by Deborah Evers

Created on: September 23, 2011   Last Updated: September 25, 2011

Rock climbing is an endurance sport that encompasses athleticism, skill and agility. Rock climbing can take place either indoors or outdoors. There are a wide variety of techniques used in rock climbing. Some of these techniques aid in ascending, some in descending and some in side maneuvers. It takes a lot of practice and determination to master all of the different rock climbing techniques.

Tying In: Tying In is the most important technique used in rock climbing. Tying In is the act of securing yourself to the rope. A proper knot, such as a figure eight follow through knot, should be used. This knot must be secure in order to protect climbers from a fall or accident.

Dyno: The Dyno technique is used when a climber needs to utilize momentum in order to reach a distant hold on the rock.

Stem: The Stem technique is when a climber presses his/her hands and feet outward in opposing directions creating body support.

Mantle: Performing the Mantle technique is very similar to the motion a body makes as it climbs out of a swimming pool. The Mantle move places both a hand and foot in the same place.

Lay Back: A Lay Back move is a maneuver that is done by pulling with the arms and pushing with the feet to create opposition and body support.

Lock Off: A Lock Off is when a climber grips a handhold with enough strength that the other hand is free to shift to a new handhold.

Twist Lock: To utilize the transitional, Twist Lock technique a climber will twist their body towards the hold being locked off. This move allows the locking off arm to straighten out, thus extending the reaching arm's reach, bringing it closer to the wall.

Smear: Performing a Smear move simply means that the climber puts his/her foot on a part of the rock that has no foothold at all. In Smearing, the foot gains hold from the friction between the bottom of the shoe and the rock face itself.

Step-Through: Doing a Step-Through is moving sideways across a rock face while stepping in front of the leg you are standing on.

Knee-Bar: The Knee-Bar technique is used when a climber needs to rest, particularly when climbing over-hanging or steep terrain. It is done by pressing the thigh and foot up against two holds.

Frog Step: A Frog Step is when a body is in the frontal position, trying to reach a higher hold with both legs extended.

Heel Hook: A Heel Hook is performed by resting a heel on a hold in order to take some of the pressure off of the arms for a moment.

Flag: A Flag is an extended leg

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>