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Climbing Styles and Categories

Climbing includes a variety of different activities like free soloing, sport, bouldering, air, traditional, ice or alpine climbing.

One stage of climbing, bouldering needs less gear, training and is comparatively simpler but not necessarily easy. Climbers pitch themselves over a big circular rock with protection like crash pad if one falls.

Crash pads are layered foams providing cushion in case of accidental falls. They may be supplemented by a spotter who can shift a falling person on the pad in midair. However, it is not free of risk.

Bouldering needs conventional rock climbing shoes, used for real rock climbing, here used for rising up on a vertical rock surface. 

Dangerous, yet popular, free soloing, done singly, needs almost no gears for safeguard. Most trainers, hence, advice against it. 

Rock climbing mergers into traditional climbing with a standard rack, which is equipment carried for climbing, like harnesses and ropes, and used in two ways.

In traditional or ‘trad’ climbing, the gear is used only as a protection from any fall. A nut or cam is connected to a rope and put into a crack. The climber then ascents completely by his own capability. The pro is used in case of a fall or slip.

In aid climbing the equipment is used in actual climbing because the extreme circumstances in which they are used cannot be ignored. On vertical surfaces without any toe hold or hand the gear is the only option for ascension.

Besides courage, experience, skill and strength, hammocks and portable ledges, slings and ropes tied to pitons, and gear are absolutely a must for aid climbing.

Alpine climbing involves enduring huge expenditure and harshest conditions like tackling Everest or K-2 or mountains of China or Peru. The climber comes to a point when the mountain is hidden in ice.

To begin climbing, join a gym or classes for training. You will know what you like best.

Basic Climbing Skills | Indoor Rock Climbing

Climbing Safety Guidelines | Ice Climbing

Getting Started | Rock Climbing

The Pinnacle of Adventure | Mountain Climbing Equipment