| Basically, there are three main types of rock | | | | to set up safely. |
| climbing: traditional (trad), sport climbing and | | | | Top-Roping - the safest type of rock climbing, |
| artificial. Within the two, however, are several | | | | and is highly recommended for the beginner |
| climbing sub-categories due to the geological rock | | | | because an anchor at the top of the route allows |
| formations and the creative and rebellious streak | | | | the belayer to manage the rock climbing rope as |
| that characterizes climbers. Advanced knowledge | | | | it runs to the climber below. |
| and information about the crag, rock formation, | | | | Bottom-Roping - this is a variation of the previous |
| or mountain you plan to climb; are crucial to | | | | style, much loved by outdoor instructors as it |
| planning and executing your climb with a | | | | allows safer management of large groups from |
| reasonable margin of safety and comfort. | | | | the bottom of the crag and can be organised to |
| Generally, rock climbing techniques are dictated by | | | | give participants a much higher degree of |
| the topography and features of area where you | | | | involvement in the activity. |
| intend to climb. There is a big "However" though: | | | | Lead Climbing - the leader climbs from the start |
| you should also be aware of the wide variety of | | | | point with his rope while the second climber belays |
| local "ethics" that pervade this sport and give it its | | | | him. The leader establishes safety points as they |
| eclectic streak. More of that in future articles. | | | | progress through the climb. The second climber |
| Traditional Climbing - most often referred to | | | | catches up with the lead climber at every point; in |
| these days as trad: considered to be the most | | | | this type of climb, both climbers belay each other |
| environmentally friendly and purest roped form of | | | | as they progress. |
| climbing, but not necessarily the safest because | | | | Simultaneous Climbing - considered as a form of |
| the climber places all the required gear as they | | | | traditional climbing where two climbers progress |
| climb and remove it as they progress, leaving | | | | up a route at the same time to cover easier |
| nothing behind. | | | | (usually) ground rapidly with the partners switching |
| Sport Climbing - a climbing style where safety | | | | roles as lead climber and second as their tempo |
| gear in the form of bolts in the rock, are | | | | dictates. |
| permanently attached to the rock along the | | | | Aid Climbing - as the climber ascends, gear is |
| determined route and the climber simply has to | | | | placed at regular intervals along the route and |
| clip and go! This is both a discipline in its own right | | | | used to aid the climber's progress. This can be as |
| and serves as tremendous training for other | | | | simple as pulling on a sling or involve some |
| "flavours" of the sport. | | | | incredibly technical and sketchy progress via tape |
| Free Climbing - includes both the previous | | | | ladders and marginal skyhook placements. Gear |
| disciplines above and covers any climbing style | | | | and rope are utilized to aid the climber reach each |
| where the climber uses safety gear such as the | | | | point of the climbing route. |
| rock climbing rope to prevent injury but relies on | | | | Solo Aid Climbing - the climber attempts to free |
| physical fitness, strength, balance and ability to | | | | climb as much as possible and use a harness as |
| perform the climb in contrast to the sport and | | | | may be required but no rope. It is at the climber's |
| aid-climbing styles. | | | | discretion whether or not to use the gear to aid in |
| Bouldering - climbing low level "problems" rather | | | | the climb. |
| than routes, without the use of ropes. Frequently | | | | As with any other type of sport, getting geared |
| this is also done with a partner (spotter) at the | | | | up correctly allied to preparing physically and |
| bottom who can direct an in-flight climber away | | | | mentally is the right way to approach any style of |
| from waiting hazards. Particularly high problems or | | | | climb where you will be challenged. |
| those with a serious, nasty landing are often | | | | For those wanting to learn how to rock climb, |
| referred to as "highball" problems. | | | | there is a bewildering array of tuition available. One |
| Free Soloing - considered as the most dangerous | | | | of the best ways to learn the ropes is to join a |
| rock climbing technique since the climb is executed | | | | climbing club. Here the experienced climbers can |
| without using any safety gear. | | | | mentor you in the basics; one step at a time and |
| Deep Water Soloing - a free solo climb where the | | | | educate you in the right choice of equipment. |
| rock face is situated above a deep body of | | | | Critically, you will be shown the black arts of |
| water that can protect (?) the climber from | | | | managing your rock climbing rope safely and |
| serious injury in case of a fall. | | | | efficiently. |
| Rope Soloing - another flavor of rock climbing, | | | | Just as importantly they will immerse you in the |
| where the climber starts a route with the rope | | | | strange counter culture that is climbing and infuse |
| tied off so that they can belay themselves as | | | | you with their own particular flavour of arcane |
| they progress along the route. This is very tricky | | | | rock climbing "ethics. |