Rock Climbing Styles

Rock climbing can be a very exciting and challenging sport. While it can be dangerous, with the right safety precautions and training, you can minimize your risk of injury or death. There are several different types of climbs, that you should be aware of before starting.

The best way to start climbing is with Indoor Rock Climbing. While you can use almost any of the below styles while climbing indoors, it is the safest way to learn how to climb. You will be instructed on the proper use of safety gear and the different skills needed to complete your climb. It is a controlled environment and therefore most conducive to the beginner.

When you head out into the wild for your first climb, you will be faced with a large natural rock formation. You may choose to climb the entire formation and end up at the summit or top, or you may choose to only climb a portion of it. This is known as a pitch climb. If you climb several routes consecutively, it is known as a multi pitch climb. Free climbing is the most common type of rock climbing today. The climber relies entirely on their own strength and ability, safety gear is just there as a precaution, not as an aid.

Aid Climbing is another type, and the safest of them all. It allows the climber to use equipment for hand and foot holds at every step of the way. When rock climbing began, this allowed participants to complete climbs previously thought impossible.

Bouldering involves much smaller rock formations, so small in fact that safety gear (except for a helmet) is not required as the distance a fall would take you is very minimal. It is necessary to have a partner with you who can guide you along your climb and can adjust the position of a bouldering mat below you in case of a fall.

Top Climbing involves a rope that is already attached to the top of the rock formation. You will again work with a partner or belayer who will hold the rope and control any give and take that you may need.

Lead Climbing also involves a partner who will climb ahead of you and set up a belay system as they go. This makes it easier for the second climber to ascend the rock, but also protects the lead climber in a fall.

Free solo climbing is the most advanced and dangerous form of climbing. It involves no safety precautions such as ropes or harnesses. It requires an amazing amount of physical and even more importantly mental strength. In this type of climbing, you need to be especially cognizant of the weather. Even the slightest rain shower can prove deadly. Make sure that you only try this during perfect weather. Because there is no protection, if you fall during one of these climbs, the fall will most likely be fatal. It goes without saying that this type of climbing is not recommended for anyone but the most skilled and experienced climber.

Another version of this, Deep Water Soloing, requires that you climb on a cliff face over a body of water. While falling into water unprotected is safer than falling onto a solid surface, it is still rather unpleasant.

Whatever type of climbing you decide to do, make sure you have the required skills and equipment to keep you safe and having fun.

Mike Dire is an avid cyclist and sports enthusiast. He is also a partner in an online bike rack store.