history & STYLES of climbing

Rock climbing evolved gradually from an alpine necessity to an athletic sport in its own right. As rock climbing matured, a variety of grading systems were created in order to more accurately compare relative difficulties of climbs. Over the years both climbing techniques and the equipment climbers use to advance the sport have evolved in a steady fashion.

The sport of rock climbing formed in Europe as adventurers continued to attempt new tantalising destinations. It spread throughout the twentieth century throughout America with successful climbs within Yosemite National Park. Indoor walls started sprouting up and are now popular training and competition venues.

Climbing near the ground without a rope is called Bouldering. When climbing on low boulders and walls, the consequences of a slip can be managed either by jumping off or having a partner spot you.

Teamwork can dramatically reduce the likelihood of injuries if a boulderer falls awkwardly. Spotting involves fellow climbers standing below or behind the climber in readiness to field a fall by catching the faller’s shoulders and guiding the feet to a safe landing spot, away from obstacles.

Successful spotting requires total concentration, because the boulderer may only commit to the move on the basis that a fall will be successfully fielded. The spotter’s hands may hover inches away from the climber’s back but should not offer any physical contact unless stopping a fall.

Soloing

Once you reach a height more than a couple of metres above the ground the climbing styles becomes Soloing. Longer solo climbs require a lot of experience and judgement from the climber as there is little room for error.

Climbing with a rope allows climbers to manage the level of risk for their sport. A climber will use a harness and tie the rope into this, so that the force generated by a fall would be shared between the legs and waist. To protect the climber, another person controls the rope with a friction system so that if a climber falls, the rope is locked to stop them falling too far. This is called belaying.

Top roping

Top-roping is generally the safest system of roped climbing. An anchor is fastened at the top and the climber is linked to this with an adjustable length of rope. The belayer controls this length of rope as the climber ascends, so the rope stays reasonably tight at all times. If the climber loses contact with the rock/wall for any reason, the rope stops the climber from falling. Once the climber has reached the top of the climb, they can be lowered back to the ground by the belayer.

Lead climbing

Lead climbing is when the first climber clips the rope into a carabiner that is fastened to protection equipment attached to the rock face. If a climber falls from 1m above their clipped in rope they will fall 1m to 2m below the clip.