To make climbing safe, climbers will often climb in pairs. The leader will climb first climbing up and placing protection as they go. When the leader has finished the route the other climber in the pair, the second, will climb and will remove the protection that the leader placed. |
Shorter climbs can often be done with anchors and rope that are placed at the top of the climb before the climbers ascend. This type of climbing is called "top-rope" climbing. Longer climbs are normally done placing safety anchors during the ascent. This method is called "lead" climbing. To make lead climbing safe, climbers will often climb in pairs. The leader will climb first climbing up and placing protection as they go. When the leader has finished the route the other climber in the pair, the second, will climb and will remove the protection that the leader placed. |
* [Mountain climbing]? is climbing mountains and may sometimes include rock or ice climbs. |
* Mountaineering is climbing mountains and may sometimes include rock or ice climbs. |
Shorter climbs can often be done with anchors and rope that are placed at the top of the climb before the climbers ascend. This type of climbing is called "top-rope" climbing. Longer climbs are normally done placing safety anchors during the ascent. This method is called "lead" climbing.
To make lead climbing safe, climbers will often climb in pairs. The leader will climb first climbing up and placing protection as they go. When the leader has finished the route the other climber in the pair, the second, will climb and will remove the protection that the leader placed.
Categories by type of terrain
Categories by use of protection
Styles of climbing outside
Competitions are usually held indoors on purpose built climbing walls. There are two main categories. As an additional handicap, a climber may have to climb a route on sight. This means he is not allowed to see other climber try to climb the route.
Climbers grade the routes they climb. The grading system used varies from country to country (and region) and according to what style the climb is. See also Grading a boulder.