Going on rock climbing expeditions can be expensive. And sometimes when the weather or climate does not permit outdoor climbing, enthusiasts just have to have an alternative activity that captures the thrill of climbing to some degrees. To address this, rock climbers have invented the rock-climbing wall.

A climbing wall is a structure with crags and hooks that climbers practice on. The experience simulates the situations that climbers often face when engaging a real rock surface. The wall is often used as a training ground for amateur rock climbers to prepare them for the real thing. There they will learn how to properly rappel, how to use their muscle strength, establish safe and secure footing and use the right kind of equipment for every situation. As it is with any sport, practice makes perfect. With the constant use of the wall, climbers practice how to strategize and plan out their moves. But the wall is not just for serious climbers. People, who are not really interested in engaging in the risks of a real rock climb, use the wall to build their body strength as an alternative to lifting weights in the gym.

By using the wall, climbers have relatively safer environment to practice and test their skills. But don't think that climbing a wall is easy. Different wall designs offer varying degrees of complexity and difficulty in climbing. There are those fun activities you can take your kids to, but some walls can deter even the most experienced rock climber.

It used to be that gyms were the only places that offered rock climbing wall activities. Now, you can buy pre-fabricated walls to put in your yard, or you can build one of your own. Just make sure you use the safest equipment and have an expert carpenter help you build it.