Why do People Climb?

So here’s an excellent question: why do people rock climb anyway? They rip up their hands, push their bodies to the limits of endurance, and regularly scare the wits out of themselves.

For many rock climbers, climbing is all about the challenge. I love feeling like I’m pushing my limits and testing my strength and endurance. And there’s something immensely gratifying about reaching the top of a difficult climb. But rock climbing is more than just a physical challenge. It’s also a mental game. Like any sport, rock climbing requires focus and concentration. But it also demands problem-solving skills and creative thinking. In other words, rock climbing is the perfect way to exercise both your body and your mind. And that’s not even mentioning the incredible views you get from the top of a climb! Rock climbing is a great choice whether you’re looking for a physical challenge or a mental workout. Few things in life are as rewarding as reaching the top of a challenging climb.

But it’s also about discovering the natural world. Climbing takes you to some of the most beautiful places on the planet and never fails to offer a unique perspective on the world below and the world within. As you can see, rock climbing is something very, very special for those who are inspired to take it up as a hobby, often quickly turning into their life passion.

Female Hiker

Your Passion Deserves Eye Protection

Understanding that rock climbing requires quality eye protection doesn’t take much imagination. Climbers contend with the glare of the blazing sun reflecting off the shear rock face and debris continually falling into their upturned faces. Plus, climbers may find themselves drilling holes and chiseling rock to attach new anchor points or removing old ones. All this activity creates a fair amount of dust and debris while they work. So do you think that a pretty great pair of protective, polarized, 100% UVA/B/C sunglasses might be in order?

Top Five Rock Climbing Eyewear Recommendations:

  1. Wiley X Guard Sunglasses – “The Guard’s low profile frame and pliable bayonet temples are comfortable for all-day wear. The curve of the Selenite polycarbonate lens provides ultimate peripheral protection and hugs the cheeks in a manner that wards away dangerous partials. The Guard is equipped with an air permeable Brow Bar to avoid dust and debris from above while doing double duty as a built-in sweatband. Plus, three interchangeable lenses allow for perfect vision in any light condition.”
  2. Bolle Rush Plus – “Rush Plus’s features an ultra-sporty design with co-injected and ultra-flexible temples. Meets ANSI Z87.1-2015 requirements and provides 99.9% protection from harmful UVA/UVB light. Special features include Bolle’s premium Platinum Anti-Fog and Anti-Scratch coating. This permanent coating on both sides of the lens gives them a high resistance to scratching and significantly delays the onset of fogging, assuring greater safety, reliability, and comfort. The new PLATINUM lens coating guarantees improved protection in all conditions.”
  3. Oakley M Frames – “Maintain optical clarity with lens contours that enhance side protection from sun, wind, and impact. Stress-resistant O MATTER frames are engineered with critical flexibility to absorb impact. PLUTONITE lenses are impact resistant and offer added protection by filtering out 100% of UVA/B/C and harmful blue light.”
  4. Gargoyles Bragg Sunglasses – “The Bragg’s simplicity of design and low profile, ultra-wearable wrap style. Bragg meets US Military specification MIL-PRF-32432 (GL) for high velocity and high mass impact. It also exceeds all ANSI Z87.1+ protection specifications, including optical clarity. The final part of this build is premium lenses with Tri-Tech oleophobic treatment to resist water and smudges and make cleaning easier, and anti-reflective coating to control harsh light.”
  5. Venture Gear Overwatch Sunglasses – “The budget-conscious Overwatch has an aggressive style with a metal hinge structure that creates a modern premium look. They provide full eye coverage and permanent side protection. The anti-fog polycarbonate lens provides 99.9% UV protection. Exceeds ANSI Z87.1+ High Impact Requirements and MIL-PRF 32432.”

Rock climbing is an amazing way to get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors. However, it’s important to remember that rock climbing can be a risky activity. It may be difficult to dodge falling debris if you’re hanging off the edge of a rock. Moreover, the risk of eye injury increases when practicing any high-risk sport. So, if you’re considering rock climbing, just remember to be safe and take all necessary precautions. But don’t let the risks stop you from enjoying this wonderful activity.

The most frequent eye injuries suffered by rock climbers include:

  • Corneal abrasions, scratches, and cuts
  • Wounds caused by a blunt falling object such as the impact from a rock or a fumbled piece of equipment being held overhead
  • Wounds are caused by a penetrating object such as a sharp tool or bolt.

The right eyewear will protect you from UV rays, glare, falling debris, and wind. However, to prevent injuries, always ensure a correct, safe fit. Climbers should try on their glasses with their climbing helmets to be sure they fit firmly without interference or discomfort. If your glasses move or slide on your face while climbing, you increase your risk of injury due to their distraction instead of concentrating on your climb. You can be guaranteed Safety Glasses USA will work with you to find the perfect-fitting pair of super-stylish, safe and protective climbing glasses to enhance your love of your favorite sport.