Rock climbing

Lore & Background

The main types of rock climbing trace their origins to late 19th-century Europe, with bouldering in Fontainebleau, big wall climbing in the Dolomites, and single-pitch climbing in both the Lake District and in Saxony. Climbing ethics initially focused on 'fair means' and the transition from aid climbing to free climbing and latterly to clean climbing; the use of bolted protection on outdoor routes is a source of ongoing debate. Popular rock types include granite, limestone, and sandstone, but 43 types of climbable rock types have been identified.

Reader's Guide

The discipline is defined by key concepts such as the lead climbing pair, climbing protection (removable in traditional climbing, permanently fixed in sport climbing), and techniques like abseiling. Technical milestones are tied to developments in equipment (e.g., rubber shoes, spring-loaded camming devices, campus boards) and technique (e.g., jamming, crimping, smearing). The hardest technical lead climbing grade is 9c (5.15d) for men and 9b+ (5.15c) for women, and the hardest bouldering grade is V17 (9A) for men and V16 (8C+) for women. The sport's profile increased with Olympic inclusion and films such as Free Solo and The Dawn Wall.

Did You Know?

• The hardest technical lead climbing grade is 9c (5.15d) for men and 9b+ (5.15c) for women.
• 43 types of climbable rock types have been identified, including granite, limestone, and sandstone.