As you might guess, there are different types of climbing. Sport climbing is a version that allows for the perfection of technique without a lot of the steps that slow a climb down. Bolts are pre-placed, so you do not need to place them.



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.

Strap on crampons are used more in mountaineering than in rock climbing. Sooner or later, however, you will do some mountaineering to at least reach a climb, so you need to know what it is. The crampons strap over the bottom of the boot at the heal and toe.

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.

Frog in the headlights is a slang term used for a climber that freezes when they look down from a high climb and get intimidated. Their eyes get big like a frog and they freeze like a deer in the headlights of a car.

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.

The next time someone asks you how many languages you speak, you can now add climbing to the list. Fortunately, this language is easy to learn. Even better, you don't have to roll your Rs.