The sport of climbing has many different facets to it, something that those who are not part of the sport may not realize. If you’re thinking about taking up rock climbing, it’s worth learning what you can about rock climbing and types of climbing first.
Just as there are different types of climbing, there are different types of climbers. Some climbers try different types first to help them learn more about which type they may want to pursue more seriously. Here is an overview of each of the most common types of rock climbing.
Top rope climbing – Climbing the top rope is the way most people learn to climb. It is the least dangerous and the easiest to learn at first. My children climb the top rope and I have seen children as young as three start learning. If you can fit into the team, you can learn to climb the top rope. This is also the type of climbing that many pregnant women do long into their pregnancies until they are too far along to climb comfortably. In top rope climbing, the climber is attached to the end of the rope which goes up to an anchor point at the top and back down to a belay device on the ground that will catch the climber’s fall. The rope is always above the climber, so no actual “fall” occurs.
lead climbing- Once you’ve learned the basics of climbing safety and mechanics, you can move on to lead climbing. This requires more mental commitment than having the top rope on top of you at all times. You will be attached to your harness with one end of the rope, which will drag as you climb. The trailing end of the rope descends to the belayer, who will pull it out through a safety device. If the lead climber falls, the belayer is there with equipment to help slow/arrest the fall and will take most of the force of the fall. Unlike top rope climbing, however, there is the potential for an actual fall to occur.
Boulder- Bouldering refers to outdoor climbing on rocks or at the base of cliffs. You will wear only climbing shoes and a bag of chalk and it is very physically demanding. It does not rise very high from the ground so there is no need for ropes or belaying. Usually, the climber can jump off the bouldering surface without injury. Typically bouldering is done 10-12 feet off the ground or less.
climbing- Sport climbing is growing in popularity and is an excellent physical activity while still being relatively safe. It is done with rope and belay, but sport climbs are bolted so that the lead climber does not have to place his own protection. Instead, he carries quickdraws and attaches them to the eye of the pre-positioned bolts as he climbs. Sport climbs are usually (but not always) shorter routes.
Indoor climbing- Indoor climbing is becoming more popular today than ever. Allows for safe, heated climbing in a structured environment. Most indoor rock climbing facilities have the option of different types of rock climbing and bouldering. They usually also offer rental equipment, lessons, and structured activities. Indoor climbing is a great way to build the foundation you need to climb outdoors as well.