Rock climbing is the act of climbing vertical rock structures. As a rule, climbers make use of various devices and safety tools exclusively designed. Agility and balance, strength, mental control and endurance are necessary to be able to take on difficult and hazardous physical dares, as well as understand the various rock climbing methods. It is very important to make use of vital equipment and mechanisms. You can sort out rock climbing into two wide groups namely free climbing and aid climbing.



Free climbing

In free climbing, the climber makes use of just the natural characteristics and the specific shape of the rocks.

Aid climbing

Aid climbing entails making use of artificial pieces of equipment located in the rock to hold up all or some fraction of the climber's body weight, and on an average is carried out on rock formations that do not have the required natural characteristics appropriate for free climbing.

Other types of rock climbing

Lead climbing

Lead climbing is a method where the lead climber or leader is strapped at one end of a rope and it is their partner's responsibility to belay him or her. After doing that, the climber climbs up the path, and once in a while lays some kind of protection for safety just in case the climber tends to lose his or her balance and falls.

Traditional lead climbing

Traditional lead climbing, also known as 'Trad lead climbing', generally makes use of detachable protection. However, in addition it might utilize fixed bolts in case these were connected on the lead. It is like lead climbing and the climbing group starts at the base of a mount and climbs to the top, with the help of the leader placing protective pieces of equipment in the rock while he or she climbs. God forbid, if the climber falls; he or she does not balance on the rope.

The person is lowered to a standpoint or the ground to begin all over again. This manner of protection and rock climbing advancement highlights the features of the activity and the need for courage. Trad leading is thought to be the best method, as the climbers go behind the leader, known as the 'seconds'. It does away with the protective pieces of equipment apart from permanent bolts installed on the lead and leaves minor hints of the route.

Sport lead climbing

Sport lead climbing is also a type of lead climbing that involves the use of pre-installed lasting bolts for safety. This liberates the leader from carting along too many devices and he or she just clips onto the bolts with rapid draws. On the other hand, lasting and protective equipment such as bolts and fixed pitons are known to get displaced or rot in due course and as a result turn out dangerous and risky for the leader. Difficult climbs generally lead to a lot of falls and breaks prior to being completed.

Top rope climbing

Top rope climbing also known as top roping and involves hanging a rope from an anchor that is placed at the peak of a small climb. The climber is protected by his belayer who clings on to the rope either at the top of the path or at the foot of the climb.