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Skype user: Rock Climbing Routes in Panama at "El Gunko" in Boquete
Today more than 35 different routes have been setup for bouldering and rock climbing at "El Gunko", "Maná" and "Paradiso" in Boquete. Under the motto of "redefining what's impossible", Rock Climbing started out in the district of Boquete, Panama with 5.3. and 5.5 routes that could easily be climbed by amateurs. After building up their skills and gaining more experience they have continued to push the level and now 5.9 routes and all the way up to 5.13a routes have been established (difficulty according to the Yosemite Decimal System). The highest wall is 13.10 meters tall and there is a very challenging route with a 4 meter roof. The highest wall for advanced climbers contains 70 meter multipitches.
The "Gunko de Boquete" is located in the Bajo Mono area known as "Los Ladrillos". It is only 10 minutes by car from downtown Boquete. To get to "El Gunko" take a left at the Y intersection at the end of Central Avenue (main street in Boquete), continue until you reach "El cruce de los Naranjos" which is another Y intersection or fork, take a left again, pass Los Naranjos Gym, reach the next Y intersection and take a right towards Bajo Mono. Los Ladrillos will be ahead to your left and pretty obvious (a huge natural climbing wall).
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Several natural climbing walls are open to the public but as all the routes have been setup by a group of climbers with the permission of Boquete's authorities, rock climbing is organized through them.
Rock Climbing and Rapelling Tours in Boquete, Panama
Each rock climbing tour includes a short warm-up and detailed safety briefing. Rock climbers with previous experience will be given 3 hours to climb any amount of routes of their own choice. Those new to rock climbing will be suggested different routes taking into account physical characteristics and age.
First timers will be explained everything they need to know, but if you are looking for a more extensive knowledge of this extreme sport, rock climbing courses are offered and you will be shown rock climbing techniques and rappelling in rock and in bridges, and you will receive a complete explanation of the equipment and gear used in rock climbing and rappelling.
Habla Ya Student Price |
Non Student Price |
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| Rock Climbing & Rappelling Tour | $35 per person | $40 per person | ||
| Basic Rock Climbing Training Course | $100 per person | $120 per person | ||
* The above prices do not include Panama's 7% ITBMS Sales Tax.
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At all times you will be assisted by a professional guide, ensuring your safety with appropriate advice and he will also act as a "belayer" for you at all times, guaranteeing that you do not fall down even if you completely loose grip of the wall. Helmets are worn at all times to ensure complete safety. At the end of each ascent, climbers will be able to rappel their way down or will be descended with the help of a certified guide.
An Extreme Sport for the Body & Soul: a Climber's Virtues
For those not familiar with rock climbing, it is an extreme sport that involves ascending steep rock formations through a sequence of gymnastic maneuvers in order to reach the top of a wall using the body's energy in the most efficient way. A focused spirit and balanced mind are attributes of a good rock climber. It is not only a physical challenge, but as well involves mental control and profound concentration.
Rock climbing requires agility and balance in addition to strength and endurance. Patience, speed, determination and courage are virtues found in an experienced climber. Knowledge of climbing techniques and the use of essential pieces of gear and equipment are crucial when climbing a difficult route. A high degree of alertness and capacity to predict consequences of movements are also key features to successful rock climbing.
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As with any other extreme sport, rock climbing is an adventure sport that originates from human's nature. As humans, we have the desire to face and conquer challenges. Why climb the wall? Because it is there! As simple as that...
Equipment and Gear used in Rock Climbing and Rapelling
Risks in sport climbing are greatly reduced if all the necessary equipment is used as it is intended to be used and instructions given by guides carefully followed. In sport climbing, climbers are secured to the wall using metal loops called bolts. Bolts are secured to the rock with either expanding masonry bolts taken from the construction industry, or by placing glue-in bolt systems. Climbers are protected from falling by a belayer.
Top rope climbing involves suspending a rope from an anchor located at the top of a short climb. The climber is then safeguarded by his belayer who holds the rope at the base of the climb. Rock climbing at el Gunko in Boquete can be described as bouldering as short, severe routes are setup.
After completing their climb, climbers can eventually rappel their way down by themselves or be descended by his belayer. In either case the belayer will be securing the climber. Rappelling or abseiling is a common method for returning to the bottom of a completed climb by descending on a fix rope.
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Climbing equipment and gear includes dynamic ropes, harnesses, quickdraws, descenders, lockers, carabiners, helmets, etc. Specifically designed footwear, known as cat shoes, is used for rock climbing and increases the grip of the foot to the rock surface due to friction.
About Panama's 1st Rock Climbing Company
After rock climbing for several years as an amateur, in 2006 César traveled to the United States to promote Boquete as a rock climbing destination by competing in several rock climbing competitions. Wisely enough he also made the most out of it by receiving professional training and received the degree of Rock Climber Instructor and Equipment Manager from the YMCA of Florida's First Coast in Jacksonville, U.S.A. This certification includes the 6 levels of a certified climber (belay safe certification, equipment management, climbing technique, rappel technique, bolting and rock climbing instructor).
Before traveling to the United States, César Meléndez had already been given former rock climbing training by foreign rock climbers that had visited Boquete and taken rappelling courses given by the national fire department and rescue team.
Other climbers have joined Boquete Climb Adventure enriching the team with their experience gained when climbing in the US, Europe and South America. The international experience and vision of these new members have given the team a mayor catalyst for national multipitch routes and international rock climbing and alpine projects.
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With these certifications César has been able to train other guides, setup new routes and has added a new degree of safety to rock climbing in Boquete and Panama.
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