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In this blog, we will explore the rules of climbing, the various disciplines of climbing, and the equipment needed to get started.

Climbing is an adventurous and physically demanding sport that involves ascending steep and challenging terrain. From indoor gyms to outdoor crags, climbers are drawn to the sport for its exhilaration, problem-solving, and camaraderie. Climbing is a sport for all ages and skill levels, and there are numerous disciplines to choose from.

A Brief History of Climbing

Humans have been climbing for centuries, however, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that climbing became a sport. In 1865, the first ascent of the Matterhorn in Switzerland marked the beginning of modern mountaineering. The sport evolved in the 20th century with the development of new techniques, equipment, and climbing styles. In the 1970s, climbing became popular in the United States, and indoor climbing gyms started to pop up across the country. Today, climbing is a global sport, with millions of climbers worldwide.

The International Federation of Sport Climbing was founded in 2007 and is the international governing body setting the rules of climbing competitions.

What Equipment do I Need to Climb?

The equipment needed for climbing varies depending on the discipline. However, some basic gear is essential for all types of climbing. These include:

Climbing shoes: Specialised shoes with sticky rubber soles that provide excellent grip on the rock. This provides a strong base from which to carry out each move. One of the most popular are the La Sportiva Mens Otaki Rock Climbing Shoes

Harness: A safety device that attaches to the climber and connects them to the rope. The harness is an essential piece of equipment for safety and should not be compromised on. Our pick for harnesses Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Harness

Helmet: Essential for protecting the head from various dangers; from falling rocks or other debris to hitting your head on overhangs or against the wall,

Rope: Used to secure the climber and protect them from falls. There are two main types of rope, dynamic or static ropes. Dynamic ropes are specially designed for climbing, they get their name as they stretch significantly to absorb the energy of a fall. Whereas static ropes stretch very little and are best kept for hauling gear up walls or as fixed ropes.   

Carabiners: The metal clips that connect the rope to the harness and anchor points. These are known as “biner” or “clip” and are a specialised shackle which can quickly and easily connect components.

Other equipment, such as chalk bags, quickdraws, and cams, may be necessary for specific disciplines of climbing.

Disciplines of Climbing

Bouldering
Bouldering is a discipline of climbing that involves climbing short, challenging routes without ropes. Climbers use padded mats called crash pads to cushion their falls. The goal is to climb as many problems, or routes, as possible within a set amount of time. Competitions are judged on the number of problems completed and the number of attempts needed to climb them.

Sport Climbing
Sport Climbing involves climbing routes that are bolted to the rock. Climbers clip into the bolts as they ascend. The goal is to climb as many routes as possible within a set amount of time. Competitions are judged on the number of routes completed and the number of attempts needed to climb them.

Traditional Climbing
Traditional climbing is a discipline that doesn’t use bolts. Climbers place their own protection, such as cams and nuts, into cracks in the rock. The goal is to climb a route with minimal impact on the rock and natural environment. Traditional climbing competitions are not as common as bouldering or sport climbing competitions.

Speed Climbing
Speed climbing involves climbing a set route as fast as possible. Competitors race up identical routes side-by-side, with the winner being the climber who reaches the top first.

Rules of Climbing

While climbing is a relatively simple sport, there are rules of climbing that climbers must follow. These rules ensure safety, fair play, and competition integrity. Climbers must familiarise themselves with the rules of their chosen discipline and adhere to them at all times. By following the rules and playing fair, climbers can enjoy the sport to its fullest and compete at the highest level.

Safety Rules
Safety is a top priority in climbing, and there are several safety rules that climbers must follow. These include wearing a helmet, tying knots correctly, checking gear before use, and communicating clearly with belayers. Breaking any of these safety rules can result in injury or death.

Time Limits
Most climbing competitions have a set time limit for each climb. Climbers must complete the climb within the time limit or face penalties, such as point deductions.

Touching the Ground
In bouldering competitions, climbers are not allowed to touch the ground with any part of their body, except their feet. If a climber touches the ground, they must start the climb again from the beginning.

Holds and Route Markings
In sport climbing competitions, climbers must only use the designated holds and route markings. Climbers are not allowed to touch or use any holds outside of the marked route, and doing so can result in disqualification.

Assistance
Climbers are not allowed to receive assistance from others during a climb, except for safety reasons. This means that climbers cannot receive physical assistance from their belayer or other climbers, and they cannot receive coaching from spectators or other climbers.

Fouls
There are several fouls in climbing that can result in point deductions or disqualification. These include:

– Stepping on a bolt or hanger in sport climbing competitions
– Grabbing or holding onto the rope in sport climbing competitions
– Using non-approved equipment or gear
– Climbing outside of the designated climbing area or time limit.

Why Try Climbing?

Climbing offers a unique set of challenges and rewards that are hard to find in any other activity. Climbing is a full-body workout that can help you build strength, endurance, and flexibility.

Climbing requires more than just physical strength and endurance. It also requires mental focus, problem-solving skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Climbing can help you develop these skills and improve your mental toughness. It’ll bring you to the most beautiful places in the world where you’ll experience breathtaking views, alone or surrounded by friends! So why not give climbing a try and see where it takes you?

Nothing can bring you closer to nature quite like climbing. Well, apart from sailing! Check out or article about Sport Sailing now!