Essay: Persuasive Essay – Mountain Climbing

Introduction
Mountain climbing, also known as mountaineering or alpinism, is an activity for people who like to climb mountains up to its summit. This activity requires perseverance, high technical skills and fitness level, thus mountain climbers often are physically and mentally prepared, adventurous, have high level of confidence and are able to survive and adapt in harsh conditions. The Himalayas in Asia, French Alps in Europe, Andes in South America, Denali in Alaska and Canadian Rockies in Canada are among the top 5 of the world’s hardest peaks for mountain climbing enthusiast to challenge, explore, conquer and satisfy their passion.
Explanation of Activity
Mountain climbing is not a solo activity where you can complete it alone. It requires a group of people with each member both supporting and supported by the group’s achievement at every stage. Most importantly, only experience trekkers can take part in this activity. Having pre-climbing experience, the ability to understand the glacier and forecast weather, being competent in both rock and ice climbing techniques, having common sense and good judgmental skill to not only stay safe but alive, and being familiar with the use of equipment to ensure that one is able to use it in ease, is fundamental in mountaineering. (Green, 2019)
In addition, a backpack consisting of sufficient equipments such as an ice axe, boots with crampons, rope, ice screws, mountaineering food, gloves, gaiters and sunglasses may weigh up to 30kg. Not forgetting, mountain climbers do carry bottles or packs of water to ensure that they stay hydrated at all times.
Risks
In order for mountain climbers to succeed and acquire a sense of achievement, they risk their life and limb to thin air, frostbite, bone-chilling cold, hypothermia, avalanche and high wind to reach their target. Furthermore, accidents may happen unexpectedly and this may cause complications. Many mountain climbers actually experience frequent altitude sickness as the altitudes varies when they ascend or descend to and fro the summit of a mountain. Significantly, to decrease from getting into potential dangers, mountain climbers are extremely cautious of boulders or rocks from falling onto them, falling into crevasses and slipping on ice slopes. Nonetheless, many may think that ascending to the summit is harder, but in actual fact descending from the summit is usually harder as climbers may have difficulties in seeing from above and to reach down and work their hands low.
Reward
Despite knowing how dangerous the activity is, many mountain climbers still risk their life to solve their curiosity and satisfy their passion. At the summit, high above the world of cities and civilisation, the climber pauses and look out over a world ruled by nature and raw beauty. It is at those precious mountain moments where you will remember Helen Keller’s admonition: “A happy life consists not in the absence, but in the mastery of hardships.” (Green, 2019) Nevertheless, some other less obvious or ‘less tangible’ benefits consist of greatly improving one’s personal confidence and team working skills, which one will be able to use in work and personal life without even realising it. (Realbuzz Team)
Persuasive
Why do people like mountain climbing? Every mountain will teach us something; it teaches us about change and being prepared to change, teaches us patience, persistence and gratitude, teaches us to enjoy the small luxuries in life, teaches us to be positive and that we will meet the most amazing people who we will call friends due to the bond and similar goals. (Tentree International, 2017) Furthermore, one will be able to enjoy the breath-taking experience with guaranteed amazing view, feel the sensation that will rush through the head when one reaches the summit, to be able to enjoy nature’s beauty in some of the most beautiful places on our planet and to revel in the beauty and rarity of the view. Some people even do mountain climbing for personal development and sheer enjoyment; and they will learn to never give up as the reward will be worth the work it takes. Rich Meyer, an alpine guide, once said through an interview that overcoming those challenges to reach the summit, feeling a sense of accomplishment, and learning a little more about ourselves is tremendously rewarding. Nonetheless, through mountain climbing, one will be able to test their endurance, built and develop new incredible strength, find out a lot about themselves and some inner strengths they never even knew existed and their diet becomes better. Ultimately, this allows one to live a well-respected, strict and healthy lifestyle, thus if you think you have not seen the world properly, then here is YOUR chance!
Conclusion
Be it the tedious and highly risky activity, many mountain climbing enthusiast actually enjoy the adrenaline of risking their life to achieve their dream and goal. Thus, this activity is suitable for one who wants to go an extra mile in experiencing something adventurous and impeccable. As one’s confidence is build up through this activity, one’s transformation in lifestyle actually deserves much praise, admiration and will be able turn themselves into a better self.
References
Fink, Bill (2014) Why People Risk Their Lives Mountain Climbing
Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2014/06/06/why-people-risk-their-lives-mountain-climbing/
Green, Stewart (2019) What is Mountain Climbing?
Retrieved from https://www.liveabout.com/what-is-mountain-climbing-755933
Kiesinger, C. D. & Smith, G. A. (Unknown Date) Mountaineering
Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/backpacking
Merritt C. M. (2019) Hiking vs Trekking vs Mountaineering: What’s the Difference?
Retrieved from https://climbinggearlab.com/hiking-vs-trekking-vs-mountaineering/
Realbuzz Team (Unknown Date) An Introduction to Mountaineering
Retrieved from https://www.realbuzz.com/articles-interests/sports-activities/article/an-introduction-to-mountaineering
Tentree International (2017) 10 Reasons Why Climbing Mountains Can Enrich Your Life
Retrieved from https://tentree.com/blogs/posts/10-reasons-why-climbing-mountains-can-enrich-your-life