Rock Climbers head to Local Lakes

Many local lakes, including Ft. Loudoun, host overhanging limestone faces rising directly out of the river. The light breeze, cool water and good rock quality provide some great challenges in an exciting and scenic environment. Climbers ascend the cliffs, sans ropes and technical equipment, hoping for a clean entry into the water if they fall. While the techniques and body movements used on traditional rock climbs are the same, the potential results of a fall are much different. Needless to say, this is an activity that should only be performed by experienced climbers with the skills necessary to recognize and evaluate the many risks involved.

In recent years, this new aspect of climbing, often called, “Deep water soling” has grown in popularity. Many international DWS destinations have received a lot of press, the most popular being in Mallorca, Spain. While the cliffs along Ft. Loudoun are much shorter and lack the gigantic stalactite features found in Spain, many difficult climbs do exist. The climbs here often involve small edges, pockets and sloping holds that require strong fingers and abdominals to assist in keeping the feet stable on the tiny footholds. Climbing specific shoes are used to assist in gaining purchase, while gymnastics chalk keeps the fingertips dry and tacky. If you happen to see some climbers out playing this summer, please be respectful by not swimming under them and minimizing wake at the base of the cliff. The local climbing community is a friendly and respectful group that volunteers a lot of time and energy to the National Park Service and Nature Conservancy. Most will be happy to answer questions and give you a display of gymnastic feats on the rock if you’d like.

For more information about rock climbing contact John Nowell with Knox Rocks Climbing Services

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