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Types of Climbing

You don’t have to climb Mt. Everest to enjoy the sport of rock climbing. There are many options. Some of these include:

Traditional Climbing is the type of rock climbing often seen in movies and on television. It’s done in teams of two, taking turns “belaying” (or securing with a rope) the other climber. Climbers carry “racks” of equipment and supplies needed for safety and sometimes to aid in the ascent. Traditional climbing can be “free climbing”, in which a climber uses only natural configurations found on the rock (such as crevices and cracks or overhangs) to support weight and assist in climbing. It can also be “directly aided,” in which weight-bearing equipment is hammered into the rock, and then removed after using. Traditional climbing involves much planning and decision-making to determine the safest way to the top. It may take several hours to several days to reach the summit. Much of traditional climbing done, especially on steep mountain slopes, is a combination of aided and free climbing.

Sport Climbing has gained popularity in recent years. In this type of climbing, aid equipment is permanently affixed to the face of the rock or a wall. The emphasis here is on athletic moves and timing in reaching the top. Belay partner and ropes are used to protect the climber if a fall should occur.

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