When starting out rock climbing, there is a lot you need to learn. Terminology and climbing jargon are confusing. I’m sure you’re talking to someone in the gym and have no idea what they’re going on about. I know I have once or twice, and I’m still learning new terms all the time.
I’m going to detail every piece of climbing terminology/jargon that I know or can find. So if you are new to climbing, or hear a term you don’t know, you can come back here and find out exactly what it means. I’ll also list types of climbing holds as well.
Climbing Terminology
- Slab: A slab is a section of rock or wall that is on an angle usually less than 90 degrees.
- Overhang: An overhang is a section of rock or wall that leans outwards from the vertical.
- Dyno: A dyno is a dynamic move where a climber jumps or lunges for a hold that is out of reach.
- Static: A static move is the opposite of a dyno, where a climber moves slowly and precisely from one hold to the next without jumping or lunging.
- Arête: An arête is a sharp ridge of rock or wall that separates two faces.
- Cut/Cut loose: Cutting or cutting loose refers to releasing tension from a hold, usually with the intention of moving to another hold.
- Flag: A flag is a technique used to maintain balance while climbing, where a climber pushes one leg out to the side while the other leg remains on the wall.
- Gaston: A gaston is a technique where a climber pulls on a hold with their palm facing outwards.
- Sandbag: Sandbagging is a term used to describe when a climb is graded lower than it actually is, making it more difficult than expected.
- Aid: Aid climbing involves using gear such as ropes and ascenders to aid in ascent.
- Redpoint: A redpoint is a successful ascent of a climb without falling, after having attempted the climb before.
- Bat hang: A bat hang is a technique where a climber hangs upside down from a hold using their feet to grip the wall.
- Flash: A flash is a successful ascent of a climb on the first try.
- Onsight: An onsight is a successful ascent of a climb on the first try, without prior knowledge or beta.
- Beta: Beta refers to information about a climb such as the sequence of moves or the best way to tackle a particular section.
- Offwidth: Offwidth climbing involves squeezing or jamming into a crack that is too wide for fist jams, but too narrow for a full-body squeeze.
- Smear: Smearing is a technique used on smooth or sloping surfaces where the climber presses the sole of their climbing shoe against the wall for traction.
Holds
- Crimp: A crimp is a small hold that requires the climber to use their fingertips to grip.
- Jug: A jug is a large hold that is easy to grip with the whole hand.
- Sloper: A sloper is a hold with a rounded surface that is difficult to grip.
- Pinch: A pinch is a hold that requires the climber to grip with their fingers and thumb.
- Pocket: A pocket is a small, concave hold that is only big enough for a few fingers.
- Mono: A mono is a one-finger pocket.
- Undercling: An undercling is a hold that requires the climber to grab under the hold and pull up. Like how you’d carry a table.
- Side pull: A side pull is a hold that requires the climber to pull sideways on the hold.
- Palm: A palm is a technique where the climber uses their hand to push against a flat surface.
- Crack: A crack is a narrow crevice in the rock that can be used as a hold. You’ll need to learn a specific technique to climb it.
- Heel hook: A heel hook is a technique where the climber hooks their heel onto a hold and uses their leg to push against the wall.
- Toe hook: A toe hook is a technique where the climber hooks their toe onto a hold and uses their leg to pull against the wall.
Summary
I hope you found all you are looking for with this post about climbing terminoligy. If we missed anything be sure to contact us or let us know on Instagram. Also, make sure to save this page or bookmark the tab so you can come back here any time you need help with a rock climbing term.
While you’re here, check out our other posts on rock climbing, especially if you are new to the sport. We have loads that could help you.
