Rock Climbing Basics: Safety, Equipment & Knots - A Beginner's Guide

Question
Dear Nicholas,
We are doing a school project and i was wondering whether you could give me any basic information on rock climbing in general, safety, equipment and or knots.
This would be greatly appreciated.
Yours Sincerely
Daniel Roberts
Melbourne, Australia

Answer
In stead of me writing a book, which is what your question would require, I suggest you look at your local book store or library for the following:  "Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills";  and the "How to rock climb" series.  They are both very good and will be able to answer your question much more thoroghly than I would.  I know there are also some good web sites on the internet.  If you still have questions after that, please let me know.

Good Luck,

Nick