Climbing - Rock

Rock climbing is an activity where participants move up, down, or across (or a combination of these directions on) a rock surface. The climber follows a preplanned path called a "route," that is rated by a difficulty level called a "grade." Climbing can take place on indoor or outdoor articifial walls, or on natural rock formations. Climbing on artificial, man-made surfaces may be the preferred option for climbers just learning the sport, to practice new skills, for fitness, during inclement weather, or simply for preference. Man-made surfaces are usually designed to mimic natural rock surfaces, using molded wall attachments called "holds" to provide support to grab and step. There are many variations in the types and styles of climbing, depending on the difficulty of the rock formation and the preferences and skill level of the climber. Some of the climbing styles are described below. Climbing is a very dangerous activity, and should only be attempted by or under the supervision of qualified climbers. Climbers should make sure they have permission to climb a specific formation, using the allowed equipment.

Aid vs. Free Climbing
The biggest differentiation of climbing types is whether or not the climber uses mechanical assistance. If so, it is considered Aid climbing. Free climbing is traversing completely by the effort of the climber with no mechanical assistance. A free climber may still use ropes or other protection devices to prevent falling.

Lead Climbing
In lead climbing, the first ascending climber periodically attaches protection devices as he/she climbs, with a second climber (a "belayer") feeding rope to the lead as they go. Because there are no anchors above the lead climber, a falling lead climber will be caught by the protection they had placed below. The distance climbed is limited by the length of rope. If the climbing route will continue beyond the length of rope, the lead will anchor the end of a section ("pitch") and belay for the second climber until they reach the anchor. The lead will then begin a second pitch. The process (called multi-pitch climbing) continues until reaching the top. The climbers will either descend via a path, if available, or rappel.

Simul Climbing
Similar to lead climbing, except both climbers move at the same time. The lower climber will collect gear placed by the higher climber as he/she goes. When the higher climber needs more gear, they will meet at a fixed point to exchange the collected gear, and the next segment will begin.

Sport Climbing
Sport climbing involves previously climbed routes that have permanent anchors or bolts fixed along the way.

Top Rope Climbing
A prefixed anchor bolt is set at the top of the climb. The climber afixes him/herself to one end of the rope while a belayer supports the other end below them.

Solo Climbing
The most dangerous climbing type, the climber ascends without any assistance from equipment or a belayer. A "Free Solo" climber uses no protection equipment whatsoever. Therefore, a fall will undoubtedly result in serious injury or death. A "Rope Solo" uses rope as a protection, with the climber self-belaying until the end of a pitch. He/she rappels down to get their gear and re-ascends to begin the next pitch. A Free Solo can be done on formations over water ("Deep Water Solo"), with the climber having the water to catch them in the event of a fall.

Bouldering
Similar to a free solo, with the climber using no equipment. However, this is done on surfaces much lower to the ground where a fall will not likely cause serious injuries. This is typically done in an indoor gym with cushioned padding, or with a portable crash pad to land on if the climber falls.

EQUIPMENT
>>Find and compare prices on Climbing equipment.

RELATED ACTIVITIES
Canyoneering, a hybrid of Hiking and Rock Climbing, is included in the Canyoneering activity.

Ice Climbing (and Mixed Climbing) are included in the Climbing - Ice activity.

Mountaineering, which may overlap somewhat with Rock Climbing, is included in the Mountaineering activity.