Types of Rock Climbing

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Types of Rock Climbing


Today there are several different types of rock climbing that have evolved over the years. The Traditional style of climbing is used as the original mountaineers would have used climbing. The climber ascends the cliff while placing gear to protect themselves against potential falls. Climbers usually climb in pairs to alternate between climbing and belaying. The placement and insertion of the gear is essential to its ability to stop their fall. This type of rock climbing is not advised for unfamiliar climbers because poorly placed gear can be ripped out of place during a fall and likely result in serious injury. Once the gear is placed the rope is then clipped into the gear and allows the climber to be caught by the belayer if they fall. One end of the rope that is attached to the climber, the rope is clipped into the gear and the other end of the rope is held by the belayer, a person who continues to take up the slack in the rope as the climber climbs and keeps the climber from falling. Because the climber has to place their gear as they climb they are able to fall farther than other methods of climbing. A climber will fall at least twice as far as their distance from their last placemen of gear.

Sport Climbing uses lighter quick draws and clip them into predrilled bolts along the route. The rope is then clipped into the other side of the quick draw to give a similar effect as the traditional style's gear. This style allows the climber to preform harder moves and push their physical limits of climbing, because they can easily clip in the quick draws and they provide a more secure and predictable route.

Top Roping is probably the most popular form of climbing. In this style the rope is fed through an anchor at the top of the climb before the climber begins. The climber is again belayed by a person who remains on the ground. If the climber falls they will only fall a foot at most. This is an excellent place to begin rock climbing for people who are new to the sport.

Bouldering is a type of rock climbing that does not use any ropes to catch the climber, but soft safety mats, "crash pads", are typically placed under the climber and spotters help keep the climber from falling too far and direct their fall into the safety mats. Falls are still a concern even from low heights as they can still result in injury. The routes (aka. Problems) are typically short in length, but contain high strength moves. Indoor bouldering usually does not exceed 12 feet high, but outdoor routes can be up to 24 feet high. Bouldering is a good way to work on the hardest parts of a top roping climb without expending the energy to get to it. Boulderers may spend hours trying to perfect a single move and end up not more than 6 feet off the ground.

Free Soloing is a style of climbing that also does not use ropes, but they do not limit themselves to a safe height or use any other form of protection. If the climber falls they will almost certainly die. Soloing is not recommended for any climber at any level. (Greenfield)

Reference

Greenfield, Mike. (27 Aug. 2009). Rock climbing 101: What are the different types of rock climbing styles? Retrieved from: http://www.examiner.com/outdoor-adventure-in-san-francisco/rock-climbing-101-what-are-the-different-types-of-rock-climbing-styles