More on this sport that’s becoming quite popular in Armenia.
The closest I get to rock climbing is when I watch Bear Grylls climb up or repel down some scary cliffs. Rock climbing is far from the hikes most of us take in the “wilderness” on well managed trails, where our cellphone reception is perfect. This sport requires training, great upper body, core, lower body strength, balance and flexibility. Even your hands, fingers and toes get a workout.
One day, Sam Bie, a French climbing photographer along with his friends, climbers Alex Chabot and Pippa Planques, intrigued by the rocky landscapes or Armenia, flew to the country to rock climb. They had learned about Armenia’s rock climbing community when Sam saw an announcement of the the first Armenian First Ascent Open Festival in 2009.