UNIT 16 ROCK CLIMBING

​CLIMBING AND ABSEILING

By rob winter

Multiple Choice

HOW MANY PEOPLE USE INDOOR CLIMBING WALLS PER YEAR IN THE UK ?

• 500,000

• 100,000

• 2,000,000

• 1,000,000

Rock climbing is an activity where participants climb up, down, or across natural rock formations or artificial climbing walls. The objective is to reach the summit or endpoint of a route without falling. 

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​ROCK CLIMBING

Short, challenging climbs, typically on boulders or low walls, without ropes. Climbers are protected by crash pads and/or spotters below.

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​BOULDERING

• A climbing rope is secured to an anchor at the top of the route. The climber is tied to one end of the rope, and a belayer at the bottom manages the slack, minimizing the distance of a potential fall.

​TOP ROPING

The climber ascends the route, clipping their rope into fixed protection (like bolts in sport climbing) or placing their own temporary protection (in traditional climbing) as they go. A belayer manages the rope from below.

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​LEAD CLIMBING

Uses fixed protection, primarily bolts, already placed in the rock.

​SPORT CLIMBING

​The lead climber places their own temporary protection (cams, nuts) as they ascend.

​TRADITIONAL CLIMBING

Involves using equipment (like aiders or ladders) to ascend the rock, providing support where natural holds are insufficient.

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​AID CLIMBING

Ascending without ropes, harnesses, or other protective equipment. This is an extremely high-risk style for experienced climbers.

​FREE SOLOING

Climbing over water without ropes or harnesses, relying on the water to cushion falls. 

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​DEEP WATER SOLOING

ROCK CLIMBING
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

Designed for friction and grip on footholds.

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​CLIMBING SHOES

Chalk absorbs perspiration to improve grip.

​CLIMBING CHALK BAG

Worn around the waist and legs to connect the climber to the rope.

​CLIMBING HARNESS

 A mechanical friction device used by the belayer to control the rope.

​BELAY DEVICE

Strong metal clips used to connect components in the climbing system.

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​CARABINER

Essential for safety in top roping and lead climbing.

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​ROPE

Especially important for outdoor climbing to protect against falling objects and impacts.

​HELMET

Used in sport climbing to clip the rope into bolts.

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​QUICKDRAWS

Used in bouldering to cushion falls. 

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​CRASH PADS