Focus

Climbing is a strange combination of things. It involves the choreography of dance, the dexterity of gymnastics, the power of weights and the cardiovascular demands of aerobic fitness.

In addition, there is the mental component; one must be utterly focused, utterly committed and in mastery of any fear or self-doubt.

Many wrongly assume that motivation is provided by the so-called 'adrenalin rush'. This is entirely erroneous. If epinephrine coursing through your veins is what you are after, go bungee-jumping, or some other mindless, 'low-skill/high scare' activity.

No, climbing (at least sport climbing, anyway) is quintessentially about the movement. About the harmonious and powerful synchronisation of mind and body in order to unlock complex sequences of physical flow.

It can be both beautiful to perform, and to observe.