Like any other extreme sport rock climbing comes in different shades. From top rope to sport or trad to bouldering it offers various challenges to climbers. Before I started to rock climb outdoors it felt unattainable and only for the pros. However like any other thing that you try in life you just need to give it a go and practice. And you might just surprise yourself with at least one of the many rock climbing types.
I am no expert by any means but I love to do some top rope climbing. Although I have led a few easy routes (sport climbing) . Cory usually sets up the routes. Another fun one that doesn’t require as much equipment is bouldering. With many people wanting to get into that new sport and wondering what kind of climbing I do I thought I’d share the different rock climbing types with you.
6 Rock Climbing Types
Top Rope Climbing or Top Roping
This is the most accessible type which is best for beginners. The rope is attached to the climber, then fed through an anchor at the very top of the route and back down to the belayer (person who holds the rope and controls it) on the ground. Thus the climber is constantly secured and will not take a big fall.
Sport Climbing or Lead
After doing enough climbing and feeling more confident in your skills this is the next step. The climber is attached to the rope which is led directly to the belayer. Then the climber will clip the rope with quick draws into secured bolts found along the rock wall as they climb up. Once at the top of the climb, an anchor will have to be made in order to feed the rope through to rappel back to the ground while removing their quick draws. With this style of climbing one may take bigger falls while attached to the belayer.
Trad or Traditional climbing
Similar to sport climbing with the exception that there are no anchors along the rock face. Thus the climber will place removable gear into cracks to prevent falls as they ascend. Those will then be removed as they rappel back down.
Free Solo Climbing
This style brings a whole new level of adrenaline. No equipment is required other than climbing shoes. Without harness or rope the climber or soloist ascends a route freely. While we were travelling in Thailand we had the opportunity to try Deep Water Soloing which was a blast, Â read about our adventure here.
Bouldering
The name says it all. It involves finding a boulder (giant rock) and free climbing it with mats being placed on the ground to soften the landing. You can work on technical moves without being hindered by equipment and while being closer to the ground.
Mountaineering (Alpine Climbing)
This style is slightly different since it combines trekking with alpine climbing generally to reach a summit. It may involve some form of scrambling, crossing glaciers or short climbs.
Always inspect your equipment because your life depends on it. And a good helmet might save your life. If you want to see Wildly Intrepid in full climbing action head to our YouTube channel and watch our trip to Flatrock on the East Coast of Newfoundland. Pick one of the different rock climbing types and give it a go.
Alex
Live Wildly Intrepid and Aspire!
