Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Bouldering or Belaying?

I learned these two new words today. They are indoor rock-climbing terms.

"Bouldering" is climbing rocks freestyle - without a rope to stop you if you fall.
"Belaying" means that you are climbing with the help of a rope, and a companion is holding the rope for your safety.

One is solo; the other is done with assistance.

It seems to me that this is a good way to examine our lives. Are we using the bouldering or the belaying method? Are we trying to make it by ourselves, or are we seeking the help of others?

These two terms really got me thinking!

3 comments:

Kel said...

Interesting concept Kitty.
Do you think most of us go through stages of both bouldering and belaying?

Are you taking up a new sport?

Kitty Cheng said...

yeah Kel...I believe that most of us do go through various seasons or periods of both bouldering and belaying. I think sometimes we can even go through both b's on any given day. I certainly have experienced that personally. Whatabout you Kel?

Nope I am not actually taking up a new sport, but would really love to do so hehe.

Anonymous said...

I don't think you've quite understood the terms correctly.

"Bouldering" is just that - climbing boulders and other low-level problems where a fall won't be serious. Crash mats are often used to pad the fall area.

"Belaying" is a specific term used in roped climbing, and is the technique used to hold the rope to protect a fall, usually using some kind of friction device. It also means tying into the rock to avoid being pulled off.