Father/Son trip was fantastic. Get on a family trip while you still can! http://www.becknology.com/family-fun.html

Karina is baking cookies for the father/son climbing trip. (And you thought she was just a climbing guide!)

Father/son camping and climbing this weekend! Don't miss the mother/daughter trip in July. http://www.becknology.com/mother-daughter.html

Gearing up for the father/son climbing weekend! Space available for mom/daughter trip July 10-12. http://becknology.com/mother-daughter.html

Praise God for glorious weather on Memorial Day. Climbing was great and the cliffs even dried out. Keep your eyes open for upcoming courses.

"Its not gonna rain, it's NOT gonna rain." Come on chant it with me :) Sport Climbing Course Tomorrow! http://www.becknology.com/sport.html

There is still time to sign up for tomorrow's Lead Climbing Course!
http://www.becknology.com/sport.html

Learn to climb outside on real rock this Memorial Day! http://www.becknology.com/beginner.html

When you just don't think you can keep climbing; we've found that God is faithful!

Outdoor Lead Climbing Course this Sunday, May 24th. http://www.becknology.com/sport.html

Enjoy your long weekend on the rock with us! Two courses.
http://www.becknology.com/sport.html
http://www.becknology.com/beginner.html

Outdoor climbing wall big enough to make a Texan proud. http://vimeo.com/4277504

New to Outdoor Climbing? Want to Learn? Get your intro on Memorial Day, May 25th!! http://www.becknology.com/beginner.html

!!! You CAN take it to the NEXT LEVEL !!! SUNDAY MAY 24th. Outdoor Lead Climbing Course @ King's Bluff http://www.becknology.com/sport.html

Introduction to outdoor rock climbing course on Monday, Memorial Day.
http://www.becknology.com/beginner.html

Sad news for Illinois and area climbers. http://tinyurl.com/pwv3nm

?? Know your KNOTS ?? Animations online can help. http://www.abc-of-rockclimbing.com/howto/beginnerclimbingknots.asp

Choosing and fitting rock climbing shoes. http://www.becknology.blogspot.com

Fitting Shoes

This could easily turn into a lengthy article if I were to mention every factor concerning fitting and buying climbing shoes. So instead of writing about leathers, rubbers, rands, and brands, I'm just going to cover what I think will be most beneficial to someone buying his or her first pair of climbing shoes.

If you are new to the sport of rock climbing, climbing shoes will be one of the first investments you make. Here are some things to remember when choosing your shoes.

Unlined leather shoes will stretch a little and are usually cooler than lined shoes which will stretch less. Synthetic shoes generally will not stretch.

Currently there are three basic styles on the market: laces, hook & loop (Velcro), and slip-on.

Lace-up shoes: Pros

* better fit

* more ability to adjust snugness

* a tighter shoe can help reduce the swelling of a sprained ankle (it's true!)

Lace-up shoes: Cons

* takes more time to put on and take off

* some people step on longer laces, but you should just cut them if they are too long

Hook & Loop: Pros

* can be put on and taken off more quickly

* you can still adjust the tightness, just not as much as you can with laces

Hook & Loop: Cons

* sometimes the Velcro can wear out and become loose

Slip-on shoes: Pros

* very quick to get on and off

* no worries about snagging laces or Velcro closures

Slip-on shoes: Cons

* adjusting the fit is impossible

* not good for crack climbing

The most important factor when choosing your shoes is fit. It you're uncomfortable in your shoes, nothing else matters. A properly fitted shoe will ideally be touching every part of your foot. There will be no gaps at the heel or toes. In fact your toes should be just slightly curved when your shoe is fastened on your foot. Go to a gear store and try shoes on. If you don't have a store near by, then do all you can to "try before you buy." Don't buy shoes online unless you know for certain that you are getting shoes that will fit you. You can't trust the number on a shoe claiming it is a certain size. You must try them on your feet. And keep in mind that it is common for most people to have one foot that is slightly larger than the other one. Good luck.

Becknology Rock Climbing Guides

www.becknology.com

Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing - Memorial Day. http://becknology.com/beginner.html

Father & Son Rock Climbing and Camping Adventure

Last year we had our first father/son trip to Red River Gorge, KY. The response was tremendous and the trip filled up quickly. This year has been no different. The trip is in three weeks and all spaces have been filled for weeks now.

If you missed it this year, you can still get in on our family trips such as the Mother - Daughter Excursion, Parent - Child Adventure, and Husband - Wife Adventure. Check it out!

Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing - Memorial Day. http://becknology.com/beginner.html

Check out our blog. http://becknology.blogspot.com

Rock Climbing & Religion

Many people claim to experience some sort of spiritual presence while climbing. Some people, while in the crux of a climb, far outside their comfort zone, will come to an "inner awakening" and find strength and agility they didn't know they had as they push through what once seemed "impossible."

Some people see the unique textures in the stone and the natural beauty of "creation" and will say things like, "How can anyone see this and not believe in God?"

Some people don't even know why they enjoy climbing or being outside. It just seems to provide something that is "missing."

Why do you climb? Does God have anything to do with it? What motivates you to push yourself? Is it a feeling you get afterward? Are you after more than emotional and/or physical stimuli? 

Rain, rain, go away!

Where can I climb when it rains? This has been the question here in Tennessee and the surrounding states lately. Sometimes it can be really hard to find the necessary dry rock to satisfy our addiction. Most major cities do have climbing gyms. But if you just have to get outside, you can look for natural caves and overhangs (or roofs) that block the rain and keep the rock beneath dry. There are several features like this in Tennessee and Kentucky. However, once you move into overhanging terrain, the routes generally get harder because of the steepness of the angle. So you can actually use the rain as a good excuse to work on your power by climbing overhanging rock. What's more, the rain tends to keep most people indoors. So you'll have the whole crag to yourself. Belay on!

Two courses over Memorial Day weekend! Outdoor Lead Climbing on Sunday, and Intro to Real Outdoor Rock Climbing on Monday (Memorial Day).

Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing - Memorial Day in Clarksville, TN.