Types of Climbing

Top Rope

Top rope is a type of sport climbing where a rope is connected to an anchor at the top of the wall. The belayer is tied into one side of the rope while the climber is tied into the other. As the climber climbs up the wall, the belayer pulls up the additional rope on the climber’s side, to keep them safe should the climber fall. In competition, climbers 13 and under (Youth C and Youth D) use the top rope method for sport climbing routes.

Lead

Lead climbing is a more advanced type of sport climbing. The rope starts on the ground, and as the climber climbs up the wall, they clip into quickdraws. The belayer stands below the quickdraws and if the climber falls, the belayer will catch them and the climber will fall to the last quickdraw they clipped. In competition, climbers 14 and over (Youth B, Youth A, and Junior) use the lead climbing method for sport climbing routes.

Bouldering

Bouldering is a type of climbing done on walls about 10-15 feet tall. There is no rope, but instead a padding system is under the climber. The padding system is sort of like a mattress that cushions a climber’s fall. Individual climbs are typically referred to as “problems”.

Speed

Speed climbing is done on a top rope and executed just like it sounds. The climber is timed from the bottom to the top of the wall. Speed routes are homologous in nature meaning they have the same hold types, hold position, hold angles, etc.

We strongly encourage all Team Sender One athletes to have their own gear. Gear varies depending on which type of climbing your child is interested in:

Bouldering - climbing shoes and a chalk bag

Rope Climbing - harness, climbing shoes and a chalk bag

Sender One will provide all necessary climbing equipment to each climber at no additional cost during their designated class times only. If your climber comes to climb outside of their class, they will need to bring their own climbing equipment or rent the equipment at regular rental rates. Memberships do not include rental equipment.

Gear can be expensive but there are many ways to save money. Team Sender One athletes receive 30% off of gear purchased in our retail shop. You can also find used gear online or through other local retailers.