Bouldering slang It’s about laughing over a tough problem, cheering on a friend, or just sharing the love of the sport. Training Board A small, steep wooden climbing wall (AKA woodie). Aid climbing: Climbing where climbers can use artificial aids to progress, such as ascending fixed ropes, using etriers (ladders made of webbing) or other aids. It requires precise finger strength and control Jul 21, 2023 · If you watched Alex Honnold climbing nearly 3,000 feet of sheer granite without a rope, but you weren’t completely certain what he was talking about half of the time, or if you just got into climbing and you’re looking to improve your crag-slang skills, or even if you’re just curious whether climbing slang is as weird as the words you use in your hobby, then this glossary is for you. I felt like I was listening to a different language! May 15, 2008 · Bouldering problems tend to have names as obscure as racehorses-“Grotesque Old Woman,” “Martini Madness,” and “The Dancing Outlaw” spring to mind-and the list of technical and slang terms used by those in the know is virtually endless. 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. Circuit Board aka Systems Board. Jam: To wedge a finger, hand, or foot into a crack in order to create resistance and pull oneself upward. Plus, knowing the slang can make climbing feel more fun and engaging. See rappel. Free soloing is free climbing without a rope to protect you. co Nov 8, 2023 · Rock Climbing Lingo: Common Rock Climbing Slang & Terminologies. Sick send: An awesome climb. Whippers Traverse. The climbing community is an open and gracious one, but there are some bouldering terms that you don’t want to be associated with. It can make discussions about routes and techniques easier, and it helps you feel more connected to the community. Here’s a quick rundown of climbing slang: Sick: Really cool or impressive. 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. https://weareexplorers. . Understanding the lingo can help make the sport feel more approachable, but it is also essential to your safety in many situations. Jan 27, 2022 · Gear: 1) Any equipment used for rock climbing, like bolts, hangers, cams, belay devices, harnesses, ropes, drills, etc. 2) Short for “trad gear,” or protection that can be placed and removed Mar 6, 2025 · Crimping is rock climbing slang that involves gripping small rock holds with your first pads on your fingers and applying pressure to small edges. Aid climbing is when you use ladders, cams, slings, etc to ascend a route. Free climbing is climbing with a rope to protect yourself, and climbing with only your body to get you up. A. Abseil —(pronounced AB-sail) To make a controlled descent on a fixed rope. Free climbing: Any form of climbing where the climber is not reliant on gear to progress up the wall. Dab: When on a problem, a climber brushes the ground, spotter, another hold, tree, or anything else not associated with the route. Jun 24, 2024 · Climbing slang for a dramatic, often long, lead fall where a climber falls past the last piece of protection they clipped, creating an arc-shaped trajectory. 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 Trad Climbing Climbing a route protected by gear that has been placed by the leader. Common climbing slang terms Woody. With so much rock climbing slang and funny climbing terms, it can be hard to understand anything that a climber says at first. Traverse A problem that travels predominantly sideways. Jan 10, 2021 · Helmet: A rock climbing helmet protects your head from falling rocks, or a nose dive into the ground. The term is typically used in Europe and Australia. Basically any time you use something other than your own body strength and technique. Mar 11, 2025 · Slang adds color to climbing conversations. It’s not just about the moves or the grades—it’s about the vibe. A simple type of plywood wall that features a combination of either bolt-on holds or screw-on holds. Accessory cord —Nylon, Kevlar® or Spectra® cord sold in a range of diameters, typically smaller than those of climbing ropes. May 12, 2023 · Climbing slang. Mar 16, 2020 · Bouldering Vocabulary That No-One Wants to be Associated With. Gear can be used to protect against a fall. Glossary of climbing terms relates to rock climbing (including aid climbing, lead climbing, bouldering, and competition climbing), mountaineering, and to ice climbing. Feb 18, 2025 · Understanding climbing slang helps you communicate effectively with other climbers and enhances your climbing experience. Aug 2, 2024 · Soloing: rock climbing without rope. 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. Jun 7, 2024 · Bouldering is hard enough as it is, but understanding bouldering terms and lingo is a challenge in itself! When I first started climbing, I remember getting confused between the names of different holds and body movements that I couldn’t follow along in every conversation. A-D. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] The terms used can vary between different English-speaking countries; many of the phrases described here are particular to the United States and the United Kingdom. Tufas A limestone rib. References. Turning the Lip The process of getting from hanging from the lip of a roof to standing on the lip. A climb that requires you to transition mostly sideways. heov fiz opp vta mujt wqkbhm adn fhxblyr qwsr ggrf