Understanding the History of Rock Climbing and Its Development in the

Rock climbing began not as a sport, but as a necessity for survival and exploration of nature. Over time, the challenge evolved into a recreational activity. And then it evolved into a professional sport demanding a high level of technique, physical strength, and mental focus.

Understanding the history of rock climbing is a way to discover its true essence. By understanding its origins, you can better appreciate every movement, every step, and every small step in your training. Because ultimately, rock climbing is more than just a sport. It's a reflection of humanity's journey against gravity and its own fears.

The history of climbing begins in the 19th century

Rock climbing first appeared in Europe in the 19th century, when mountaineers began exploring steep cliffs for the physical and mental challenge. The activity was originally part of mountaineering .

Climbing large mountains like the Alps requires this skill due to the difficult terrain. However, it has slowly evolved into a distinct sport that focuses more on technique, strength, and body control.

Countries like Germany, England, and Italy are the birthplaces of modern climbing styles, with small communities of climbers hungry for challenges on natural rock cliffs.

Here's a brief timeline:

Early 1800s: Rock climbing was undertaken by scientists and mountain explorers in Central Europe for geological research purposes.
Around the 1860s: German and Austrian climbers began to treat rock climbing as a separate practice from mountaineering.
Late 1800s: The British and Italians began to form local climbing communities; legendary crags such as the Lake District and the Dolomites emerged .
Early 1900s: Figures such as Albert Mummery (England) and Hans Dülfer (Germany) introduced modern climbing techniques and philosophies from the use of ropes to safety systems.

From there, rock climbing developed rapidly, from an experimental activity to a sport that demands discipline, technique, and a steely mentality.

How is Rock Climbing developing in the world?

Early Phase

Initially, rock climbing wasn't a sport like it is today, but rather a form of mountaineering. Back then, the primary goal was to conquer peaks that were difficult to reach on foot.

One of the earliest records dates back to 1492, when an ascent of Mont Aiguille in France was made. This exploratory mission is considered the birthplace of modern rock climbing.

Entering the early 20th century, around 1910, rock climbing began to develop rapidly thanks to advances in technology and equipment. European soldiers at that time were already using aids such as thick ropes, carabiners, and pitons for safety.

Also Read: Do These Exercises Before Starting Rock Climbing

Modernization Phase

The development of modern rock climbing began in the 1930s, when many small clubs emerged in Europe and began to form a solid climbing community. This is how the sport evolved from a mere outdoor adventure into a structured and officially recognized activity.

Then, in the 1950s, the climbing world underwent a major revolution with the use of nylon rope. This rope was believed to be stronger and safer than traditional hemp rope. Innovation continued with the introduction of the modern ice axe in 1967, as well as the ice screw, which transformed safety standards and techniques in ice climbing.

Globally Recognized

The pinnacle of global recognition came when sport climbing officially debuted at the 2020/2021 Tokyo Olympics. At that time, athletes from various countries competed in three main disciplines: speed, bouldering, and lead. This moment marked a major turning point, transforming the image of sport climbing from a mere outdoor hobby to a world-class competitive sport.

Since then, its popularity has skyrocketed. Many countries have begun building indoor climbing facilities, supporting communities, and training young athletes to compete at the international level. Beyond physical strength, rock climbing is also recognized as a sport that trains focus, strategy, and mental toughness.

Also Read: Pay Attention to This If You Want to Go Rock Climbing in the Rainy Season

History of Rock Climbing in Indonesia

When it comes to the history of rock climbing in Indonesia, it all began to develop around the 1980s. Initially, the sport was simply part of outdoor activities and mountain climbing. But over time, rock climbing evolved into a serious sport with techniques, rules, and official competitions.

It was also during this period that the Indonesian Rock Climbing Federation (FPTI) was born, a pioneering organization that established an athlete development system and introduced rock climbing to a wider audience. From there, the enthusiasm and ecosystem for the sport began to grow.

Now, Indonesia isn't just following the trend, it's already making a name for itself on the global stage. More and more artificial climbing arenas are being built in various cities, from training facilities to national competition venues. And who doesn't know Aries Susanti Rahayu, the "Spiderwoman?"

Indonesia once set a world speed climbing record with a time of 6.995 seconds. This achievement proves that Indonesian rock climbing has risen to the next level. It's no mere hobby, but a global symbol of dedication and speed.

So, are you interested in rock climbing?

If you're looking for a fun, challenging, and adrenaline-pumping sport, rock climbing is a must-try. You don't have to go straight to a natural cliff. Starting with a man-made wall at a climbing gym is enough to experience the thrill. This sport isn't just about physical fitness, but also mental fitness: strategy, focus, and self-control are all trained together.

Once you reach the summit, the sense of satisfaction is unmatched. But remember, to maximize your performance, you also need to support your training with strong, stable muscles. In addition to learning climbing techniques, increase your physical strength through weight training, grip training, and core workouts.

By combining the two, every step and pull you take on the wall will feel lighter, and your progress will be visible more quickly. You can read the following article to get started:

The most important thing is to take small steps and learn to be consistent. The sooner you take action, the sooner you'll reap the benefits!