Speaking the Language of Rock Climbers
Rock climbing is considered an extreme sport and it is true. Once you get a taste of it, however, you will be addicted. To immerse yourself in the fun of hanging from vertical services, you need to know the terminology used.
Aid climbing is one of the easier forms of rock climbing. You are hooked to a line and merely step and pull yourself up. It is a good way to start climbing and get comfortable with the verticality and being up in the air.
The sewing machine is somewhat of a derisive term that most new climbers experience at one point or another. A climber reaches a certain height that makes them nervous. The leg spasms out of control like a sewing machine needle going up and down.
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.
At its core, free solo climbing is the sport at its most pure. It is literally you and the rock. No gear, no ropes, no nothing. You rely on your own skill completely. Of course, you have no safety element if you fall. Only to be done by expert climbers.
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.
What do rock climbers do during the winter? They either fly somewhere warm to climb or go ice climbing. If you ice climb, you need to know what crampons are. They are spikes that strap onto the bottom of your boots and can be used to anchor yourself.
Climbers often have some pretty nasty looking fingers. One reason is a finger technique used that is known as the crimp. The crimp is basically any hold where you transfer all weight to your fingers in the hold. It places a lot of stress on the tendons and joints.
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.
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