Ever dreamed of climbing mountains like a fearless explorer? Or maybe you just want to impress your friends at the indoor climbing gym? Rock climbing is an exciting sport that combines strength, strategy, and a little bit of bravery (okay, sometimes a lot of bravery). But before you start scaling cliffs like a pro, you need to learn the right words—because shouting, “Hey, that thingy on the wall isn’t working!” won’t help much.
This lesson covers essential rock climbing vocabulary to help you talk about gear, techniques, and safety like a true climber. Whether you’re climbing indoors or outdoors, we’ve got you covered—just make sure you don’t look down!
Vocabulary List: Essential Rock Climbing Terms
| Vocabulary Word | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Climbing Harness | A safety belt worn around the waist and legs. | Always wear a climbing harness before you start climbing. |
| Carabiner | A metal loop with a spring-loaded gate used to connect gear. | I clipped my carabiner to the rope for safety. |
| Belay | A technique for securing a climber using a rope system. | My climbing partner belayed me from the ground. |
| Rappel | The act of descending a cliff by sliding down a rope. | We had to rappel down the mountain after reaching the top. |
| Anchor | A secure point to attach the climbing rope. | The guide set up an anchor at the top of the climb. |
| Bouldering | Climbing without ropes on short walls or rocks. | I prefer bouldering because I don’t need a harness. |
| Lead Climbing | A type of climbing where the climber places the rope as they go. | Lead climbing requires experience and confidence. |
| Top Rope Climbing | Climbing with a rope already anchored at the top. | Top rope climbing is great for beginners. |
| Crimp | A small handhold that requires strong fingers. | This route has a lot of crimps—my fingers are tired! |
| Jug | A large, easy-to-grip hold. | The climb started with big jugs, then got harder. |
Expanded Vocabulary: Advanced Climbing Terms
| Vocabulary Word | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Sloper | A rounded hold that requires an open hand grip. | I kept slipping off the sloper near the top. |
| Dyno | A dynamic jump to reach a hold. | I had to do a dyno to grab the next hold. |
| Crux | The hardest part of a climbing route. | The crux of this climb is near the middle. |
| Beta | Information about how to climb a route. | My friend gave me some beta before I started climbing. |
| Chalk Bag | A small pouch filled with chalk to keep hands dry. | I dipped my hands into my chalk bag before gripping the rock. |
| Smearing | Pressing the sole of your shoe against the rock for friction. | Smearing helps when there are no good footholds. |
| Heel Hook | Using your heel to hook onto a hold for balance. | I used a heel hook to pull myself up. |
| Overhang | A section of a climb that leans outward. | My arms were exhausted after climbing the overhang. |
| Pitch | A section of a long climb that requires one rope length. | This climb has three pitches before we reach the top. |
| Slab Climbing | Climbing on a wall that is less steep and requires balance. | Slab climbing is all about footwork. |
Key Phrases in Rock Climbing
- “On belay?” (Used to check if the belayer is ready)
- Example: “On belay?”
- Example: “Belay is on!” (Response)
- “Take!” (Used to tell the belayer to hold the rope tight)
- Example: “Take! I need a rest!”
- Example: “Take the rope before I slip!”
- “Climbing!” (Said before starting a climb)
- Example: “Climbing!”
- Example: “Climb on!” (Response)
- “Watch me!” (Tells the belayer to pay close attention)
- Example: “Watch me! This move is tricky.”
- Example: “Got it, I’m watching!”
- “That was a sketchy move!” (When a climbing move felt risky or unstable)
- Example: “That was a sketchy move, but I made it!”
- Example: “I almost fell, that move was so sketchy!”
Example Paragraph
“Yesterday, I tried lead climbing for the first time. I clipped my carabiner to the rope, checked my harness, and yelled, ‘On belay?’ My belayer shouted back, ‘Belay is on!’ and I started my climb. The route had some easy jugs at first, but then I reached the crux—an overhang with tiny crimps. I tried smearing, but my foot slipped. ‘Take!’ I yelled before falling a few inches. After a few tries (and lots of chalk), I finally made it to the top. Best. Climb. Ever!”
Common Questions About Rock Climbing
- What’s the difference between bouldering and rope climbing?
- Example: Bouldering is done on short walls without ropes, while rope climbing requires a harness and belay system.
- How do I improve my grip strength?
- Example: You can improve grip strength by practicing crimps and using a hangboard.
- What do I say before I start climbing?
- Example: You say ‘Climbing!’ and wait for the belayer to say ‘Climb on!’
- What’s the scariest part of rock climbing?
- Example: For me, it’s the overhangs—they make me feel like I’m hanging in space!
- What’s a good beginner climbing route?
- Example: Start with an easy top rope route with big jugs and a simple path.
Invitation to Practice
Are you into rock climbing, or are you just starting? Try describing your most exciting (or funniest) climbing experience using some of the vocabulary words! Did you have a sketchy move? Did you wipe out on a dyno? Share your story in a study group or in the comments!