If you’re new to climbing, the lingo can often feel overwhelming—like you’re listening to a foreign language. Terms like “sending a project” and “the crux” can leave you scratching your head. But don’t fret; everyone starts somewhere! We’ve compiled a concise glossary to help you navigate the climbing world with confidence.
Climbing Terrain Terms
Arete: An arete is a prominent, exposed edge or corner on a rock face.
Dihedral: This refers to an inward corner, creating a contained vertical space.
Overhang: Overhanging terrain has an angle greater than 90 degrees, requiring significant pulling and pushing to maintain contact with the wall.
Roof: A roof is an extremely overhung area, often nearly parallel to flat ground.
Slab: Slab terrain has an angle less than 90 degrees, emphasizing balance rather than strength. Think of it as climbing like a goat along a steep cliffside.
Vert: Vertical (or “vert”) routes stand at a perfect 90 degrees, requiring varied skills and techniques.
Climbing Movement Terms
Campus: To campus means to ascend a route without using your feet—only your arms.
Crux: The crux is the most challenging segment of a climb.
Cut Feet: This occurs when both feet lose contact with the wall.
Flag: Flagging involves counterbalancing your weight using your limbs during a move.
Dynamic: A dynamic movement uses momentum to propel you to the next hold.
Static: Static movements are slow and deliberate, focusing on purposeful transitions between holds.
Mantle: Mantling refers to pushing down on a hold, similar to pulling yourself out of a pool without a ladder.
Smear: Smearing is when you use the friction of your shoe against the wall in the absence of a foothold.
Stem: Stemming is pushing against two surfaces simultaneously, a common technique for navigating dihedrals.
Climbing Culture Terms
Beta: Beta is advice on how to approach or complete a climb. Keep in mind that sharing unrequested beta is often seen as “beta spraying.”
Crag: A crag is a designated outdoor climbing area.
Flash: Flashing a climb means completing it on your first attempt while receiving guidance from others or after observing someone else.
OnSight: To onsight a climb is to successfully ascend it on your first encounter without any prior advice.
Project: This term refers to a climb you’re currently working on but haven’t yet completed; actioning it is known as “projecting.”
Redpoint: Redpointing a climb involves succeeding after several attempts. In lead climbing, this usually follows practice on the same route using a top rope.
Send: To send a route means to climb it successfully from start to finish.
Next time you hear climbers engaging in these discussions, don’t be intimidated—you’re equipped with the essential vocabulary! Feel empowered to ask questions; the climbing community thrives on learning and growth. So keep pushing your limits and expanding your climbing glossary!
