Climbing shoe terminology slang A climb that requires you to transition mostly sideways. These indexes are then used to find usage correlations between slang terms. for climbing. com Feb 8, 2025 · Shoes: Specialized cycling footwear with stiff soles to aid in more efficient power transfer. Aid climbing Aug 11, 2024 · Smearing: Pressing the rubber of your climbing shoe directly against the rock for friction when no obvious footholds are available. A. From basic terms like “crimps” (small finger holds) to advanced beta calls such as “gaston” (an outward-facing grip position), these words form the essential language of climbing. Jun 12, 2023 · Terminology and climbing jargon are confusing. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this fun and light-hearted glossary of climbing terms. Smear-Placing the entire front of the climbing shoe against the rock. Hand Shoes (Crack Gloves) Example: “I got tired of making tape gloves, so I finally bit the bullet and bought a pair of hand shoes for the Creek. Wall profile A description of the wall that will be climbed – includes things like angles of the wall, height etc Climbing shoes Climbing specific shoes. These terms will likely evolve over time and more terms will take their place. Climbing shoes are simultaneously the most ordinary and the most perplexing piece of climbing gear yet they have the greatest impact on your climbing performance and comfort. Apr 4, 2017 · Here are the 50 most important rock climbing terms. Abseil —(pronounced AB-sail) To make a controlled descent on a fixed rope. Bouldering’s got its own language, a kind of secret code that binds climbers together. Dec 8, 2023 · Climbing shoes. The term is typically used in Europe and Australia. A-D. May 4, 2022 · RUNOUT The climbing term for being far above your last piece of protection. 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. Always risky. #7 Flake Jul 11, 2023 · Once you’ve got your climbing shoes and a chalk bag or bucket, learning the lingo, language, slang, etc is the next step any prospective rock climber should take. Mar 6, 2025 · Smearing is traditional climbing jargon when climbers apply pressure with the sole of their shoe against the rock, gaining traction with little or no footholes. They have a close fit and a smooth, sticky rubber sole to maximize grip on the rock. A lot of this is copied from REI’s Rock Climbing Terminology Guide. Jan 27, 2022 · Find out with the GearJunkie glossary of climbing terms. If you’re in the states, you’ll likely hear and use “rappel” for this which is when you descend down a fixed rope in a controlled fashion. ” 6. The Urban Thesaurus was created by indexing millions of different slang terms which are defined on sites like Urban Dictionary. 15c (currently the hardest confirmed free climb in the world). Familiarity with climbing terms and slang is more than just learning a new vocabulary; it’s about becoming an integrated member of the climbing community. As to its on-rock performance, the Jeckyl VS is a solid shoe that did more for me than La Sportiva’s similarly positioned Nago ($99), which came out a few years ago. What is the term for the highest point on a rock climbing route that the climber can touch without reaching the top? 13. That’s climbing above deep water with no gear. All the styles of climbing listed above are types of free climbing. ROCK CLIMBING TERMS. Common climbing slang terms Woody. I know I have once or twice, and I’m still learning new terms all the time. The term is typically used in Europe and Australia Dec 6, 2017 · Related: Unsent—10 New Slang Terms for Climbing Gear; Beach Bash (n. Although this is generally a walk or, at most, a scramble, it is occasionally as hazardous as the climb itself. Often very tight fitting (some climbers will go multiple sizes down from ‘normal’ shoe size) to support the foot and to use the feet more tactically www. Cycling Glasses: Eyewear designed to shield a cyclist’s eyes from wind, dust, insects, and harmful UV rays while enhancing visibility. Beginners should learn basic climbing words first. Instead of just “Sunny and 72°,” It takes into account the Jun 23, 2024 · Smearing is a technique that involves using the friction of the climbing shoe against the wall to support body weight. ) When a crag looks more like a party zone than a climbing area, packed with hammocks, bluetooth speakers, and more people hanging out tanning, snacking, and gabbing than climbing. Abseil—(pronounced AB-sail) To make a controlled descent on a fixed rope. Learn these rock climbing terms to sound like an in-the-know pro. Special shoes called approach shoes are often preferred over climbing shoes for an approach. Jun 18, 2024 · Welcome to the wild and wonderful world of rock climbing! As you embark on this exciting journey, you’ll come across a unique lingo that might sound like a foreign language at first. Cobble An embedded stone that is used as a hold. Become a Member. A A-grade Also aid climbing grade. climbing shoes: des chaussons [d'escalade] a harness: un baudrier a rope: une corde a carabiner: un mousqueton a quickdraw: une dégaine to spot: parer, a spotter: un pareur some chalk: de la magnésie (slang: peuf) an overhang: un dévers a slab: une dalle a roof: un toit a route: une voie a boulder problem: un bloc Apr 4, 2017 · Here are the 50 most important rock climbing terms. Arete – An arete is an exposed corner, sticking outward from the main wall. A simple type of plywood wall that features a combination of either bolt-on holds or screw-on holds. Heel hook: Hooking the heel of your foot on a hold to maintain balance or make upward progress. Mar 7, 2025 · Climb: General term for any climbing route or boulder problem, regardless of its difficulty or type. SIDEPULL Method for gripping a vertical edge that entails pulling with the hand and pushing with the feet. Below, we’ll guide you through all the complex shoe terms and jargon, so you can buy shoes that will maximize your climbing performance and comfort. This is because even though climbing shoes might seem to be simple products with a little rubber, some leather, and a pair of laces, hours of research and Important Rock Climbing Terminology That you Should Learn A. Get ready to impress your climbing bud Climbing without gear (other than shoes and chalk bag). 47 rock climbing terms for beginners that you should know. Accessory cord —Nylon, Kevlar® or Spectra® cord sold in a range of diameters, typically smaller than those of climbing ropes. QuickDraws. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Abseil – See Rappel. Free climbing. Most of these climbing terms are indoor bouldering terminology used to describe each movement on a problem. The official Urban Dictionary API is used to show the hover-definitions. A type of anchor used in abseiling especially in winter and in ice climbing. Conditions – Simply, the weather conditions outside, but with an added layer. climbingjunkie. ABD Also assisted braking device. com Mar 14, 2021 · A heightened interest in the sport in recent years has brought new climbers who are enthusiastic to learn the sport but are clueless, and often frustrated when it comes to mastering rock climbing terminology. Means to descend a cliff by lowering yourself on a fixed rope with your feet against the wall. ” 7 Climbing Shoes Tight fitting, rubber covered shoes designed for rock climbing. When there are no obvious footholds available, climbers can press the sole of their shoe against the wall and rely on the rubber to grip the surface. Aid Climbing – Ascending a wall by pulling on fixed or temporary pieces of gear rather than climbing under your own Oct 5, 2023 · 11. Conditions The suitability of the temperate, humidity, wind etc. A type of climbing in which you use only your hands and feet to ascend a rock face. Be aware that several terms can be used as both verbs and nouns. Quickdraws are used on sport climbs. I know what you are thinking, it’s not that character from the Beauty and The Beast classic. Boulder Problem: A short, free-climbing route (typically 6–15 feet) that climbers climb without a rope. What is the objective of “speed climbing”? 12. climbing partner - cordada clip the bolt - chapa la chapa coil the rope - arreglar la cuerda crimper - regleta give me slack - da me cuerda give me tension - da me tensión hangboard - tabla hold - presa my climbing shoes - mis gatos nice burn - buen pegue quickdraws - cintas sloper - romos take! - tensión! So if you’re a beginner, here’s my ultimate climbing lingo glossary to help you make sense of this new world you’ve climbed into. Edging: A rock climbing technique where the edges of the climbing shoes are used to stand on small footholds. 5. As a result of the tight fit, climbing shoes are uncomfortable to walk in, therefore, it is common to see climbers wearing other shoes to approach climbing mountainbikereport. The path or route to the base of a climb. Being a beginner and mostly in part being completely enthralled with climbing, I did not take notice much of all of this climbing terminology and slang. Aug 28, 2024 · This comprehensive glossary covers essential bouldering terms, from climbing modalities and techniques to the materials you’ll use on the rock. See C-grade. I’m sure you’re talking to someone in the gym and have no idea what they’re going on about. . from the “Climbing Dictionary” by Matt Samet, published in 2011 by The Mountaineers Books and with illustrations by Mike Tea – an illustrated historical reference to more than 650 climbing terms, for the world’s most “mega” climbing slanguage resource. 1. Keep in mind that multiple terms can often be used to describe one route. Here is a basic rundown of the different types of climbing. Smearing is commonly used while Slab climbing. Bouldering Glossary. SEND Climbing term for climbing a route without falling or resting on gear. The system follows a scale that begins at 5. A widely applicable term in climbing. Climbing Gym: An indoor facility equipped with artificial rock walls designed for climbing. Step-Through-Foot technique involving passing one foot over the other. Climbing Shoes: Specialized footwear designed for rock climbing. Climbing in your sneakers doesn’t work very well! To rock climb well, you’ll need the right climbing shoe. May 19, 2014 · The term hueco entered the jargon of rock climbers from the Texas climbing area Hueco Tanks that is famous for this sort of hold. Can I Start Climbing Without Knowing All These Terms? Go to the climbing gym and listen to the teenagers or early 20s climbers talk. Dihedral – A dihedral is a contained corner, nestled inward from the main wall. Climbing has its own set of terms and slang and we’re breaking down some of the essential terms for you in this handy glossary. Feb 13, 2025 · Learn all about climbing terms and slang that help you understand this exciting sport! Rock climbing and bouldering come with specific terms that climbers need to know. A term Feb 18, 2025 · What are some common climbing slang terms? Some common climbing slang terms include “beta,” which refers to advice or information about a climb, and “crux,” the hardest part of a route. arête. Cobble – An embedded stone that is used as a hand or foothold. I have also added more terms as I come by them. Most climbers do not wear socks in order to achieve a more precise fit and feel. It allows climbers to stand on tiny footholds, distributing their weight for better balance and control. Used in Lead climbing. Conglomerate A sedimentary rock type that is mainly composed of embedded round stones (cobbles). And although this list of rock climbing terms is certainly not definitive, it’s a good place to start. Indoor Climbing Shoes For Beginners. There will be words from activities like: Rock Climbing, mulit-pitch climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, dry-tooling, ski-touring, trekking, alpine climbing, and high altitiude climbing. Teen Prodigies In C li mbing. Climbing: The act of ascending vertical or near-vertical natural rock formations or artificial rock walls. See rappel. Approaches can be anything from a paved 5-minute walk from the parking lot to the crag, to a 20-minute hike on a maintained trail, to a full-day, off-trail scramble across forest and talus. Mar 11, 2025 · Knowing climbing slang helps you communicate on the wall. They’re usually rounded and smooth. Apr 11, 2014 · Here you will find lot of climbing terms, mountaineering slang, glossary, dictionary and lot of information about climbing :-). Usually rounded and smooth. SHOCK LOAD A force exerted on an anchor when weight is suddenly dropped onto it. Let’s ease the burden by explaining some of the lingo commonly used by rock climbers. Abalakov thread Abalakov thread Also V-thread. A climber ascends an arete. Advanced climbers should master technical terms and grip terminology. By contrast, smearing applies as much of the sole of the climbing shoe as possible to a rock slab to achieve maximum friction. Jun 24, 2016 · (Expensive Ice Climbing Pants) Example: See above. Other terms include “send,” meaning to complete a climb successfully, and “screamer,” which describes a fall that involves a lot of slack in the Jun 24, 2024 · A technique where climbers use the edge of their climbing shoes on small ledges or features of the rock for support. When I began climbing, understanding terms like “beta” and “crux” not only improved my communication with fellow climbers but also enhanced my overall climbing experience. A vertical climb or overhang that includes many different types of holds laid out in a circular pattern so the climber can train endurance, grip work, and general technique. I A handy tool for safety and balance, having a pick/adze head and a spike at the opposite end of a shaft. Climbing Youtubers To Watch In 2023. Enjoy! Abseil. 0 (the easiest climbing, sometimes referred to as “a ladder”) and 5. When you’re looking for new climbing shoes, discuss your gear at the crag, or chat to others in a gym, you’ll find yourself confronted with all sorts of specialist climbing shoe jargon. Each term is provided with a detailed description and translations into Spanish, Catalan, French, and German, making it easier to connect with the global climbing community. Gaston. Note that this thesaurus is not in any way affiliated with Urban Feb 9, 2020 · Not every term is exclusive to climbing, but all are used by climbers. Abseil - European and Australian word for “rappel”. Many cycling shoes are compatible with clipless pedal systems, allowing the shoe to connect securely to the pedal. I spent the entire session bouncing on the trampoline. climbing shoes: des chaussons [d'escalade] a harness: un baudrier a rope: une corde a carabiner: un mousqueton a quickdraw: une dégaine to spot: parer, a spotter: un pareur some chalk: de la magnésie (slang: peuf) an overhang: un dévers a slab: une dalle a roof: un toit a route: une voie a boulder problem: un bloc May 29, 2025 · The butora usa team is committed to always deliver the best possible climbing shoe for every level of climber, and is dedicated to giving back to the climbing c Take a fresh look at your lifestyle. A term commonly used in Europe and Australia. Then drop your heel so that the maximum surface area (of the climbing shoe's rubber) is against the rock. Edging: Using the inside or outside edge of your climbing shoe on small footholds. DWS. Climbing Terrain Terms . From essential safety words like “belayer” (the person controlling the safety rope) to movement-based terms such as “crux” (the hardest part of a climb), these phrases May 23, 2020 · The first few times rock climbing outdoors, I would meet see some climbers at the crag and during our conversation they would slip in a word or two that I have never heard of like a hand jam. Invented, as the name suggests, to grade routes in the Yosemite Valley, CA. To help you newcomers avoid sounding like a total kook—and you trad dads brush up on the latest lingo—I’ve gone ahead and outlined 47 essential climbing terms you need to know Traverse. Climbing shoes have sticky rubber and a pointed shape so you can stand on small edges of rock. See also the Wikipedia glossary of climbing terms and the climbing techniques vocab and jargon. Deep water soloing. Excellent alternative to matching feet. Exposure: The distance from the climber to where the climber would likely stop in the event of an unprotected Whether you're a seasoned climber or new to the vertical world, understanding climbing terminology and techniques can enhance your experience and help you connect with the climbing community. Sign in Feb 11, 2025 · Bouldering vocabulary opens up a world of precise movement descriptions and safety communication at the climbing gym. This also makes it a great shoe for frequent on-and-off scenarios like gym climbing, bouldering, and multipitch where you want to let your tired dogs breathe at the belay. Nov 8, 2023 · Here is our rock climbing slang dictionary, complete with different types of climbing, types of holds, safety terms, gym terms, and so much more! Types of Climbing. You’ll be sure to pick up a few things. Jan 4, 2024 · If you’re looking to get in on the action but don’t know what some of those strange phrases you hear at the crag actually mean, here are 40+ rock climbing terms that you should have on your radar. What type of climbing shoes offer the most sensitivity and allow the climber to feel the rock or holds? 14. “Rig” can be a synonym for a route, a network of bolts on a route, a boulder problem, an Mar 7, 2025 · Climb: General term for any climbing route or boulder problem, regardless of its difficulty or type. Our guide to British slang words, lingo & expressions includes regional variations from the Queen's English, Cockney, to Welsh colloquialisms. An arête can either be an edge or ridge of a cliff or boulder, or it can be a ridge on a May 12, 2023 · Climbing slang. The technical difficulty grading system for aid climbing (both for "original" and an adapted version for "new wave"), which goes: A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and up to A6 (for "new wave"). If outdoor lingo is your thing, or you’re just getting in all sorts of outdoor activities, then these articles might help you get to grips with some key bits of Climbing shoes should be tight to support the foot and allow the climber to use small footholds effectively. Mar 20, 2025 · Yosemite Decimal System– The standard grading scale in the US for free climbing routes. Jun 7, 2024 · Climbing Shoes – Shoes designed to climb! They have rubber soles to grip boulders more easily. Trampoline (Climbing Rope) Example: “My sport proj slapped me around today. The hike to a climbing area, or to the base of a specific route, is the approach. A lot of the language used to describe climbing has nothing to do with safety or security, it is just a way to show endearment and enthusiasm for the sport. Common Rock Climbing Terminology Explained May 3, 2022 · Rock Climbing Terrain Terms Approach. Rock Climbing Moves . I’m going to detail every piece of climbing terminology/jargon that I know or can find. Circuit Board aka Systems Board. xgmft xxudxi btqmon vwo kzgzhfnz pqvpg eyqt vjjncsjy atrwp rhefvc