Rock climbing

Climbing at the Eulenwand in Franconia, Germany

Rock climbing is a sport where someone uses his hands and feet to climb up a rock or a artificial climbing wall. Rock climbing is a very difficult sport because you need to have a lot of strength. Rock climbers must know how to use ropes, carabiners and harnesses for their own safety.

Different ways of rock climbing

Because of many different kinds of rocks around the world, many different kinds of climbing started.

Bouldering 

is climbing on short, low routes. Because people do not climb very high, they do not need to use safety equipment. Sometimes there are used special pads to cushion a drop.

Top roping 

Here the rope is already anchored at the top of the route. Safety equipment is needed here but many people say this kind is the safest. The person at the bottom must only keep the rope tight by using a knot or a securing device, like a Grigri.

Lead climbing 

This way is used when the rope is not on top yet. The person must tie the rope to their harness and then climb up the wall. On the way the climber puts the rope through a carabiner every few metres. Here the person at the bottom must also use a knot or a securing device.