New Rock Climbing Courses for 2010! http://www.becknology.com/component/option,com_rsevents/Itemid,201/view,events/

Merry Christmas from Becknology Rock Climbing Guides. http://www.becknology.com

2010 Family Fun Adventures are now on the calendar! http://www.becknology.com/component/option,com_rsevents/Itemid,201/view,events/

2010 Family Fun trips are on the calendar! Limited space available! Father/Son trip fills fast. http://www.becknology.com/family-fun.html

Congratulations to Jon Richard on passing his Single Pitch Instructor Exam! Godspeed on the Rock Instructor Exam next spring!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! http://www.becknology.com

Cleaning LOTS of rock shoes. Anyone wanna come help?

Working on the 2010 schedule. Any suggestions? How about a rappelling retreat or two father/son trips? What do you think?

How about some PERFECT CLIMBING WEATHER in the South? It's time to get outside. http://www.becknology.com

Headed to Moab this week for the AMGA annual meeting. http://www.amga.com http://www.becknology.com

Thanks to Team Green (@teamgreenadvntr) for great rock climbing this year. You guys are the best!

Would anyone be interested in men's ministry rock climbing and camping trips in 2010?

Climb at Obed this weekend. http://teamgreenadventures.com/events/outdoor-rock-climbing-weekend-the-obed

Looking for suggestions on how to get more people involved with http://www.RockClimbingMeetUP.com outdoor climbing events.

Join us this weekend in East Tennessee for some phenomenal rock climbing! http://teamgreenadventures.com/events/outdoor-rock-climbing-weekend-the-obed

Fantastic climbing at the Obed in East Tennessee next weekend! http://teamgreenadventures.com/events/outdoor-rock-climbing-weekend-the-obed

http://teamgreenadventures.com/events/outdoor-rock-climbing-weekend-the-obed
You don't want to miss this trip.

Join Team Green and Becknology at the Obed next weekend! http://teamgreenadventures.com/events/outdoor-rock-climbing-weekend-the-obed

Karina has entered a modeling contest! Vote for her now! http://www.exploremodeling.com/Contest/Faceof_ELF_2010/14157/Karina_Beck.aspx

Real rock climbing. http://www.becknology.com

Rock Climbing 101 tomorrow. Details: http://www.meetup.com/atlanta-climbing-meetup/calendar/11504512/

Today is your last day to sign up for rock climbing tomorrow! http://www.becknology.com/climbing101.html

Perfect conditions for OUTDOOR ROCK CLIMBING this weekend! What are you doing? http://www.becknology.com/climbing101.html

Seriously! You will want to climb this weekend! You know you do. http://www.becknology.com/climbing101.html

Don't miss climbing at Sand Rock this weekend. Only $73 for everything including gear rental!!!!! http://www.becknology.com/climbing101.html

Learn to rock climb this weekend! Sign up for Rock Climbing 101 at http://www.becknology.com/climbing101.html

Rock Climbing 101 tomorrow at Sand Rock Alabama. Register at http://www.becknology.com/beginner.html

Ever climbed in East Tennessee? We're going to the Obed! Chumon! http://tiny.cc/Sjoab

Rock Climbing 101 - $73 - ALL GEAR INCLUDED! - Three different weekends/locations to choose from! http://www.becknology.com/beginner.html

You rock my world.

Overcome incredible odds. Becknology Rock Climbing Guides. http://www.becknology.com

The climbing community says a very sad goodbye to Craig Luebben. http://amga.com/about/news.php Please pray for the Luebben family.

Fun climbing coming up this week with Fort Campbell and Team Green. Remember to sign up for http://www.becknology.com/rock-commander.html

Three days of climbing instruction for super cheap! http://www.becknology.com/rock-commander.html

Wanna be comfortable with taking your friends and family rock climbing outdoors? http://www.becknology.com/rock-commander.html

Wanna be comfortable taking your friends and family rock climbing outside? http://wwww.becknology.com/rockcommander.html

Arno Ilgner's "The Rock Warriors Way" - Dude, you really need to read this book. http://www.warriorsway.com/products/products.aspx

Becknology Rock Climbing Guides recommends DMM Shield quickdraw. http://www.dmmclimbing.com/productsDetails.asp?pid=2&pid2=45

New DMM double-axle cam coming in 2010! http://dmmclimbing.com/news.asp?nid=216&ngroup=1

Have you joined http://www.rockclimbingmeetup.com yet? It's free ...for now.

We like: http://www.mountainproject.com.

Rock Commander Course http://www.becknology.com/rock-commander.html

Free gear clinic and intro to outdoor rock climbing this Saturday in Birmingham!
http://www.meetup.com/birmingham-climbing-meetup/calendar/10775990/

Fear not. http://www.becknology.com/rock-commander.html

AMGA Certified Rock Instructor dispels popular rock climbing myths.
http://geir.com/mythbuster.html

Did you know you have what it takes to climb a mountain? http://www.becknology.com/rock-commander.com

Happy 4th! http://www.becknology.com

Climbing is not 1st grade, you can be loud, get dirty, and put chalk on everything you touch http://www.becknology.com/rock-commander.html

NEW BLOG - Heart of a Champion! There's more to being a great climber than just muscle?
http://becknology.blogspot.com/

Heart of a Champion!

I wrestled for a few years in middle school, and managed to make it to the county championships one year. I won that championship, but in order to do so, I had to wrestle a young man with non functioning legs in braces. His starting position was literally with his legs behind him, and he would hold himself up with his arms. The ref started the match, yet I just stood there, not knowing what to do. Truth be told, I felt bad, I felt sorry for him, it didn’t seem fair. How could it have been fair? Half my body weight was functioning, and half of his wasn’t.

There I stood like goliath, motionless, staring, the world silent and still. Yet, as if someone slowly turn the volume up, I started to hear my team on the side lines yelling, “PIN HIM, PIN HIM, PIN HIM.” They saw an extremely disadvantaged opponent, and so did I, yet what was I supposed to do. I eventually lunged at him and instinct took over. I quickly found out that he was a serious challenger. Every time I though I had him pinned, he would manage to claw his way out. I tried to pin him three different times before I succeeded on the fourth. It was an unusual, yet a championship worthy match.

I felt sorry for him then, yet I deserved a real shot in the mouth for thinking it. Where I was looking at his limitations, has was looking at the possibility of a win. Spirit alone, he was clearly the better man. There was no way I had over come the number of challenges he had to make the championships. His presence proved, that he was not willing to allow others to define his capabilities, or else he wouldn’t have been on the mat. He showed up to enjoy the game, to do his best, and learn what was possible.

Climbing is a unique sport, as it provides us with a unique opportunity to learn about ourselves, in a very similar way. It teaches us to control our minds, to focus our spirit, and push past doubt to establish new possibilities. So no matter the challenge, no matter your disadvantages… take action, do your dead level best, cultivate a heart of a Champion!

Climb Smart,
Mark

Somewhere in the forest, a rock is just waiting for you to touch it.. all over ;) Go MEET UP...u sicko http://www.becknology.com/meetup.html

Lead Climbing is to Driving, as Top Rope is to being a passenger! TAKE CONTROL... GIVE A RIDE
http://www.becknology.com/rock-commander.html

Lead climbing isn't beyond your reach, not now it isn't! Come explore a new world of climbing http://www.becknology.com/rock-commander.html

Rusty bolts should remind us. Being around a long time, doesn't always mean safe. AMGA Certified Guides aren't RUSTY. Hire One, Polish up :)

Join http://www.rockclimbingmeetup.com for free! Sign up for the Rock Commander Course August 15, 22, 23. See you on the rocks!

Lead Climbing Course @ King's Bluff July 11. http://www.becknology.com/sport.html

Brand new Rock Commander Course. You guys are going to love this. Check it out! http://www.becknology.com/rock-commander.html

Learn to lead climb on July 11. http://www.becknology.com/sport.html

Get outside this summer! Learn the sport of real rock climbing from AMGA certified guides.
http://www.becknology.com

Lead climbing course at King's Bluff July 11. http://www.becknology.com/sport.html
Leading, Belaying, Cleaning, Rappelling, Safe Falling

Is there a right way to fall?? http://www.rockclimbing.com/Articles/Training_and_Technique/Learning_How_to_Learn_785.html

Love the new DMM Maverick harness and 3CU! http://www.dmmclimbing.com

Gear sale! We love C.A.M.P. harnesses! http://www.shop-camp-usa.com/category.sc?categoryId=17

It's gonna be a good summer for climbing. We'll see you outside. http://www.becknology.com

Come with me, and you'll be in a world of pure imagination. http://www.becknology.com

Learn to lead climb this summer from an AMGA certified guide! Choose sport or trad climbing. http://becknology.com/advanced-courses.html

New Course! Traditional Lead Climbing. August 15 in Palisades Park, AL. http://www.becknology.com/trad.html

Learn to lead climb on real rock from an AMGA certified guide on July 11. http://www.becknology.com/sport.html

Say NO to phony guides with vague experience. Hire only REAL, PROVEN, ROCK GUIDES. American Mountain Guides Association http://www.amga.com

Enjoying a perfect day of rock climbing with Team Green! http://www.teamgreenonline.com

Thinking of hiring an "experienced guide"? :( Don't trust YOUR LIFE to a "guide" with no credentials. AMGA certified guides are PROVEN SAFE.

Learn climbing from an AMGA certified guide. Outdoor Lead Climbing Course on real rock! July 11. http://www.becknology.com/sport.html

Learn to lead climb outside on July 11! http://www.becknology.com/sport.html

Sport Lead Climbing Course June 27. Learn to set up climbs for your friends and family!
http://www.becknology.com/sport.html

Developing new courses which will take a novice and give him/her the confidence to lead climb! Interested?

You wouldn't trust a doctor with your life unless he had the proper credentials.
Don't hire a climbing instructor who is not AMGA certified.

Just got back from climbing with some tough soldiers!

Hey Fort Campbell Soldiers! TODAY is the last day to sign up for rock climbing TOMORROW. Visit MWR TODAY!

Rock climbing for soldiers at Fort Campbell this weekend! Register at MWR.

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.

Just spent four days camping and climbing in Red River Gorge. Where were you?

Hey! Check out http://www.meetup.com/members/8277796/groups/ to find other climbers near you!

Warm weather has come to the South and we still have weekends available in April. Book your climbing trip today!

Only one spot left for Team Green climbing at the Red! http://becknology.com/team-green.html

Find climbing partners in your area. Join us on meetup.com.
http://www.meetup.com/members/8277796/

Brand new Advanced Courses just added to the calendar. Check 'em out! http://becknology.com/advanced-courses.html

It's Thursday! Weekend plans must be made - Discount Climb day is Saturday! Climb now - www.becknology.com

Need an idea of what to do this weekend? Climb and climb some more with Discount climb day at www.becknology.com

Which makes a better slogan? Rise above it. Climb together, climb strong. Life is better when you're high. You decide! Go to Becknology.com.

No weekend plans?? This is Saturday is discount climb day! Climb at www.becknology.com

Help us chose our climbing slogan! www.becknology.com Climb over there now!

We need your help! Go to Becknology.com and vote for your favorite slogan.

Time is running out on Free Membership to the Climber's Corner at www.becknology.com Climb over there NOW!

LAST CHANCE! Free membership to the Climbers' Corner ends tonight! Go to Becknology.com; NOW, or you'll miss it. ...and happy Valentine's Day. :)

HURRY HURRY! Less than one day to get signed up for Climber's Corner. CLIMB CLIMB CLIMB to www.becknology.com

Register now for Climber's Corner! Less than one day left. Climb now! www.becknology.com

Time is running out! Go to www.Becknology.com today to take advantage of FREE membership to the Climbers' Corner!

Go to www.becknology.com/join.html to join the Climbers' Corner. Membership is free...but only for 3 more days!

Climb now! www.becknology.com. So many events to check out. Don't miss out.

Free membership to the Climbers' Corner ends in five days. Don't miss out. www.becknology.com.

Registration is open for all 2009 family climbing adventures. Father/Son, Mother/Daughter, Husband/Wife, Parent/Child. Visit www.becknology.com for more info.

Discount Climb Day is Saturday February 21. Go to www.becknology.com to sign up!

Visit Becknology.com and sign up for the Climbers' Corner today. It's free!

It's a beautiful day for climbing. Spring is coming! Reserve your guide today. becknology.com