David travels to Oregon to learn about the physics and biomechanics of rock climbing. Before beginning, however, climbers should get professional instruction so they understand how to use ropes to protect themselves against the forces of gravity .
Climbers choose nylon ropes because they stretch and absorb the shock of a fall.
Good climbing ropes will stretch to double their original length before breaking and have a breaking strength of over three tons of force. Ropes are used in two ways. They attach the webbing to a carabiner . Then they pass a rope through the carabiner, letting the two ends dangle down the side of the cliff. One end is tied to the climber.