A popular sport, rock climbing requires its athlete to scale precipices and angular rock faces. Often pursued as a hobby, rock climbing includes the usage of specialized equipment and a variety of techniques. Rock climbing techniques are methods of performing ascents, using the knowledge in the main Rope Systems, hand holds and belaying methods.

Rope Systems in rock climbing

Rope systems for rock climbing are of three types:

. Single Rope System,

. Double Rope system,

. Twin Rope system.

Single Rope System:

The single rope system works best on multi-pitch and single routes, where a single straight rope is required. Such a rope works best on artificial walls and is often used in sport routes. A single rope system can increase a climber's speed, if the bolts are placed in a straight line.

When employing the Single Rope System, the maximum abseil achieved is half of the actual original rope length. This practice is followed to ensure climbers safety. Employing the Single Rope System is a cheaper alternative than the Double or Twin Rope System. However, the durability factor is less reliable.

Double Rope System

The Double Rope System is a more flexible system than the Single Rope System. This system reduces the rope- dragging factor considerably and thus extensively protects the climber.

The system is employed in Traditional Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, and Ice Climbing. In this system, both the ropes are tied to each other and the complete rope is used for abseil. The durability of this rope is more reliable. The width of the rope is smaller between 8-9 mm.

Twin Rope system:

In this system, twin ropes are used combining them together as a Single Rope System. The combination of ropes offers both ropes assistance and protection at each point. By tying the twin ropes together, a full rope length abseil can be employed. The system is not as safe as the double Rope System, though the durability is the same.

Hand Systems in Rock climbing:

Jug System:

The system is a type of hold that is comfortable for an athlete's hand. The hold is perfectly shaped for the hand and uses the entire palm for action. The system requires the athlete to convex his palm, and by doing so the climber can receive a proper grip of the rock surface.

Finger Lock System:

The finger lock is used to grip cracks in the crack climbing technique of rock climbing. The technique is secure. However, special care should be taken over the finger used in the lock, which can be damaged or crippled during a fall. The system is performed using the pointer finger, by compressing the fingers.

Open Hand System:

Used as an alterative to the Finger lock system, the system is used to grip on small to medium sized edges. The system is safer for the fingers. However, it does require a good amount of forearm strength. Regular practice of this open handed technique is required, before fully utilizing this technique.

Belaying:

To become an ace rock climber, both the techniques of Climbing and Belaying must be mastered. In the belaying technique, the last climber(BELAYER)- to ascend the climb, secures the preceding climber.