Bouldering meaning slang TYPES OF CLIMBING BOULDERING Bouldering is the most straight forward and most accessible… Jul 21, 2023 · If you watched Alex Honnold climbing nearly 3,000 feet of sheer granite without a rope, but you weren’t completely certain what he was talking about half of the time, or if you just got into climbing and you’re looking to improve your crag-slang skills, or even if you’re just curious whether climbing slang is as weird as the words you use in your hobby, then this glossary is for you. May 7, 2019 · Quite often, you will hear climbers in the gym use the term “sandbagging. Belaying someone simply means that you are holding the rope in a way that allows you to catch them if they fall. Climbers use crash pads to protect themselves from falls. Oct 8, 2024 · Understanding the holds is like having a map to navigate the climbing world. Beta- Advise or instructions on how to do a climb. It comes from the idea that climbing that route feels as though you are climbing with a large bag of sand tied to your waist. Aid Climbing – Ascending a wall by pulling on fixed or temporary pieces of gear rather than climbing under your own Glossary of climbing terms relates to rock climbing (including aid climbing, lead climbing, bouldering, and competition climbing), mountaineering, and to ice climbing. Climbing Shoes: Specialized footwear designed for rock climbing. Mar 6, 2025 · Crimping is rock climbing slang that involves gripping small rock holds with your first pads on your fingers and applying pressure to small edges. Redpoint, while a route climbing term is somewhat regularly used on boulders, particularly in Germany, where the term originated— and there’s no logical reason to exclude it. (Photo: Getty Images) In rock climbing, beta can include background information about a route's grade of difficulty (e. And although this list of rock climbing terms is certainly not definitive, it’s a good place to start. Jun 16, 2022 · The most common term used in climbing is ‘send’. Flash means someone gives you beta or tips or you watch another climber first and then try the route. The scale starts with the easiest grades at 5. Common climbing slang terms Woody. May 17, 2021 · Is Bouldering Rock Climbing? Yes, bouldering is a form of rock climbing. Here’s an example: Jul 13, 2022 · So what does Sandbag mean in climbing? Let’s take a look… What does ‘Sandbag’ mean in climbing/bouldering? Sandbag is a climbing term used for when a grade is rated way too soft. Bouldering’s got its own language, a mix of grit and grace. A. Abseil – See Rappel. A route can have more than one beta. Jan 27, 2022 · Aid Climbing: Ascending the rock by pulling directly on gear for progress. Suesca is often considered the birthplace of rock climbing in Colombia, an old school crag with grades to match. Applies mostly to difficult climbs. In climbing, a boulder refers to a large rock that can be climbed without the use of ropes. Let’s start with an example in rock climbing. Onsight means you come to the climbing route or Boulder and successfully climb it without any information about it beforehand. correct? "Hey dude, you ripped right now?" See full list on topbouldering. looking at rec. Dihedral- corner facing inwards. At its core, sandbagged climbing refers to a route that is a master of disguise, a route that is significantly more challenging than its grade would lead you to believe. Well in this article I’ve got a list of 217 terms used when rock climbing including their definitions. May 19, 2014 · The rock climbing (5. It requires precise finger strength and control. He spent the afternoon bouldering at the local climbing gym. While the softer angle enables climbers to place more of their body weight on their feet, slab climbs maintain the challenge by having smaller holds. It’s up for debate but too much info should move your climb from an onsight to a flash. (Edited so everyone can leave me alone now) Arrete- corner facing outwards. butterfly knot. Even if you feel like a “gumby” (inexperienced climber) on the wall, you can show other enthusiasts you’re not by using these climbing slang terms. Hotshot sends A Real >Tough Climb. 0 (the easiest climbing, sometimes referred to as “a ladder”) and 5. A term used interchangeably with rappelling, mainly in the UK and European countries. The term is typically used in Europe and Australia. What does Send mean in climbing? Let’s take a look… What does ‘send’ mean in climbing? Send is a climbing term used to describe a successful ascent of a route or boulder. . To help you understand what the heck people are talking about when they say, "I was super pumped at the crux of that chaucy splitter, and when I took a whipper I almost cratered!", we provide the following list of words . Climbing Gym: An indoor facility equipped with artificial rock walls designed for climbing. 2. All the movements, hold types, and most of the slang is exactly the same. However, the original grade is usually the more accurate one. Dec 21, 2006 · Climbing is a sport that can be done to varying degrees of extremeness. The term send is derived from the word ‘ascent’ which means to reach the top of a mountain. So, are you stoked to talk the talk as you walk the vertical walk? Let’s climb on! If you’re curious about the origins of rock climbing, check out our article on who invented rock climbing. Silvia Vidal aid Jun 7, 2024 · Bouldering is hard enough as it is, but understanding bouldering terms and lingo is a challenge in itself! When I first started climbing, I remember getting confused between the names of different holds and body movements that I couldn’t follow along in every conversation. See rappel. It boils it down to just the physical side of things without the need for much gear. Feb 13, 2025 · What does “bouldering” mean? Bouldering is a style of climbing performed on short, yet challenging rock formations or artificial walls, usually without ropes. Beta. Jan 1, 2024 · Rock climbing FAQs Is rock climbing hard for beginners? If you’ve never climbed before the first time will be difficult but you’ll soon find it gets easier. Aug 2, 2024 · Soloing: rock climbing without rope. Abseil —(pronounced AB-sail) To make a controlled descent on a fixed rope. Accessory cord —Nylon, Kevlar® or Spectra® cord sold in a range of diameters, typically smaller than those of climbing ropes. It’s the ultimate test of your mental and Aug 25, 2022 · Yosemite Decimal System– The standard grading scale in the US for free climbing routes. Gear can be used to protect against a fall. ” It means to soften the grade on a climb because they think it is easier than the declared grade. 3 days ago · of course, Climbing is probably somewhat behind the times at least in terms of climbing slang. Jan 4, 2024 · Most commonly used in Europe and North America, the term abseil means to descend a vertical cliff or rock face using a rope wrapped around your body and fastened to the top of the slope. With so much rock climbing slang and funny climbing terms, it can be hard to understand anything that a climber says at first. Feb 21, 2017 · Free climbing is a general term that simply means you are relying on your hands and feet -- not gear -- to ascend a wall (you are equipped with gear as a safety precaution, however). Some climbing is "single-pitch", and some is "multi-pitch". Invented, as the name suggests, to grade routes in the Yosemite Valley, CA. Nov 5, 2020 · Climbing a route onsight is what most people prefer for fun as well as what pro climbers aspire to at the highest level. What Counts As An Onsight In Climbing? Simply put, climbing onsight means climbing a route “clean” in one go without getting beta or taking a good look at it before trying it. The word “send” in the context of climbing can signify anything from “do it!” as in “c’mon, send it!” or “allez!” to successfully completing a route as in “yeah, that V13, I sent it The English term "redpoint" is a loan translation of the German Rotpunkt that was coined by Kurt Albert in the mid-1970s at Frankenjura. Climbing: The act of ascending vertical or near-vertical natural rock formations or artificial rock walls. A redpoint is when a climber successfully completes a route “lead climbing” without falling, while a deadpoint is a climbing technique where a climber launches themselve upward and grabs a hold at the moment of weightlessness at the top of the “jump”. Although the idea of carrying a sandbag while climbing can be akin to the added difficulty of a sandbagged climb. In rock climbing a slab climb (or friction climb) is a type of climbing route where the rock face is 'off-angle' and not fully vertical. Also known as paraclimbing, adaptive climbing makes rock climbing more accessible for people with physical disabilities. Let’s answer this really quick first, and a bit more in detail. You’ve got your crimp (a tiny hold you pinch hard), jug (a big, friendly hold), and sloper (smooth, sloping, and mean). However there might be that rock climbing term that seems to be passed around every now and then and you still wonder what it means. They have a close fit and a smooth, sticky rubber sole to maximize grip on the rock. People also use “redpoint crux” in boulders. Spotting: A safety measure where another person (the spotter) carefully watches the climber and is prepared to act if they slip or fall. Mar 23, 2018 · Whether you’re new to the sport or well versed in climbing, there may be some words you may not understand. Yo - you bouldering today? Ya - I be bouldering. A-D. That can include as little as a description in a guidebook or as much as on-the-wall coaching move by move. Be aware that several terms can be used as both verbs and nouns. Nov 8, 2023 · Rock Climbing Lingo: Common Rock Climbing Slang & Terminologies. The information presented here does not describe all of the risks associated with climbing and is not intended to replace or supersede expert instruction and training. Bouldering is a term used to describe the act of climbing small rock formations, typically without the use of ropes or other safety equipment. It can be a rock or protection of such peerless quality and/or reliability that it could withstand a hypothetical bomb blast. Though there are some climbing terms such as a “dyno” that you honestly don’t need to know straight away, belaying is one of the most essential skills you’ll need for rock climbing. May 4, 2022 · ICE CLIMBING Ascending frozen ice by using special ice axes and crampons. Usually the holds fill basically every bolt hole (similar to Korean and Japanese climbing walls) rather than a more spaced out set. Aug 2, 2022 · When bouldering outdoors, this will normally mean climbing onto the rock. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] The terms used can vary between different English-speaking countries; many of the phrases described here are particular to the United States and the United Kingdom. Jun 24, 2024 · As you strap on your harness and chalk up your hands, these 30 must-know terms will transform you from a groundling to a cragmaster. Mar 11, 2025 · Learn essential bouldering common terms like crux, dyno, and flash, to improve your skills and communicate like a pro. Rock climbing has a specialized vocabulary that can be confusing and overwhelming. x) portion of the scale is the most common climb grading system used in the US. Jan 10, 2021 · Home - Climb - A Guide to Rock Climbing Terms and Jargon. To "Sandbag" a route is to soften the grade on a climb. Adaptive climbing. Don’t expect any ice cream ticks here. Bouldering definition: . You might hear climbers refer to climbing near their redpoint. The question is, why do we sandbag climbs? Very recently I was climbing on the second 5. When climbing at the gym, it means climbing over the wall and onto the flat surface on the top, instead of downclimbing. Modern bouldering has pushed the limits of climbing as a whole by allowing a new way of practicing incredibly hard Mar 22, 2021 · See What Does Climbing Onsight Mean? What Counts As A Climbing Flash? Essentially a flash in climbing means using any knowledge about the route. It’s a game-changer. Meaning the boulder problem or climbing route is much harder than its grade would suggest. they are strong, hot, and most of all the nicest boys in the world. What does it mean to be gumby climbing? Is it the technique? Is it the gears? As an amateur climber, it only makes sense to cover an interesting climbing slang: gumby. Nov 9, 2021 · If you’re climbing curious, you’ve no doubt heard the term “belaying” and may rightfully be wondering what on earth it means. Free climbing May 21, 2019 · “Practice” can come in many forms, including previously attempting and failing on a route or top-roping the route before attempting a lead climb. A section of a climb, or the whole thing. Jul 23, 2023 · To help you keep up or show off to your friends, we’ve selected 100 important rock climbing terms that every climber should know with very simple definitions. Understanding the lingo can help make the sport feel more approachable, but it is also essential to your safety in many situations. Difference between flash and onsight. Aid climbing Jul 11, 2023 · To lead a climbing route on the first attempt without prior knowledge (beta) of the route or moves. Flashing a route? Sounds inappropriate. Sending a project? Probably something better left for your day job. CLIMBING TERMINIOLOGY Climbing is dangerous, it involves inherent and other risks and cannot be made safe. Belay: To belay is actually an old sailing term that means “to fasten,” and climbers use it to mean much the same thing. Mar 18, 2025 · Climbing slang. Jan 15, 2021 · The term isn’t to be confused with actually using a sandbag while belaying – commonly used in gyms when you have a heavier climber. Bouldering, which is short un-roped climbs done over crashpads with spotters ready to protect a fall, is the simplest and least gear intensive form of climbing. 13 of my life. In analogy to bouldering this term describes climbing on buildings. A term commonly used in Europe and Australia. For example, Yosemite granite is bomber, while Fisher Towers Cutler sandstone is not. There are 4 words for kinds of hard earth matter: pebbles, rocks, stones, and boulders. A double figure of eight loop often used to clip into anchors with 2 carabiners. Antonym of “free climbing,” which means using only one’s hands, feet, and the rock for progress. Oct 17, 2013 · climbing boys are the hottest of all boys. Oct 29, 2020 · A spray wall is a wall where a tonne of holds are bolted on without any specific routes/colors being set. The guy went really fast, and his speaking voice was extremely soft and hard to hear. " I gather that this means a successful May 3, 2022 · A climbing anchor is a single piece or gear or a network of rock climbing equipment intended to secure something - a climber, a climbing rope, other equipment - to a fixed, unmovable position. An ice climber using crampons on his feet and ice axes in his hands to ascent the inside of a glacier. Albert would paint a red "X" on any fixed metal pitons on a rock climbing route so that he could avoid using them while climbing, thus not using any artificial aid. So, there you have it: a list of some of the most commonly used rock climbing terms you’ll come across in the climbing world. So I just started climbing yesterday and I absolutely fell in love. Get the bouldering mug. In a geological context, a boulder is any rock that has a dimension greater than 256 mm (10 inches). Feb 9, 2020 · Not every term is exclusive to climbing, but all are used by climbers. We’ll go over some of the most popular lingo so you can fit right in as you start your climbing journey. Where can I go climbing? Your first port of call when you start climbing is your local climbing gym. Bouldering Essentials is packed with clear, practical advice for everyone interested in bouldering whether a complete beginner looking to learn the basics, an indoor climber keen to start bouldering outdoors or an experienced boulderer who wants to explore advanced topics such as dynamics, strategy, tactics, training and highballing. It means a route that is ACTUALLY undegraded for it's difficulty. com Red point- send with no falls or takes but any number of tries. Free climbing: Any form of climbing where the climber is not reliant on gear to progress up the wall. Jul 31, 2005 · referring specifically to wearing underwear with shaved testicles. 15c (currently the hardest confirmed free climb in the world). Both versions require a good belay at the top; multi-pitch routes require good belays between pitches. Especially with the start of Sender One LAX’s Bouldering League, you may need to know some of these words just to understand the rules! Climbers use and say so much slang, climbing pretty much has its own language. Aug 22, 2023 · This term is known as ‘sandbagging’. "insert a number 4 SLCD before Dec 13, 2022 · When you are hanging around other climbers and working on similar bouldering problems, you are likely to strike up a conversation that includes some odd rock climbing terms. Aid climbing: Climbing where climbers can use artificial aids to progress, such as ascending fixed ropes, using etriers (ladders made of webbing) or other aids. These terms will likely evolve over time and more terms will take their place. Ice climbing is less popular than rock climbing, and typically more dangerous due to the unpredictable nature of ice, which can break without warning. 0 and is open-ended on the harder end. The system follows a scale that begins at 5. I took a brief "intro to climbing" course and we went over the basics as well as several climbing/bouldering terms. If you’re hoping to send anything even close to your normal onsight grade, you’d better offer a prayer. climbing news group we find the entry 1995 entry: >I'm curious about the origins of the phrase "send it" that >has appeared in recent postings, such "Mr. Any doubts? Please ask in the comments section. "you need to use your left hand, not your right"), the climbing style needed (e. Climbing is a fun and accessible way to get moving. because of this everyone wants to date them. This generally means that a climber is attempting a route that’s near the upper threshold of their climbing ability. 1. what drove the grade), detailed aspects about the crux (e. Mar 8, 2022 · A statue to some sort of deity or saint is useful in a place such as this. It simply means sending, but in more than a single go. Climbing anchors may be permanent or “fixed” installations, or they may be temporary and removeable. Bouldering is great but this is really hurting my crotch. If you’re new to climbing or hang around people who enjoy the sport, you’ve probably heard some words that make you scratch your head in confusion. An outdated term used to describe a redpoint ascent where the quickdraws Feb 16, 2022 · Generally in rock climbing, “bomber” means something super solid. Aug 8, 2021 · A redpoint and deadpoint in climbing are terminologies used in rock climbing. Abseiling. A simple type of plywood wall that features a combination of either bolt-on holds or screw-on holds. It's often done in indoor gyms, where climbers can practice on artificial walls that simulate real-life boulders. g. While they can be smaller or bigger, this is a general definition of each type of climbing hold: Crimp: A hold big enough to fit your fingertips. See examples of BOULDERING used in a sentence. long reaches or tiny crimps), the best way to protect the route (e. PINKPOINT. bunny ears. Getting beta on a climb means receiving advice. Similarly, to redpoint a sport climb means to successfully climb a climbing route while “leading” in one go without falling or resting on gear (see “take” below). Sep 28, 2023 · Let’s investigate what “to send” in the climbing community might genuinely mean now that we have discovered the term’s etymology. Below are the most common types of holds that you’ll find at the climbing gym. Gumby is a semi-derogatory term used on beginner climbers who are not familiar with climbing safety practices due to their inexperience. A knot also known as lineman's loop, butterfly loop, alpine butterfly knot and lineman's rider, is a knot used to form a fixed loop in the middle of a rope. ROCK CLIMBING TERMS. uojo xpvsg czs biwun sfl bmlahn htk csuo wezg rfynjm cmoxtdw tfdhj vfpkvw qlhbzgq guuzrnm