Download
1 / 20
E N D
In life, we all have an end point we’re shooting for. We all want to get to the top of some mountain. Some people want lots of money; others seek spiritual wealth. Some people seek knowledge; others wish to experience the world. We all value different things, and as such our lives will all take vastly different twists and turns before we call it a day. In between our starting point and the final destination there is an infinite number of paths laid out before us. We have a general idea of how we want to go about attacking the mountain, but there’s a big difference between analysing obstacles from far away and then experiencing them up close and personal. Just like with rock climbing, sometimes the path that you thought would get you to the top in your head doesn’t work out in real life. You have to re-think your route. You might have to backtrack or go far out of your way to get past a difficult section. In a worst-case scenario you might even fall off the wall, but thanks to a harness you don’t kill yourself and if you choose, you can start all over again — armed with the knowledge only failure can teach. -Doug
VET Outdoor rec Rock Climbing
Climbing Three Types of
Three Types of Climbing 1. Bouldering The practice of climbing on large boulders. Typically this is close to the ground, so protection takes the form of crash mats and spotting instead of belay ropes. 2. Top Rope Climbing To belay from a fixed anchor point above the climb. Top-roping requires easy access to the top of the climb, by means of a footpath or scrambling. 3. Lead Climbing (AKA: Sport Climbing) A form of climbing in which the climber places anchors and clips the belay rope into preplaced equipment attached to bolts. Multi-pitch climbing Climbing on routes that are too long for a single belay rope. Abseil/ Rappel The process by which a climber can descend a fixed rope.
Roles you will be in… Climber Aperson climbing up a surface Belay To protect a roped climber from falling by passing the rope through, or around, any type of friction enhancing belay device. Before belay devices were invented, the rope was simply passed around the belayer's hips to create friction. Spotting A method of protection commonly used during bouldering, where the climbers are close to the ground and ropes are not typically used. The spotter stands beneath the climber, ready to absorb the energy of a fall and direct him away from any hazards.
Equipment(On a Climber) Helmet Also known as a brain bucket or skid lid. It can save your life, but only while worn. Carabiner Metal clips with spring-loaded gates, used as connectors. Usually oval or roughly D shaped. Climbing shoe Footwear designed specifically for climbing. Usually well fitting, with a rubber sole.
Equipment(On a Climber) Harness A strong webbing device worn around the waist and thighs that is designed to allow a person to safely hang suspended in the air. • Belay Loop • Leg Loops • Waist Band • Support Straps -What to Wear-
Equipment(To Assist) Anchor A point set up to support the weight of a belay or top rope. Belay device A device used to create friction when belaying by putting bends in the rope. Many types of belay devices exist (figure eight, sticht plate). Bolt A permanent installation in the rock, usually with a carabiner or ring attached. Ropes • Dynamic rope A slightly elastic rope that softens falls a bit. Also tend to be damaged less severely by heavy loads. • Static rope A non-elastic rope.
Rock FeaturesA protrusion or indentation on an indoor climbing wall which is permanently moulded into the wall itself. Climbing wall Artificial rock, typically in a climbing gym. Hold A place to temporarily cling, grip, jam, press, or stand in the process of climbing. Overhang A section of rock that is angled beyond vertical. Also called a ‘ceiling’. Crash mat A thick mat used to soften landings or to cover hazardous objects in the event of a fall.
Hand Holds Sloper: A sloping hold with very little positive surface. A sloper is like trying to grip on a basketball. Jug: A large, easily held hold. Positive Hold: A hold which faces upwards or away from the direction it is pulled, which allows it to be easily used. Undercling: A hold which is gripped with the palm of the hand facing upwards Slidepull: A hold that needs to be gripped with a sideways pull towards the body. Pinch Hold: This is a hold where you must pinch it to hold on. Gaston: A grip with you thumb facing down. Match: To use one hold for two hands (or limbs). Crimp: A hold which is only just big enough to be grasped with the tips of the fingers.
Climbing TechniquesParticular techniques, or moves, commonly applied in climbing.
Climbing Techniques Dynamic motion Any move which looks like a lunge where the climber uses their body momentum to progress. Static motion A style of climbing or specific move Edging Using the edge of your shoe on a foothold and leaning to the side. Flagging Using your leg to brace against the wall and hold a position to maintain balance, rather than to support weight. Often useful to prevent barn-dooring. Downclimb To descend by climbing downward, typically after completing a climb. Fall To unintentionally descend under the influence of gravity. Hopefully stopped by a rope.
….more words Route The path of a particular climb, or a predefined set of moves. Slack Portion of rope that is not taut, preferably minimized during belay. Tension When the rope is tight. Crux The most difficult portion of a climb.
….more words Route The path of a particular climb, or a predefined set of moves. Slack Portion of rope that is not taut, preferably minimized during belay. Tension When the rope is tight. Crux The most difficult portion of a climb.
Risk Assessment …also in a remote, natural environment.
In life, we all have an end point we’re shooting for. We all want to get to the top of some mountain. Some people want lots of money; others seek spiritual wealth. Some people seek knowledge; others wish to experience the world. We all value different things, and as such our lives will all take vastly different twists and turns before we call it a day. In between our starting point and the final destination there is an infinite number of paths laid out before us. We have a general idea of how we want to go about attacking the mountain, but there’s a big difference between analysing obstacles from far away and then experiencing them up close and personal. Just like with rock climbing, sometimes the path that you thought would get you to the top in your head doesn’t work out in real life. You have to re-think your route. You might have to backtrack or go far out of your way to get past a difficult section. In a worst-case scenario you might even fall off the wall, but thanks to a harness you don’t kill yourself and if you choose, you can start all over again — armed with the knowledge only failure can teach. -Doug
