Escalando no estado de São Paulo: levantamento dos ginásios e dos praticantes

Abstract

The practice of sport climbing has been growing, especially in recent years, with the inclusion of this sport in the Olympic Games, showing greater adherence of the population, despite the need for investment to practice it. The present study surveyed and analyzed the spaces of this indoor practice in the state of Sao Paulo and the climbers who attend these spaces. The method used was exploratory descriptive research with the application of a questionnaire, whose sample consisted of 28 climbing spaces and 152 subjects, all climbers divided in 102 men and 50 women, all aged 18 years or older. As a result, it was possible to realize that the spaces are concerned in promoting the sport; with the practice guided by qualified professionals; provide events for socialization and dissemination of climbing; offer specific equipment and other activities to improve the technique and performance of climbers. Regarding to climbers it was observed that they use these spaces to prepare themselves for later climbing in natural environment; as well to health gains; they practice recreationally rather than competitively, preferring mainly the guided/top rope style and; they have in the psychological factor their greatest difficulty. It is possible to conclude that indoor climbing has expanded in the state of Sao Paulo, as well as the interest of practitioners in this practice, especially for women.