Climbing Terms

New to climbing? No worries! Everybody was a beginner once!

We’ve created a list of climbing-specific lingo to help  you feel more comfortable in the strange and wonderful world of rock climbing.  Click on the heading to read more.

Styles of Rock Climbing - Bouldering, Problem, Sports Climbing, Trad, and route.

Types of Climbing Hold - Crimps, Edges, Features, Incuts, Jugs, Slopers, Pinches, Pockets, Jibs and Chips.

Climbing Wall Descriptors - Arete, Dihedral, Slab, Overhang, Roof, High-Ball, Low-Ball

Climbing Gear - Crash Pads, Harnesses, Ropes, Belay Devices, Chalk, Brushes, Carabineers, Quickdraws, Nuts, Nut Tools, Cams, Tricams

Climbing Actions - Belay, Catch, Take, Spot, Dyno, Lunge, Deadpoint, Back Step, Drop Knee, Stem, Kneebar, Heel Hook, Smear, Flag, etc.