Rock Climbing Terminology
When we were kids, we loved to climb on just about everything. Don?t believe me? Ask you parents. Well, more and more people are taking rock climbing up as adults. To get into the game, you need to know how to speak the language of rock climbers.
A bivouac is one of those things you will only use when you become an advanced climber. It is a sleeping bad/tent that you use in the middle of a climb when night sets. It hands from the wall and is uncomfortable.
One of the pillars of rock climbing is the bolt. A bolt is pretty much what it sounds like. It is a piece of steel bolted into a rock and used as an anchor. Due to its strong hold on the rock, it is a very safe think to hook on to prevent long falls.
Lead climbing is a step up in the climbing world. When you lead, you are displaying the skill to work the route, the pitch and place anchors. You also risk the potential of falling farther than those below you. All and all, an advanced level of climbing.
The next step down from a bolt is a camming device. The device is placed in cracks on the climbing surface. The modern version is spring loaded, so it snaps open in the space creating friction and a hold that can support a lot of weight.
Climbing is full of slang terms. A chicken head is one and it refers to a jutting of rock that forms a smooth knob you can use for a handhold. There is a very adult slang term also used for this, which you can probably guess.
As your skills advance, you will advance to top rope climbing. Top rope is a form of climbing where the climb has a rope hanging from the top of the climb down. It allows you to get comfortable moving up vertical surfaces with plenty of safety.
Frog in the headlights is a slang term used for a climber that freezes when they look down from a high climb and get intimidated. Their eyes get big like a frog and they freeze like a deer in the headlights of a car.
One you get serious about climbing, the subject of holds will come front and center. A jug hold is a rock formation that is perfectly shaped for the hand. They tend to be rounded and taper down the back so you can put your hand over in the most comfortable way.
These terms and explanations represent the basics of rock climbing. Every area and group of climbers has their own expressions for various moves, routes and what have you. Just jump on in and you will pick it up quickly.
Rock Climbing Journas from NomadJournals.com make great fathers day gifts.
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