Rock climbing is a big part of my life... not to mention its how I met my boyfriend!

There are three main types of climbing: Traditional or Trad, Sport, and Bouldering. You can also climb on ice, but I don't like the cold, so I'm not into ice climbing.

Trad climbing is a style of climbing that emphasizes the skills necessary for establishing routes in an exploratory fashion. Trad climbing usually involves the leader climbing a section of rock while placing their own protective gear as he/she climbs. Route finding, effective gear placements, self control, and good climbing skills are essential.

Sport climbing relies on permanent anchors fixed to the rock, especially bolts, for protection. Sport climbing places an emphasis on gymnastic ability, strength and endurance, while virtually eliminating the need to place protection while climbing.

Bouldering is perhaps the simplest form of climbing, requiring minimum equipment. Bouldering is done without a rope and normally limited to very short climbs so that a fall will not result in serious injury. It is typically practiced on large boulders or artificial man-made boulders. However, it may also be practiced at the base of larger rock faces, or even on buildings or public architecture.