climbing school web or social networking sites.
Whether you are looking for a pure climbing experience or just one or two days as part of your holiday, Cyprus is the perfect location to combine the sport with a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and cycling, to kayaking and kitesurfing or simply grounding yourself on the beach.
CYPRUS'CLIMBING RISES TO A HIGHER LEVEL
Founded in 2000 the Cyprus Mountaineering & Climbing Federation (KOMOA) is taking significant steps to improve standards and facilities to develop the sport for local climbers and to attract more enthusiasts from overseas.
Cyprus currently has seven climbing clubs along with several schools that provide accredited courses, guided group excursions, equipment hire and maps.
Schools approved by KOMOA follow a syllabus designed to meet British climbing principles but with even higher safety standards. For those who want to try the sport many organisations offer taster sessions which are suitable for the whole family, including easy routes for children aged over 6 years.
Courses for beginners include a six-day introduction to climbing which comprises theory, safety and practical instruction. For those who wish to progress, a 6 to 8-day course covers the fundamentals of traditional climbing, in addition to higher graded courses to instructor level.
The Cyprus Federation is a member of the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) and International Mountaineerings Climbing Federation (UIAA) with whom it is working to obtain full accreditation for local standards and rules, recognised by member countries.
Around 200 of Europe's top climbers competed in Cyprus'first IFSC European Cup speed climbing event in Lefkosia last October, which the Federation hopes will position Cyprus as a serious climbing destination in the future.
For club and climbing information contact Pavlos Georgiades, President of the Cyprus Mountaineering & Climbing Federation, on (+357) 97770067, or visit www.komoa.com (Greek)
