ROCK CLIMBING

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Rock climbing is an activity in which participants climb up, down or across natural rock  formations or artificial rock walls.  The goal is to reach the summit of a formation or the endpoint of a pre-defined route without falling. To successfully complete a climb, one must return to base safely, due to the length and extended endurance required accidents are more likely to happen on decent than ascent, especially on the larger multiple pitches (class III- IV and /or multi-day grades IV-VI climbs).

Rock climbing competitions  have the objectives of either completing the route in the quickest possible time or attaining the farthest point on an increasingly difficult route. Scrambing , another activity involving the scaling of hills and similar formations, is similar to rock climbing. However, rock climbing is generally differentiated by its sustained use of hands to support the climber's weight as well as to provide balance.

Rock climbing is a physically and mentally demanding sport, one that often tests a climber's strength, endurance, agility and balance along with mental control. It can be a dangerous sport and knowledge of proper climbing techniques  and usage of specialised climbing equipments is crucial for the safe completion of routes. Because of the wide range and variety of rock formations around the world, rock climbing has been separated into several different styles and sub-disciplines. While not an Olympic event, rock climbing is recognized by the International Olympic Committee  as a sport.

Types of climbing

Most of the climbing done in modern times is considered free climbing —climbing using one's own physical strength, with equipment used solely as protection and not as support—as opposed to  aid climbing , the gear-dependent form of climbing that was dominant in the sport's earlier days. Free climbing is typically divided into several styles that differ from one another depending on the choice of equipment used and the configurations of their belay, rope and anchor systems.

As routes get higher off the ground, the increased risk of life-threatening injuries necessitates additional safety measures. A variety of specialized climbing techniques  and climbing equipments exists to provide that safety. Climbers will usually work in pairs and utilize a system of ropes and anchors  designed to catch falls. Ropes and anchors can be configured differently to suit many styles of climbing, and roped climbing is thus divided into further sub-types that vary based on how their belay  systems are set up. Generally speaking, beginners will start with top climbing and/or easy bouldering  and work their way up to lead climbing and beyond.

Free climbing

The most commonly used method to ascend climbs refers to climbs where the climber's own physical strength and skill are relied on to accomplish the climb. Free climbing may rely on top rope belay systems, or on lead climbing to establish protection and the belay stations.

Anchors, ropes and protection are used to back up the climber and are passive as opposed to active ascending aids. Subtypes of free climbing are   trad climbing and sport climbing . Free climbing is generally done as "clean lead" meaning no pitons or pins are used as protection.

Bouldering

 

Climbing on short, low routes without the use of the safety rope that is typical of most other styles. Protection, if used at all, typically consists of a cushioned douldering pad below the route and a spotter, a person who watches from below and directs the fall of the climber away from hazardous areas. Bouldering may be an arena for intense and relatively safe competition, resulting in exceptionally high difficulty standards.