Sanirang Alpine Networks understands how confusing and similar things may appear on the surface when first taking an interest the exciting and extreme activity of climbing. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions we are often confronted with. If you have a question that is not fielded on this page‚ please feel free to ask us. We will be glad to answer your question the best we can.
I want to sign up with SAN, but why do I have to disclose so information?
–All of the personal information required by SAN from head to toe is to help us organize your outing with us more enjoyable. We also require certain information in order to cover our clients with a unique insurance policy in the very unlikely event of an accident, injury and even death. We are one of the few outfitters in the world that provide such coverage so easily to participants.
Isn’t climbing a dangerous activity?
–SAN makes no false claims about the safety or hazards of climbing. Climbing is an inherently dangerous activity and requires the technical training and expertise of a certified or seasoned veteran‚ experienced instructor or guide to make climbing the exhilarating and enjoyable activity it is meant be.
How strong do I have to be in order to climb?
–For beginners‚ strong legs‚ precise footing and good balance will take one much higher than a "buffed-out" upper body. As one’s basic techniques improve‚ chin-ups‚ dead-hangs and fingerboard workouts along an occasional cardiovascular workout and good diet will help to take anyone to the next level. Like any new activity‚ the more one works at it‚ the better one will become.
Aren’t climbing lessons and the gear that goes along with it expensive?
–Initially climbing gear for any beginner can be costly which makes it very important to get familiar with the different types of gear out there before making your own purchase. SAN provides all of the necessary climbing gear to clients at a very reasonable rental fee cost which can save beginners the burdensome hassle of making some big blind purchase. Depending on the season, the gear includes helmet‚ harness‚ shoes, crampons, boots, ice axes and the other appropriate gears for whichever clinic‚ course or program our clients choose. Courses‚ clinics and our knowledgeable staff also make it possible for our clients the chance to try out and learn about the various types of gear. SAN also offers cheap introductory open weekly clinics during the spring and fall climbing seasons. For more information on this, click on this link: Open Clinics.
How fit do I have to be to climb?
–Of course‚ it helps to be fit and slender to climb; but it is certainly not necessary. Good technique and know-how go a long way when it comes to getting up an easy to moderate route. The activity of climbing alone will make you stronger‚ get you shape without some burdensome dieting plan or workout schedule. Mostly‚ climbing is an excellent way to get out into nature.
How do I dress for climbing?
–The answers to this question are many-fold and depend on the time of year‚ climate and forecast for the scheduled date. Generally‚ wear loose-fitting clothing‚ but don’t wear cotton under-briefs or t-shirts‚ stay away from spandex and coolmax in the winter. Also‚ don’t wear your favorite shirt‚ ring‚ watches or bracelets. For more specific information‚ please click on the link: Gearing Up.
What should I do to prepare for my course?
–Depending on the location of the course‚ most SAN courses are done in the Bukhansan National Park and require roughly forty-five minutes to an hour and a half for the approach hike in to the crag. It helps to be in decent cardiovascular shape; however not absolutely necessary. Aside from Gearing Up properly‚ everything will be taken care of in advanced by SAN.
What about the climbing gear? What can I do about this?
–Do not worry about climbing gear because whether you own some climbing gear or none, all climbing gear can be rented from SAN at the very reasonable rate of only 5,000KRW per piece or 25,000KRW for a complete climbing gear per outing?
I would rather buy a set of my own for future use. Where on earth can I find climbing gear in Korea?
–Climbing gear may be purchased at the local Ui Sports climbing shop where the regular rock climbing school program meets regularly. There are also a ton of climbing shops all over Seoul and the outlaying GyeongGi Province regions. To learn more about this, feel free to contact us directly.
I have participated in several SAN outings; however, was wondering if I could rent gear from SAN for my own personal use?
–Unfortunately, it goes against SAN policy to rent climbing gear out beyond SAN functions. It is SAN’s responsibility to keep an accurate inventory of SAN gear wear and tear and in good condition, ready for the next SAN climb out.
I have been climbing for a while and am interested in working with SAN. How can I find out more abou this?
–Either contact us directly via email along with a brief summary of personal climb log, cover letter, and climbing work resume along with any certifications and recommendations. If we are interested in your submission or are seeking employment, we will go from there with the details.
I am having problems viewing the SAN webpage. Everything comes up jumbled and looks like the page needs an upgrade. How can I view this page more cleanly?
–For optimum viewing, we recommend viewers of our page to upgrade to Internet Explorer 8(IE8) or Firefox navigators.
