Bouldering terms Boulder – Unroped climbing not far from the ground (12 feet or less) with an emphasis on movement and strength. The YDS only applies to rock climbing routes, not ice or mixed rock/ice climbing routes. Which of these indoor climbing wall types is used for practicing and refining climbing techniques? 8. Arête – An outside corner. Climbing Gear. 5. As you continue your Rock Climbing Moves . They have a close fit and a smooth, sticky rubber sole to maximize grip on the rock. Usually, these terms will be used when you are asking how to complete a problem. Feb 15, 2025 · Bouldering has specific terms for techniques, holds, and grading systems. SIDEPULL Method for gripping a vertical edge that entails pulling with the hand and pushing with the feet. To help you understand what the heck people are talking about when they say, "I was super pumped at the crux of that chaucy splitter, and when I took a whipper I almost cratered!", we provide the following list of words. bunny ears. Mar 8, 2025 · Climbing language promotes safety and communication among climbers. Learning these terms can make your bouldering experience more enjoyable. Back in the 80s when Betamax cassettes were used to record rock climbing. There is very little to no information that can be found about when the term ‘sandbag’ or ‘sandbagging’ was first adopted in climbing. 9-5. Climbing Terms You Need to Know Jun 21, 2022 · And that is how the climbing term originated. Brush / Brushing. Abseil —(pronounced AB-sail) To make a controlled descent on a fixed rope. a. Here’s an example: What is the hardest bouldering grade? The hardest grade currently is the V17 (9a), this is the top end of the sport and it is very rarely achieved. Hold: Thing you grab or stand on. Getting beta on a climb means receiving advice. Rock climbing has a specialized vocabulary that can be confusing and overwhelming. There are certainly some less common words that haven’t made it onto this list, but you’ll find everything you really need to know to scrub up and learn the lingo and the most common rock climbing terms. Sending a project? Probably something better left for your day job. And many terms mean different things, depending on the context. Here is a basic rundown of the different types of climbing. And it is also why my name is called the amateur climber as well. SEND Climbing term for climbing a route without falling or resting on gear. Aug 25, 2022 · Yosemite Decimal System– The standard grading scale in the US for free climbing routes. These are only some of the terms you’ll use in the rock climbing community. This is a piece of equipment used when climbing outdoors and placed under the climb in the fall zone to offer a bit more protection should you fall off. New to the world of climbing? No problem. … Mar 23, 2018 · Boulder: Climbing on boulders, often “shorter” or less tall climbs. Common bouldering terms Boulder problem: A specific sequence of moves on a boulder or climbing wall, often called a “problem” in the climbing world. Undercling. Note, dyno could be added here, as well as some other terms higher up. Bouldering is the most simple, most accessible, and thus most popluar form of climbing. The term send is derived from the word ‘ascent’ which means to reach the top of a mountain. What is the term for a rock climbing technique that involves using the feet to transfer weight and maintain balance? 9. Crimp – A thin climbing hand hold that requires one to “crimp”; also known as crimper Bouldering Essentials is packed with clear, practical advice for everyone interested in bouldering whether a complete beginner looking to learn the basics, an indoor climber keen to start bouldering outdoors or an experienced boulderer who wants to explore advanced topics such as dynamics, strategy, tactics, training and highballing. Accessory cord —Nylon, Kevlar® or Spectra® cord sold in a range of diameters, typically smaller than those of climbing ropes. Unroped climbers risk severe injury or fatality in the event of a fall. Climbing Shoes: Specialized footwear designed for rock climbing. Example: “I like that boulder. Key terms like “jug” and “crux” are essential for understanding climbing techniques. Knowing the jargon helps you communicate better with other climbers. 10. They allow climbers to reposition themselves or gain leverage in these tricky terrains. Gaston. Found Mar 6, 2025 · In mastering rock climbing terms, you’ve unlocked the gateway to adventure, from understanding gear to executing advanced techniques. Lead Climbing Mar 22, 2021 · Most climbers would say that the terms flash, onsight, and redpoint are specifically for lead climbing. As a beginner stepping into one of these gyms for the first time, you'll likely hear climbers tossing around terms that sound like a foreign language if you've Oct 5, 2023 · 7. I can just picture Jack carefully placing his beta tape of Kansas City into his betamax recorder and subsequently showing the footage to Freeman on a 4:3 television set. Or still are. From essential gear terms like carabiners (metal loops that connect ropes) and belay devices (tools for controlling rope), to movement techniques such as crimping and flagging, these terms create a shared language among climbers. From basic terms like “crimps” (small finger holds) to advanced beta calls such as “gaston” (an outward-facing grip position), these words form the essential language of climbing. Send: This is another term for completing a climb. Though not in the modern-day sense, Hassler Whitney (1907-1989) is considered one of the very early American boulderers and spent much of his life putting up routes without a Speaking about rock climbing grades, there are not only the systems listed above but also other difficulty rating systems. See rappel. I know what you are thinking, it’s not that character from the Beauty and The Beast classic. Below is an introduction to some of the basic terms used to describe the different styles and techniques of rock climbing. Jun 24, 2024 · “Whipper,” “Dyno,” and “Chicken Wing” are some funny Rock Climbing terms that add a touch of humor to the sport, describing dramatic falls, dynamic moves, and awkward jamming techniques, respectively. Aug 6, 2019 · Spanish-Language Rock Climbing Key Terms a. Undercling refers to any hold used by turning your palm upside-down, as if receiving alms, and walking the feet up. The system follows a scale that begins at 5. On paper, rock climbing sounds quite simple – climb up a rock face either with or without ropes and safety gear. A knot also known as lineman's loop, butterfly loop, alpine butterfly knot and lineman's rider, is a knot used to form a fixed loop in the middle of a rope. Nov 8, 2023 · Here is our rock climbing slang dictionary, complete with different types of climbing, types of holds, safety terms, gym terms, and so much more! Types of Climbing. Jan 10, 2021 · Home - Climb - A Guide to Rock Climbing Terms and Jargon. Bouldering Essentials is packed with clear, practical advice for everyone interested in bouldering whether a complete beginner looking to learn the basics, an indoor climber keen to start bouldering outdoors or an experienced boulderer who wants to explore advanced topics such as dynamics, strategy, tactics, training and highballing. Don’t let this get you down though. butterfly knot. Aid Climbing – Ascending a wall by pulling on fixed or temporary pieces of gear rather than climbing under your own In analogy to bouldering this term describes climbing on buildings. No ropes, only shoes and chalk (and hopefully some ground pads). Gym: indoor climbing wall. Feb 25, 2025 · Basic climbing words serve as the foundation for anyone starting their vertical adventures. Second: the person following the lead up. Jul 13, 2022 · The term ‘sandbag’ in climbing was popularized by climbers who would imagine climbing a route with a sandbag attached to their harness. Feb 9, 2020 · Not every term is exclusive to climbing, but all are used by climbers. Other types of rock climbing terms that boulderers use are in relation to movements, or types of moves they should be engaging in. A term commonly used in Europe and Australia. Technical rock climbing begins with routes reaching the Class 5 level. Mar 11, 2025 · With the explosive growth of bouldering – 64% of new climbing gyms in 2021 were exclusively bouldering facilities – more and more people are learning this special language. Feb 18, 2025 · What are some common climbing slang terms? Some common climbing slang terms include “beta,” which refers to advice or information about a climb, and “crux,” the hardest part of a route. 15c (currently the hardest confirmed free climb in the world). Whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber, understanding the terminology associated with climbing is essential. Keep in mind that multiple terms can often be used to describe one route. Jan 5, 2020 · https://rarepleco. And yet, there are so many different terms used in the climbing community to describe all sorts of different features to rock climbing. In certain parts of Asia, we often refer to gumbies climbing as newbie or noob climbers. Belayer: the person that manages the rope, protecting the climber against a fall. A-D. ROCK CLIMBING TERMS. What does Send mean in climbing? Let’s take a look… What does ‘send’ mean in climbing? Send is a climbing term used to describe a successful ascent of a route or boulder. Photo by Loreah Winlow. k. ” Familiarity with climbing terms and slang is more than just learning a new vocabulary; it’s about becoming an integrated member of the climbing community. For instance, in off-width climbing, a type of crack climbing where the fissure is too wide for a hand jam but too narrow for a full body wedge, gastons can be crucial. . It can also be used as a term of encouragement “send it!” Dec 13, 2022 · When you are hanging around other climbers and working on similar bouldering problems, you are likely to strike up a conversation that includes some odd rock climbing terms. Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that is performed on small rock formations or artificial rock walls without the use of ropes or harnesses. Mar 16, 2020 · Other Rock Climbing Terms – Types of Moves. It’s all about technical, difficult moves on short routes—generally no higher than about 15 feet from the ground. Instead of feeling lost in translation when you hear terms like “gaston the side-pull,” get ready to dive into the exciting world of rock climbing lingo. It does get on my nerves when I see gumby rock climbing but the one thing we must all remember: we were once them. Climbing a route first try definitely takes more than a repeat attempt and you should be proud. Our informal dictionary of climbing terms. Jun 16, 2022 · The most common term used in climbing is ‘send’. Click on this link to see other systems for measuring difficulties in climbing. Mar 13, 2023 · Climbing is an exciting and challenging sport that requires skill, strength, and endurance. Feb 23, 2020 · The term “bouldering” first appeared in British climbing literature — with Oscar Eckstein serving as one of the sport’s earliest advocates in the British Isles. Most of these climbing terms are indoor bouldering terminology used to describe each movement on a problem. Protection usually is the floor or a mat. These gyms create perfect spaces for beginners to pick up terminology from more experienced climbers in a supportive environment. Un Poco de Vocabulario de Escalada para Los Gringos. While bouldering can be done without any equipment, most climbers use climbing shoes to help secure footholds, chalk to keep their hands dry and to provide a firmer grip, and bouldering mats to prevent injuries from falls. Aid Climbing: Ascending the rock by pulling directly on gear for progress. Feb 11, 2025 · Bouldering vocabulary opens up a world of precise movement descriptions and safety communication at the climbing gym. In this video, we delve into the world of bouldering terminology and bust some common terms in a handy 'climbing terms explained'. That is a nice boulder. Flashing a route? Sounds inappropriate. May 21, 2019 · As a final quick review: on-sighting a route occurs when you lead climb a route without any previous practice or information regarding the climb, flashing occurs when you have some information but still climb to the top of a route on your first attempt, and redpointing a route refers to successfully climbing a route that you’ve had practice on before – usually this is referring to a route Jan 28, 2022 · As climbing difficulty progresses into Class 4, most people use ropes and protection due to steepness and exposure. Oct 8, 2024 · But the vocabulary is part of what makes the climbing culture so great! They use strange verbiage, enjoy wrestling funky-colored walls, and are covered in chalk 90% of the time. Abseil – See Rappel. ” “Paroi” translates to “wall,” emphasizing the distinctive style of climbing in this region, which often involves bouldering on rock faces rather than traditional rope climbing. This article is designed to guide you through the different holds categories that cover the walls of indoor climbing gyms, shedding light on the terms used and offering a few useful tips. Trad climbing is another name for traditional climbing (see Traditional Climbing). Albert would paint a red "X" on any fixed metal pitons on a rock climbing route so that he could avoid using them while climbing, thus not using any artificial aid. There is an inordinate amount of terms related to climbing. Be aware that several terms can be used as both verbs and nouns. com/2019/12/23/rock-climbing-terms-in-chinese/ The differences in usage between Taiwan and China for certain words is interesting to note. Sep 27, 2023 · Escalade de Paroi: In the climbing haven of Fontainebleau, France, renowned for its boulder-strewn forests, climbers may use the term “escalade de paroi. A. 1. Beta. Bouldering, like rock climbing, has its own terminology. 0 (the easiest climbing, sometimes referred to as “a ladder”) and 5. Mar 18, 2025 · Get clear definitions of essential bouldering terms, climbing gear, and grading systems – vital for measuring your progress and skill level. Lead: the person leading the climb. And believe it or not, most of them are actually used pretty often. Feb 16, 2024 · For newcomers and intermediate boulderers alike, deciphering the lexicon of holds can sometimes seem as dizzying as the walls themselves. The hike to a climbing area, or to the base of a specific route, is the approach. [1] [2] [3] The terms used can vary between different English-speaking countries; many of the phrases described here are particular to the United States and the United Kingdom. A double figure of eight loop often used to clip into anchors with 2 carabiners. Refugio Frey near Bariloche, Argentina. Rock climbing grades, bear in mind that: The English term "redpoint" is a loan translation of the German Rotpunkt that was coined by Kurt Albert in the mid-1970s at Frankenjura. So tie in, chalk up, and let the vertical world become the Jan 27, 2022 · Climbing Terms Explained A. Glossary of climbing terms relates to rock climbing (including aid climbing, lead climbing, bouldering, and competition climbing), mountaineering, and to ice climbing. What does the acronym “UIAA” stand for? 10. Here’s an explanation of some of the terms you might hear climbers throwing around the centre Problem: A climb. Feb 10, 2024 · Rock Climbing Terms You'll Hear In A Climbing Gym Indoor rock climbing has exploded in popularity over the past decade, with modern climbing gyms popping up in cities across the country. Familiarizing yourself with climbing jargon can enhance your climbing experience. Invented, as the name suggests, to grade routes in the Yosemite Valley, CA. I felt like I was listening to a different language! Feb 13, 2025 · Rock climbing and bouldering come with specific terms that climbers need to know. It must be noted, this is an open-ended scale, so there could be harder grades in the future! Are bouldering grades harder than sport climbing grades? It is hard to compare! Beta is a climbing term that designates information about how to ascend a climbing route, and the specific climbing techniques required—and how to apply them—to overcome the key challenges encountered. Antonym of “free climbing,” which means using only one’s hands, feet, and the rock for May 4, 2022 · RUNOUT The climbing term for being far above your last piece of protection. Even though they sound similar, free climbing and free soloing are two very different things. We will explore some of the most common climbing terms to help you communicate more effectively with other climbers and enhance your overall climbing experience. Top Rope Climbing vs. It’s not unusual for beginner boulderers to be completely lost in a conversation with other boulderers. Jun 7, 2024 · Bouldering is hard enough as it is, but understanding bouldering terms and lingo is a challenge in itself! When I first started climbing, I remember getting confused between the names of different holds and body movements that I couldn’t follow along in every conversation. Other terms for this include bouldering mat, crash pad or crash mat. This is the action of cleaning holds on a route. May 3, 2022 · Rock Climbing Terrain Terms Approach. Climbing Wall: An artificially constructed wall with grips for hands and feet, used for climbing. Aug 2, 2024 · Crag: a cliff or rock feature. Climbing Gym: An indoor facility equipped with artificial rock walls designed for climbing. Don't worry about the distinction between the terms unless you're considering a long, multipitch This term is more popular in America due to its origins. The words used by climbers Jan 4, 2024 · Photo by Vincenzo Di Giorgi on Unsplash Free soloing. Today, we wanted to walk you through all of the different bouldering terminology specifically for new climbers! For those that do not want to watch the video above, we have prepared a written write-up just for you. The term is typically used in Europe and Australia. Free soloing is an extremely high-risk and advanced form of rock climbing where the climber ascends a route without any form of protection or safety equipment. General Terms in Bouldering. Here is a dictionary of climbing terms for various types of climbing (Bouldering, Top Rope, and Sports Climbing) so you know what other climbers are saying and how to join in on the conversation. Here are a few bouldering terms you should know before hitting your local crag or bouldering gym: Apr 26, 2019 · Climbing Terms: 攀岩 术语 (pānyán shùyǔ) English Chinese 中文 (pīnyīn) Rock Climbing 攀岩 (pānyán) Sport Climbing 运动攀 (yùndòng pān) Traditional Climbing 传统攀 (chuántǒng pān) Lead 先锋 (xiānfēng) Toprope : 顶绳 (dǐngshéng) Redpoint 红点 (hóngdiǎn) Bouldering Jul 11, 2023 · Bouldering. For example: South Africa, Brazil, Finnish, Swedish. If you’re new to climbing or hang around people who enjoy the sport, you’ve probably heard some words that make you scratch your head in confusion. From essential safety words like “belayer” (the person controlling the safety rope) to movement-based terms such as “crux” (the hardest part of a climb), these phrases form the basic language of climbing. Approach: The approach is the hike to the boulders, often more challenging than expected. When I began climbing, understanding terms like “beta” and “crux” not only improved my communication with fellow climbers but also enhanced my overall climbing experience. Variant: Undercut. The minor distinctions climbers make between different ways of getting to the top of a cliff can seem unnecessarily arcane. Feb 16, 2022 · Trad Climbing. We’ll go over some of the most popular lingo so you can fit right in as you start your climbing journey. Glossary of Climbing Terms. Bouldering Pad. SHOCK LOAD A force exerted on an anchor when weight is suddenly dropped onto it. Other terms include “send,” meaning to complete a climb successfully, and “screamer,” which describes a fall that involves a lot of slack in the . Approaches can be anything from a paved 5-minute walk from the parking lot to the crag, to a 20-minute hike on a maintained trail, to a full-day, off-trail scramble across forest and talus. Nov 2, 2023 · Outdoor climbing presents its own set of challenges and opportunities for gastons. Bouldering Glossary: A whole new language. Beginner to intermediate rock climbing skills required. cdrnntossjgbhveihqvgzhhmnzdqatybsbdkpthhcjcmxkfschzcopycnskuwgpiljjcfwskvgqxeg