Types of Climbing: Bouldering, Sport, Speed…

There are different types of climbing and it’s easy to get confused between them. All types of climbing have many things in common, but they might require different equipment, technical knowledge or preparation. Let’s jump right into it!

1 - Sports Climbing:

Sport Climbing is a type of climbing where the climber uses pre-placed bolts for protection. The climber clips quickdraws to the bolts as they climb, and in the event of a fall, they will only fall as far as the last bolt they clipped.

Sport Climbing is requires harness, belay, ropes and we recommend the use of a helmet too. You will find that many gyms offer courses on belaying and Sport Climbing, and it’s a great idea to find a regular partner who you will be belaying with.

Sport Climbing is beginner friendly, but there is one type of climbing even better to get started with:

2 - Bouldering

Bouldering is a type of climbing that is done on small rock formations or boulders. The climber typically does not use ropes or harnesses, but instead climbs short routes that are close to the ground. The focus is on technique and strength, and falls are protected by crash pads.

Bouldering is very accessible because there are many gyms that offer this type of climbing, and each gym will offer routes that go from very beginner friendly to really hard and technical problems.

Bouldering has seen huge growth in the recent years due the accessibility it allows. You only need a pair of shoes and that’s it! All gyms offer rental shoes, so you can try it out before committing to buying a pair.

3 - Trad Climbing

Trad climbing, short for traditional climbing, is a type of climbing where the climber places their own protection as they climb. This can include nuts, cams, and other devices that are placed in cracks and crevices in the rock.

Trad climbing is usually performed by very experienced climbers, as you need to have serious control of your body and mind to be able to trust the equipment and the wall.

4 - Free Soloing

Free soloing is a type of climbing where the climber climbs without any protection or ropes. This is an extremely dangerous type of climbing and should only be attempted by experienced climbers.

There’s an excellent movie where Alex Honnold does a Free Solo in El Captain mountain, and it sure will keep you on the edge of the seat during the whole movie!

https://films.nationalgeographic.com/free-solo

5 - Ice Climbing

Ice climbing is a type of climbing that involves climbing frozen waterfalls, ice formations, or glaciers. Climbers typically use specialized equipment such as ice axes, crampons, and ice screws for protection. There are some indoor gyms that use wood in order to replicate ice.

6 - Mountaineering

Mountaineering is a type of climbing that involves climbing mountains, typically at high altitudes. It can involve a combination of different types of climbing, and requires a high level of fitness, technical skill, and experience.

7 - Speed Climbing

Speed climbing is a type of climbing where the climber attempts to climb a route as quickly as possible. The route is typically on an artificial wall with pre-placed holds, and the climber uses a specific technique to climb quickly and efficiently. Speed climbing is often a competitive sport, with standardized routes and timing. It has recently been introduced as an Olympic sport, where the climbers race to the top of a 15-meter wall with a standardized route.

That’s it! Did we miss some climb type? Please let us know!