Learning the ropes, a beginner’s guide into the sport of rock climbing
But now it’s time to break that stigmatism ,because the reality of the situation is that the vast majority of climbers that I know and that I have gotten to know very well through this sport ,are an extremely friendly and chatty group of people ( so chatty in fact there can be times where they more like women outside mass on a Sunday morning , where the volume of chatting can at times supersede the volume of climbing that is actually done ) this same cohort of people that all range in experience in the sport from newcomers into the sport to those with 30+ years involved in the sport , as a whole are extremely welcoming of first timers ,(because let’s face it we all had to start from somewhere ), they will take an active interest in them as they find their feet , offering helpful on equipment preservation , advice on climbing approaches and techniques and the frequently-uttered words heard throughout climbing centres “have you tried doing it this way...?” then upon completion of the climb “ nice one , how’d that feel”.
Now let’s have a little chat about the types of climbing that are out there (for the purposes of this blog the following disciplines will be discussed as they would be personal choices and preferences of what I would do when I go climbing , these are Bouldering, Lead/Sport and Top Rope/Sport Climbing.
Bouldering
Sport Climbing on Lead
Sport Climbing on Top Rope
Below represent some of the main gear or equipment found on a climber during a sport climb obviously depending on the discipline not all of this will be required, for more information click the link at the bottom of the photo.
Now let’s have a chat about some of the terminology and sayings that can be associated with rock climbing which we haven’t already mentioned above. For most climbers this can come naturally for them to use, however those new to the sport not be aware of some the meanings for the phrases.
First we look at a few common holds that are found on indoor walls. (For this blog we will look at crimps, jugs, slopes ‘side pulls, and pinchers and under clings)
Foot positioning and placement for climbing can get a little technical for some people so for those interested in getting more information on foot positioning, this can found by clicking the YouTube link attached. YouTube
Crimps
Jugs
Slope
Side Pull
Pinchers
The last hold that we shall talk about called ‘under clings ‘
Beta: this refers to a very specific description of a climb or a sequence. This is usually provided in a step by step format by either a guidebook of some form or what is more often the case by another climber.
Crux: The is often the hardest part on a climb and the one that can catch most climbers out until they figure out for themselves how to overcome it or they are given beta on how to do so. They can generally appear anywhere along a climb, and there are times it can be the first movement on a climb.
Flash: (not the super hero) this simply relates to when a climber completes a climb on their first on an unseen problem with the help of some beta.
Heel Hooking: simply involves getting the heel of your foot on or around a rock feature and pulling upwards, these are very common on climbs where there are overhanging rocks.
Smearing: this involves the pressing action of the sole of your shoe into the wall for extra traction and grip usually as there are no footholds at your disposal.
Grade: like the name would suggest it simply describes the difficulty of the climb.
Jibs: These are foot –holds that are extremely small and generally speaking they are wide enough for a climber to fit their big toe onto .
Author: Dean Fitzgerald
Recreation and Sport Management Student