Monday, May 02, 2005

Essential websites for the aspiring rock person

Rockclimbing.com
My favourite climbing website. It features lots and lots of great images taken by climbers. US-based, it contains some hilarious misspellings and hubris in many of its online forums. http://www.rockclimbing.com/

TheCrag.com
This is an Australian-based database of climbers and their achievements. You need to sign up for free to use it. For a small additional annual fee you can become a supporter which allows you to view and contribute pictures. http://www.thecrag.com

Sydney Rockclimbing Club
The venerable institution’s site has recently been upgraded. For those headed to Sydney for a climb this is a great way to hook up with a partner/group. http://www.sydneyrockies.org.au/

Sun, Surf and Sandstone
It’s rare to be able to access quality, free crag guides but this is a big exception. For the Sydney climbing fraternity this is an essential link which provides detailed route descriptions and access information on the dozens of suburban and coastal crags not covered by commercial guide books. http://www.sydneyclimbing.com/

Chockstone.org
This Victoria, Australia website is a mighty resource. While primarily concerned with climbing in that state its members roam widely and contribute images and stories from all over. It also includes technical articles, gear reviews and a link to a great online climbing shop. http://www.chockstone.org/

Rock
It comes out four times a year, and is a lean offering but Australia’s only rockclimbing magazine remains a must-read. The site doesn’t give away much. http://www.rock.com.au/rock/core.htm

Climbing
By the time Climbing arrives in Australia the bulk of this US magazine is on the web. Especially readable are the tech tips. http://www.climbing.com/

Rock and Ice
The other giant of world climbing magazines. It provides a more limited access to articles from past issues. http://www.rockandice.com/index1.html

Onsight
Simon Carter is one of the best rockclimbing photographers in the world. He lives at Blackheath in the Blue Mountains near Sydney but travels the world snapping rock stars. http://www.onsight.com.au/