Quarantraining and the double-edged sword it is:

The whole world is in lock down, countries are shutting down literally, toilet papers are running out from supermarkets and climbers are freaking out from having to stay too much indoors. Word on the street is that Covid-19 rules the world these days.

Even though corona virus’ scientific name sounds like a robot sent from the future to destroy human interaction, impose social distancing and isolation; life is Arnold Schwarzenegger saying, “I’ll be back”.

When it comes to climbers, most of them are either rediscovering their houses on a weekday afternoon, on a weekend or reconnecting with their family members they had ditched, things they missed ever since they got seriously hooked on climbing.

Most of all the climbers are dusting off their long-forgotten home set-ups they barely used before. These home set-ups include woodies, fingerboards, a wide array of climbing training gimmicks and in certain cases treadmills turned cloth hangers.

If you are on social media, namely Facebook or Instagram you have surely noticed these three trends:

1.       Climbers who are heading outdoors to get their dose of quarantine in nature. There are different opinions whether we as climbers should stay home or be in nature but judging from the rates of infections and weak healthcare coverage of remote areas we should also be isolating at home. Many countries like Spain, Italy and France have suspended all kind of outdoor activities including climbing.

2.       Climbers who have reached a level of home boredom so high, their trajectory ended in climbing anything including staircases, stone walls, dinner tables and kitchen closets.

3.       Climbers who have one or more training tool and looking to maximise their time using it to get their mind off from turning berserk due to isolation.

This article will not result in a recipe for how to use your home wall, or how to turn your weak fingers into Wolfgang Gullich on “Action Directe”, but it just wants to send a key message: train smart and do not get injured.Stemming from my own experience, I try to live by this motto: “try not to get injured while training to perform on rock”.

 While you can easily access so much information on training tips and videos, it is essential to stay grounded on this fact below.

“The lock down spectrum for climbers who train at their houses these upcoming week is the following: You either get strong and have higher chances to perform as you dream of, or you get overstocked stupidly enough to burn distances and end up over training and injuring yourself. Your call, train smart!”

Concluding with three essential tips for surviving the lock down and having a successful quarantraining:

·         Warm up gradually before each session, warm down at the end of it.

·         Ensure you stretch enough to avoid unexpected injuries.

·         Take rest days because not every day is a day to crank hard moves, every 2 to 3 days make sure you rest, recover, sleep well and be in shape for your next session.

Home wall 1, with different training tools.

Home wall 2, with a small campus board, a peg board and gymnastic rings. Photo: Jad Issa.

Home wall 3, using a symmetrical setting. Photo: Sam Eid.

                         Do's and Don'ts: Outdoor ethics in Lebanon.

Humans have reached a certain point where they could care less for what happens beyond what could represent a threat to their physique in a direct way. This post is not about generalizing this idea, but to shed a light on things that need to change in Lebanon , specifically written for the climbing  and outdoor sports communities in Lebanon. If you think that you are targeted by this post, it means that you need to take things less personal and look out for the acts that you might do without noticing and change something. 

The do's and don'ts cited in this article have been formulated through being inspired mainly by logic and through many initiatives (Leave No Trace, Access Fund, Scout Movement, Black Diamond Rock Project...) that aims to spread awareness on sensitive issues related to the human impacts.

DO's:

1- Do appreciate, respect and preserve the natural resources you find in nature when you practice your outdoor activities.

2- Do pay attention for safety measures, whether it is while climbing, hiking or any other instance you interact with nature. Minor accidents could lead to death, and a friction of seconds could matter between being safe and getting into trouble.

3- Do support the efforts made to ensure your safety at the areas you visit, areas under construction are closed temporarily for a reason.

4- Do respect the local developers, and in this matter the issue related to closed projects. Closed projects are usually hard routes that will have less traffic. If certain routes are closed, they are this way for a certain time and will be later opened for everyone.

5- Do dispose of human waste and other type of waste in a proper way.

6- Do leave the outdoors cleaner than when you first came.

7- Do keep a low profile, minimizing group size and noise. Excessive noise may cause social impacts and ruin other climber's experience.

DON'Ts:

1- Don't disrespect rules set up at each different crag, some crags are set-up on private lands and could be at risk of closures if rules are broken. Good examples of rules broken from the Olive Grove of Tannourine el Tahta are the slacklines, hammocks, pets, camping, fires...

2- Don't be the " Lord of the Toprope Rings" on any route. Quick links and rings at the anchor of each routes are valuable and to be used by everyone, toproping using these links and rings will shorten their life span, please use two draws to toprope and remove them before moving to another route.

3-Don't leave your gear unattended even on your projects, if you want to leave gear don't let it obstruct others from trying it, Other climbers would want to  try the  project. If you see pre-set gear, be decent enough to respect it as other climbers have worked hard to buy this gear and it is common courtesy to not take any gear that does not belong to you. Common sense should be used by everyone.

4-Don't pee under routes even if you are about to climb, walk a far distance and do your business, It will save you the bad smell that might mess you up going on a project.

5- Don't pick fruits growing on the trees, local farmers cannot attend their lands all of the time, and it is our duty as visitors to not trespass and brake this rule.

6- Don't expose people with no hiking or scrambling experience in exposed trails which could cause falls and accidents.

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Last but not least, there could be hundreds of Do's and Don'ts added to this post. But i have chosen mainly ideas that are general and specific at the same time i have observed take place in several crags in Lebanon.

After all, quoting the Black Diamond 'The Pact-Rock Project' : "these are guidelines not rules, the spirit of the pact, we all make mistake and we are all in this together. Each person will interpret the pact in their own way...".

Every Climber is responsible, every climber has the duty to set the good example.

                                                                                                                                    Jad El Khoury.

10 Reasons why Lebanon will become one of the trending world class rock climbing destinations:

Who hasn't heard about the COUNTRY called LEBANON? (Not the county in Pennsylvania: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanon_County, _Pennsylvania).

 You might have heard about Lebanon through reading the Old Testament, literature books written by famous writers, international or national newspaper articles and even on the news and television... But if you have not visited it yet, then you are missing out on one of the most awesome destinations for numerous reasons.

To cut directly into the chase, here are ten reasons why Lebanon will become one of the trending world class rock climbing destinations:

1- The perfect weather almost all year long:

Lebanon is one of the few countries in the region if not the world that has the unique 4 seasons with different temperatures that are simply perfect for different type of climbing ALL YEAR ROUND!

Weather throughout the year in Lebanon.

Due to the difference of elevation in the Lebanese topography, at certain times during winter (between mid December and mid March) snow might cover the mountains and ski slopes might be operating giving climbers a good opportunity to try some skiing. But at the same time, climbing on the coast in winter could mean climbing in T-shirt or even shirtless sometimes, benefiting from the sun to climb some awesome tufas.

In the climber's glossary, Lebanon is pretty much Spain-like weather conditions, enjoying more than 300 days of sun meaning that it can be visited any time of the year for climbing.

2- The Abundant rock potential:

When you’ve been to Spain, France or Greece and then you visit Lebanon; you’ll directly understand that this 10,452 km2 country has so much rock to offer.

Indeed, this small country has so much to bring to the table! It just has so much virgin walls waiting to be bolted and climbed!!

1% of the potential, Lebanon could be easily called the land of the thousands Overhangs!

Solid bombproof grey, blue and orange limestone is the main type of rock you can find in Lebanon and it is abundant. From slabs to vertical walls, steep overhangs to roof climbing every climber can find dream lines on the Lebanese cliffs.

While the current climbing routes database counts around 400 sports climbing routes, there is potential for at least 5 digits (99999>) number of routes all around Lebanon.

‘Lebanon is a raw gem, which needs to be sculpted by adding more climbing routes’, this sentence is just a mere description of the huge rock potential you will find when you visit Lebanon!

Blue and Orange Limestone potential1

the Majestic cliff of Tannourine Tahta

3- The relative small surface of Lebanon:

Forget the 5/10+ hour’s drive to get to the closest crags and the long road trips to squeeze a couple of laps on a weekend.

Lebanon is the place to go to, because in just 1.5 hours you can get to the farthest crag bolted in the high alpine mountains. Indeed if you decide to go to the sea one day for a swim in the Mediterranean, and want to get to the closest crag you might only need to drive around 40 minutes to get to the stellar cliff of Amchit!

One down part is to be mentioned in order to give you a full real picture, if you are to drive in cities and on highways at certain times you might be stuck in a traffic that might delay you for an hour not more. If you’re planning to spend most of your time in the mountains you might only see traffic if you decide to go to Beirut for a rest.

4- The Food simply ROCKS!

This is not a food blog! But if you ask everyone who has tried Lebanese food and drinks, you would definitely get a direct 5 stars recommendation.

A wide choice of lebanese finger food!

We know how to keep them belly full! The Lebanese culinary art is a treat you can find everywhere you go around the country with specialties in each area. Therefore depending on the area you choose to climb in during the day, you will be lucky to experience mouth watering dishes that will just do the right job of providing you with energy to use for your redpoint or even first ascent.

5- The locals are friendly: 

The Lebanese are traditionally known as being very chivalrous, generous and friendly population.

While you might be on your way to the crags for a day of climbing, expect to be invited by locals for a traditional Turkish coffee, a man’oushe breakfast (Lebanese thyme, cheese or meat pizza) or even a fancy bbq with the traditional Lebanese alcoholic drink Arak!

The Lebanese are proud of this tradition of hospitality. In this culture, it is considered an honor to have a guest in your home. One should therefore not seen being invited quite quickly to someone’s home for something to eat as strange.

6- World Class rock climbers who already bolted, established and climbed 5 stars routes in the country:

One of the reasons that push rock climbers to visit a certain destination is the stories, pictures and videos shared by professional rock climbers that have visited that destination. Lebanon has had its fair share of professional climbers who visited it and added their touch to the rock potential whether through bolting or climbing.

Famous climbers who have been here and done that (rock climbing, bolting), paving the way to putting Lebanon on the map includes: Alex Chabot (http://www.alexchabot.com/), Tony Lamiche (http://www.tonylamiche.info/15.html), Nick Martino, Brittany Griffith (http://vimeo.com/109966394), Christine Bailey Speed, Mike Call, Sam Elias (http://www.rockandice.com/lates-news/sam-elias-reports-on-new-routes-in-lebanon) , Simon Rawlinson, Rob Lamey, Alvaro Arango and Toti Vales…

More pro-climbers will visit Lebanon in the future, and a big job lies upon their shoulders to shed the light on the huge potential for rock climbing.

Sam Elias on a project he bolted in Tannourine, photo by George Emil.

Alex chabot on the first ascent of Inch Al'Arch 8a+, photo by Sam Bie.

7-The climbing development being done:

Since climbing has been introduced to Lebanon in the mid 90’s, considerable development has been observed by numerous expats and local climbers.

Nevertheless, it wasn’t until 2009 that Lebanon’s climbing development boom have gone uphill with the first visit of Alex Chabot.  Bolting and establishing the first F8a, F8a+ and F8b, Chabot has raised Lebanon numerous steps higher putting it on the world climbing map which had a domino effect on the other professional climbers wanting to visit new destinations.

Since May 2012, American climber and route developer Will Nazarian and Katy Anderson (http://www.r-a-d.org/) founders of Rock climbing association for development visited Lebanon with a plan to take part in the development and exploration of the huge climbing potential. Since then, the biggest climbing development in the history of Lebanon has been established by Will and Katy in collaboration with the local developers from Rock Climbing Lebanon Association.

More than 100 world class climbing routes have been added, focusing on Tannourine area transforming it into the Lebanese Rock Climbing Capital! More routes are going to be put up in an effort to expand the potential and enlarge Lebanon’s capacity to host more climbers whether beginners, intermediate or professional climbers…

The climbing development in the past 5 years would not have been done without the motivation, consistency, commitment and dreams of the team behind Rock Climbing Lebanon Association: George Emil, Steeve Romanos, Tony Dagher and Jad Khoury as well as many more rock warriors who have participated actively in the great cause.

Tannourine Topo, by Will Nazarian.

Jad Khoury climbing on Recognize opportunity 7b+, Photo by George Emil.

George Emil on Most men are wicked 7c+, photo by Jad Khoury

Tony Dagher on Recognize opportunity 7b+, Photo by George Emil.

Steeve Romanos on Yalla Balla 6a+, Photo by George Emil.

Will Nazarian on Jacob's Ladder 8a, Photo by George Emil.

8- Visa procedures to Lebanon are very simple:

In order to have an access to Lebanon please consult the following link that explains the visa procedures: http://www.general-security.gov.lb/Entry_visa/sub4.aspx

Nevertheless, the major point to highlight before coming to Lebanon is that every visitor should make sure not to have any Israeli stamp on their passport.

9- Lebanon is not the same as the media shows  it!

Lebanon is the birth place of history, alphabet, civilizations and many more interesting things that mass media usually do not show! While it is common to hear about Lebanon in the Middle East  war and crisis news, visiting Lebanon will show you that it is not about conflicts and war zones, but instead a land of milk and honey as to describe its amazing culture and rich heritage

10- The rest day activities’ wide range of choices:

Each season in Lebanon holds a wide range of choices for rest day’s activities.

 Whether in summer and autumn, you can hit the sandy beaches of Lebanon or head higher to the mountains for a rest hike on the old Christians hiking trails in the holy valley.  Otherwise you can easily head to the coast and party like an animal in the hundreds of pubs, nightclubs scattered on the Lebanese coast enjoying the music and the positive vibes!

If you decide to visit Lebanon in winter or spring season, then you will have the chance to hit the slopes in one of the nice ski resorts situated in close distance to the climbing sectors giving a good opportunity to explore the skiing potential in Lebanon. Or you could enjoy a rest day at home by the stove roasting potatos, chestnuts and other delicious Lebanese finger food!

More climbing photos from Lebanon:

George Emil overlooking the cliff in Tannourine, Photo by Jad Khoury.

Tannourine Crag, photo by Jad Khoury

Sam Elias on the first ascent of Rooted 8b, Shawarma Caves Tannourine, Photo by Jad Khoury.

Hadchit and Wadi Qannoubine, Photo by Sam Bie.

First blog post from RockClimbingLebanon:


Greetings to all climbers from Lebanon and all over the world!

This new blog's aim is to shed the light on different subjects and news related to rock climbing, specially in Lebanon but also in the region aswell.

The team behind Rock Climbing Lebanon, brings you news articles, specific topics posts aswell as satirical stories hoping that a certain idea is relayed to the readers.

Inputs are always welcome! as well as suggestions of subjects that you as  this blog readers would like to be exposed and covered.

In the mean time, we hope you will enjoy this small set of pictures we took covering the rock potential in Lebanon, and the crag development ongoing in Lebanon.

The effort of the development in Lebanon has been understaken in the last few years by the pioneers from Rock Climbing Association For Development (http://www.r-a-d.org/), and Rock Climbing Lebanon (https://www.facebook.com/groups/rockclimbinglebanon/)

Best Regards,
Rock Climbing Lebanon.

 Tannourine Tahta view 1

 Tannourine view 2

George Emil climbing in Qattine Bou Antoun sector.

 Aywa 3 in 1, 65m F6b

George Emil overlooking the cliff!