GETTING HIGH ON THE VIEW

The  recently concluded event, ” Krabi International Rock Climbing 2011 ” – was a tremendous success. Credits have to be given to to the hard work and co-operation  by the various groups such as  Krabi Provincial Administration Organization, Krabi Tourist Association, TAT Krabi Office and Railay Rock Climbing Club. The event highlighted rock climbing activity in Krabi Province and aim to push rock climbing activity as an annual tourism promotional event of the province.  Adding and further projecting the image of Krabi  as a renowned mecca
- ” a not-to-be-misses destination ” – with its natural beauty, majestic high karts and fully equipped facilities for rock climbers. Krabi has world-class rock climbing sites, with more than 600 rock climbing routes. The rock climbers are able to select their own levels and challenges. Another outstanding point is that beautiful scenery of Krabi province can be viewed from the top of the cliffs, such as limestone mountains shaped like boot, junk ship and bird’s head, as well as some islands like Koh Poda, Koh Tab, Koh Kai. etc. The competition was  divided into two categories namely the Lead Climbing Marathon and Deep Water Soloing. Apart from rock climbing activity, there are competitions on “Thailand Bouldering Asia Cup” and “Fire Contest”. Hopefully, Krabi International Rock Climbing will make the province  gain further  publicity mileage and will stimulate tourism in the province to a higher level.

Been here and what blogger discovered & experienced :-

” The second of January was the day of my initiation to the sport of rock climbing. I remember specifically because I was scheduled for the morning climb on the first but when I showed up fifteen minutes early (somewhat heroically, I thought, as I had celebrated the dawning of the new year downing buckets of vodka and Red Bull and dancing on the beach) the Thai guys from the climbing school were all too grimly hungover to do anything but laze red-eyed in the hammocks drooping from the wooden beams on the porch and told me to come back the next day. As I recall, in my last clear memory of Wee from the previous evening (I had met some of the boys from the climbing school the day before) he had an enormous spliff dangling from his lip and a bottle of Jack Daniels in each hand from which he was alternating swigs, so if that was indicative of the level of revelry perhaps I would be better off not being 25 meters above the ground with a still-wasted climbing guide shouting whiskey-muddled instructions from below.

The next day I went out for a half day top-roping course with a (presumably sober) instructor named Sol and a few other climbing hopefuls. Inwardly I was bitterly cursing my flip flop that had disloyally broken the day before as we hiked over the RAZOR sharp rocks that low tide reveals on the way to Eagle Wall, the crag where we would be climbing that day. We arrived at a tiny jewel of a beach which we crossed into the dense jungle forming its lush backdrop. The crag itself was easily accessible from here from a thickly rooted dirt pathway aided with a rope thoughtfully placed though of dubious reliability.We had two climbs, one graded a 5 and to its right a long and beautiful 6A called “Spiderman”. The exact details of the rest of the day after my hands and toes (clad in my borrowed, unfamiliar, and uncomfortably restrictive footwear) made that first contact with that mesmerizing limestone are irrelevant. After that first injection of the adrenaline-releasing exquisite high where you are clinging with precarious balance to a rock face high above the ground, and there is no map laid out to trace your tentative steps, and you are trusting your body weight on a foothold the size of a non-genetically modified peanut, and you are willing the moisture forming on your palms to evaporate because you are not yet fully aware of the presence of a little drawstring bag of chalk hanging at your waist for the express purpose of combating said symptom, and your muscles are strained to capacity, and a little rivulet of blood is making its way down your left shin, and there is no other place to go but UP…in the words of the Flaming Lips “suddenly everything has changed”. “

MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN KRABI

Rock Climbing @ Railay beach …Krabi / Thailand

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Rock climbing in Krabi-Thailand

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Celebrated Climbing
Posted By KDSH

The recently concluded Krabi Rock & Fire International Contest 2011, held on April 16th and 17th April was a great success. International rock climbers from various countries arrived at Railay Beach and Tonsai Beach for the two days competition.  The event highlighted rock climbing activity in Krabi Province and aim to push rock climbing activity as an annual tourism promotional event of the province.  Adding and further projecting the image of Krabi  as a renowned mecca whereby  participants can have their skills judged.

This tremendous success have to be recognized and credits be given to the combined efforts and co-operation by the following groups :-

• Krabi Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports
• Krabi Province Administration Organization
• Aonang Sub-District Administration Organization
• Krabi Hotel Association
• Krabi Tourist Association
• Tourism Authority of Thailand
• Railay Rock Climbing Club
• Business Tourist Club Ao – Railay, Leam Phra-nang
• Business Tourist Club Ao Ton Sai
• Other interested, authorities, organization, associations and clubs.

On The Rock

Krabi has world-class rock climbing sites with more than 700 rock climbing routes created since  the late 1980′s. Magnificent limestone cliffs casting long shadow during the day makes a perfect heaven for climbers to select  their own levels and challenges. Sprouting along the shoreline with sheer vertical rock faces, international competitors gather to scale bolted routes with steep pocketed walls, overhangs and dropping stalactites.

Better Than A Gecko’s Foot

Bouldering climbing is a popular sport in Tonsai and Railay. A good way to practice technical rock climbing skills over a  crash pad when hopping from stone to stone mimicking the agile gecko. Deep Water Solo is another form of solo rock climbing that relies solely upon the presence of water at the base of a climb to protect against injury. Basically you take a boat out to an island and as the captain hovers near one of the cliffs, you dive off the boat with your climbing shoes on, swim up to the rock wall and start climbing. There is no need for ropes or a belay because if you fall, you end up in the sea. Ideally you want to reach a comfortable spot before letting go and kicking off the wall. Just slipping off a hold during a tough move and falling straight down is far from ideal but you can always start all over again.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN KRABI

KRABI ROCK & FIRE INTERNATIONAL CONTEST 2011

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]]> http://www.krabidiscovery.com/new-release/krabi-rock-fire-international-contest-2011/feed/ 0 http://www.krabidiscovery.com/travel-digest/local-news-event/krabi-celebrates-its-soaring-limestone-cliffs-with-a-rock-climbing-festival/ http://www.krabidiscovery.com/travel-digest/local-news-event/krabi-celebrates-its-soaring-limestone-cliffs-with-a-rock-climbing-festival/#comments Fri, 21 May 2010 06:50:04 +0000 KDSH http://www.krabidiscovery.com/?p=7770

HEAVEN BOUND

In the heat of the midday sun, Anna Slukushicina, 30, a rock climber from St Petersburg, attempts an overhang 10 metres above Krabi’s Tonsai Bay. The prominent feature of an overhang, or layback, as climbers call it, is to oppose hand-holds with foot-holds and it’s a strenuous technique used by climbers to overcome some of the toughest spots. The crowd on the ground collectively holds their breath, clapping loudly when she finally completes the tough route. Slukushicina is one of 150 climbers participating in Krabi’s annual Rock and Fire Festival and she and her team partner take top prize, beating competitors from 14 countries in the Lead Marathon climbing contest by completing 47 out of a total 50 routes all over the Railay peninsula. Slukushicina, a rock climbing coach back home with 10 years experience to her credit, has travelled to many famous sites around the world, scaling rock faces in Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, Italy and of course, in Russia. She’s spent the last four months in Krabi and says she really appreciates the towering limestone cliffs. “This is one of the best destinations for rock climbing. Nowhere else in the world can climbers stay by the sea close to these beautiful cliffs and climb anytime they feel it,” she says.

As a professional climber, Slukushicina, enjoys the hazards and complexities of Krabi’s cliffs, “Each rock gives me the skills and knowledge to explore others. I’ve had the time of my life in Railay,” she says. The rock climbing competition, held from April 16 to 18 as part of the Krabi Rock and Fire Festival 2010, was a great success. Apart from the Lead Climbing Marathon, rock climbers can tested their endurance in the Speed Climbing as well as Deep Water Soloing categories at Ao Nang tower, a popular site between Railay West and Tonsai Bay. Rock climbing, says Slukushicina, is an independent sport using only hands, feet and a safety rope. Railay and its environs offer the perfect terrain, with more than 700 bolted sport climbing routes ranging from beginner 5a’s  right up to the extremes of 8c under the French grading system. A plethora of climbing schools run by Thais have sprung up in Railay East and Tonsai Bay, with local experts quick to separate extreme athletes from novices and set up climbing routes appropriate for each group. At the far end of Railay east, the beautiful cliff known as 123 is the gathering point for many climbers. Enthusiasts can choose from more than 10 routes and all beginners are advised to start here to get their strength up before going elsewhere. Several hundred climbing routes have developed since the late 1980s, when Krabi first started seeing people scaling its limestone mountains. Routes include high quality limestone, steep, pocketed walls, overhangs and hanging stalactites. Access is usually from the beach and some routes can only be accessed by boat from below. Bouldering, short climbs over a crash pad, is another popular sport, and a good way to practise technical rock climbing skills, though care should be taken when hopping from stone to stone. Deep Water Soloing is also another rock climbing category that has just started to gain popularity in Railay. It’s a form of solo rock climbing that relies purely upon the water at the base of a climb to protect against injury. Ao Nang Tower, is popular for Deep Water Soloing with more than 10 routes for which climbers can choose With limited bolts, it’s a challenging climb but watching the competitors scale the rock is great fun. The tide starts to come in as we watch the fire dancing competition on the beach of Railay West on the last night of the festival. The winner is Tanarat Vejpitak, 14, from Railay, who tells me he’s been performing with fire since he was just three and a half. He’s thrilled to be taking home the prize money. Slukushicina is almost unrecognisable in a stunning evening dress clutching the trophy given to her by Tourist Authority of Thailand governor, Surapol Svetserani. It rains later in the evening but the shower quickly blows over, leaving us with fresh sea breeze under the cloudless sky. The reggae music that’s unique to Railay beach picks up again and the rock climbers, fire dancers and their audience are all happy, proud too to be part of this small festival that’s all their own.

By VIPASAI NIYAMABHA
SOURCE : http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/05/01/travel/heaven-bound-30128332.html

SHOTS OF THE DAY

Mention Thailand and images of beaches, elephants and Bangkok come to mind. Less known is the fact Thailand rock climbing is some of the best in the world.

Thailand Rock Climbing
Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand is bordered by Cambodia, Burma and Laos in the north and Malaysia in the south. The shape of the country is somewhat similar to Italy, and you’ll find similar differences between northern and southern Thailand that you do in Italy. For rock climbing enthusiasts, the south of Thailand is where the action is. The rock formations in Thailand are almost universally limestone. The level of climbing can be as simple as bouldering or as challenging as tackling over vertical cliffs. This makes Thailand a popular rock climbing destination since it has a little something for everyone.

Krabi
Located on the southern section of the “tail” of Thailand, Krabi has a wide variety of rock climbing challenges. Most of the climbs in this area are of the pre-bolted sport route variety. There are literally hundreds upon hundreds of climbs with difficulty levels from beginner to multi-pitch knuckle crushers. The beauty of climbing in Krabi is…well, the beauty. While you might have visions of jungles and mosquitoes when thinking of Thailand, Krabi is an area of a different sort. Most of the climbs have been set up on cliff faces on the beach. Being natural capitalists, the Thai’s have built hotels, bars and so on at these locations. As a result, you can literally climb a multi-pitch route for five hours, cool off with a swim and then have a beer. If there is such a thing as a rock climbing heaven, many feel Krabi is it. Before you cash in your savings, keep in mind that Thailand is a seasonal vacation spot. If you go during the wet season, there is a good chance you’ll just end up sitting around drinking beer. While that isn’t too bad, you’ll go crazy looking at the climbs that are so close, but oh so far away. Generally, you want to head to Thailand from late November through maybe April. The summer months tend to be both incredibly hot and wet. Make sure you pull up forecasts for the area before booking a trip. Flying to Thailand is inexpensive, but flights are incredibly long with stopovers. Still, it is all worth it once you experience Thailand rock climbing.

SOURCE : http://blog.vici.ro/2010/03/28/thailand-rock-climbing-rick-chapo/

Krabi province in cooperation with Krabi Provincial Administration Organization, Krabi Tourist Association, TAT Krabi Office and Railay Rock Climbing Club,  is going to co-organise “Krabi International Rock Climbing 2010″ date 16-18 April 2010 at Tonsai Beach, Railay Beach and Ao Nang Beach. This event aims to publicize rock climbing activity in Krabi Province and to push rock climbing activity as annual tourism promotional event of the province. In addition,the image of Krabi will be projected as “Rock Climbing Destination”, as it is renowned among the rock climbers that Krabi is a not-to-be-misses destination with its world renowned cliffs, beautiful nature and fully equipped facilities.

The competition is divided into three categories, which are;

• Lead Climbing Marathon
• Speed Climbing
• Deep Water Soloing

Apart from rock climbing activity, there are competitions on  “Fire Contest”. It is expected that Krabi International Rock Climbing will make the province know nationally and internationally and will stimulate tourism in the province to a certain level.

Interested participants can access information and apply at
1) Krabi Tourist Association, Tel : 075-623944, Fax : 075-623955, Email : tourism@krabi_tourism.org
2) Club Activities Railay Bay, Tel : 089-2940686, Email : pranang_rockclimbing_club@yahoo.com
3) Ton Sai Bay Club Activities, Tel : 081-0819993, Email : dreamvalleyresort@yahoo.com

Download application form at
1) http:// www.krabi-tourism.org
2) http://www.tourismthailand.org/krabi

Here are some photos from last year event, courtesy of Krabi Tourist Association.

Deep water soloing brings a new sense of adventure to a destination noted for its beaches, caves and lagoons

For decades Krabi’s abundant natural heritage that manifests itself through gorgeous white sand beaches, soaring limestone cliffs, magnificent viewpoints, caves and lagoons have served as a powerful magnet that draws an endless stream of visitors from all over the world. Other than its enchanting beauty which is undeniably unmatched, another feature that makes Krabi stand out from other island destinations is a diverse range of activities available both on land and under water, ideal for all breeds of travellers. Lined with rugged karst cliffs and wide expanses of white powdery beaches that slope down to crystal clear sea, the Railey Peninsula is much sought by avid rock climbers. The scenic peninsula is an extension of the mainland but inaccessible by road due totowering limestone cliffs that rise to cut it off from the road. Featuring numerous routes of varying degrees of difficulty and unlimited crags, Railey has become a world-class paradise for all levels of climbers, beginners as well as seasoned professionals. The average climber uses ropes, harness, quick draw and belay devices for safety but there is another breed that shuns them all just to fulfill their adrenaline-craving. Arriving at Poda Island, just 20 minutes by boat from Railey, I was dumbstruck watching two climbers bouldering up rocks without rope or safety equipment. This daring activity is called deep water soloing, a form of climbing practiced on cliffs perpendicular or leaning out to the sea, at high tide, with the sea being their only protection if they fall off. Deep water soloing, as it turns out, also happens to be a favourite of Pinyo Changrua, vice-chairman of Railey Rock Climbing Club, who disclosed that the activity was introduced to Krabi about five years ago by foreign tourists and it has increased in popularity ever since. Since deep water soloing entails higher risk than regular rock climbing, there are certain rules one must keep in mind. One, stick to a safe route, which means the water below must be at least five metres deep, and two, all adrenaline addicts must be aware of their physical strength and never try to exceed those limits. The higher you go, the harder you fall! According to Pinyo, budget travellers have taken a fancy for this extreme sport because it fits their low-cost lifestyle. “You don’t have to invest, taking climbing lesson or renting equipment. All you need is a pair of appropriate shoes and lots of courage,” he remarked. The next morning we decided to explore Krabi’s natural attractions by kayak. Equipped with necessary supplies enough to last the day, we set off for Bor Thor pier in Ao Luk district where we boarded the craft. The current gentle, we paddled at a leisurely pace through well-preserved mangrove areas, passing under the Lot Nua Cave, before stopping inside a lagoon sitting at the end of the next cave, Khao Wong. We lazed for a while dipping our feet in the brackish water soaking in the soft afternoon sun while our guide regaled us with his experience working as a kayak tour operator, a job which generates extra income for the local community relying mainly on fishing for a living. “This profession has been passed to Bor Thor residents down the generations. Most parents involved in kayak tours take their children with them when they go to work and let them acquire the necessary skills as well as the proficiency needed for the job through real-life experience,” he said. “I myself was brought up the same way.” At that point the roar of thunder warned us of imminent rain, prompting us to make our way to the final highlight of this trip as soon as possible. To that end, everyone paddled extra hard in a direction south of the lagoon. We got there in quick time, to Ao Luk’s most renowned cave, Tham Phi Hua Toh. This archaeological site was accidentally discovered by Kumad, the deputy head of Bor Thor village in 1984, when he sought shelter there from rain. Inside he spotted an oversized human skull together with several colourful rock paintings. Among all the caves in southern Thailand, these pre-historic paintings found on several sections of the roof and walls are believed to be the most varied. These 3,000-year-old paintings are incomparable in terms of uniqueness and historical significance. With quaint characters cleverly drawn in artful patterns, the evidence before our eyes, we felt, should make local inhabitants proud of their heritage and ancestral wisdom, for it is truly an invaluable method of ancient communication that preceded the age of the alphabet.

SOURCE : http://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/travelscoop/15916/extreme-krabi