Rock Climbing 101: Talk the Talk

Photo by Dirtbag Darling

One of the biggest hurdles a person faces in life is overcoming a fear. Climbing was mine—I felt inept about where to begin. Do I want to "belay on" or "belay off" when I'm ready? Wasn't Gaston the smarmy charmer from Beauty and the Beast—and why is my guide book telling me it's the name of a grip? There are 40 different types of carabiners in front of me—which one do I use?

My first introduction to climbing was back in 1999 during summer camp, but I'll admit at first I was more interested in the Zach Morris look-alike climbing instructor. But once I got harnessed in and tapped out on the top of the indoor rock "mountain," I was hooked. So if you're ready to climb on, first thing's first: Learning the lingo.

Belay
A manner in which two people aid one another while scaling a climbing route. Once person is the anchor, the other is the climber. Anchor-man stays on the ground while the climber scales the wall. Each person wears a harness, and they are connected to a shared rope, with the anchor using a belay device to assist during a fall. That anchor is responsible for catching the climber if she falls, and for aiding her in getting back down to the ground once she's reached the top.



On-Belay
It's important to say "climbing" or "on-belay" before you start your ascent. If you're the anchor, make sure you check the climber's harness to make sure her loops are closed, her carabiners are tight and her foot placement is sturdy before responding with "on-belay" or "climb on."

Off-Belay
A voice command used by the climber to signal to the anchor they are safely back on the ground or tied in securely to a safety tie.

One more climbing benefit? It makes for Instagram gold! One of our guest bloggers, Darling Claire Repass climbing.

Traverse
Climbing horizontally. If you're a beginner, do this at the base of a climbing wall or walk parallel with the floor for as long as possible to get a feel for all the different holds while maintaining a safe distance off the ground. When you get better, you can do this on all types of climbs!

Holds
The multi-colored grips on an indoor climbing wall or actual wrinkles and cliffs on a real rock wall. In a gym, different colors signal different routes, which can really vary in difficulty. Names for holds include edges, pinches, jugs, crimpers, pockets, slopers, underclings and gastons.

Gaston
Ok, so this climbing hold isn't popular, but it's my personal favorite. The technique involves a hold that is turned sideways, forcing you to point your elbow away from your face. Then, you have to griop the hold with your thumb facing down, and apply pressure into the wall while pulling yourself up. Sounds fun, yes? It was named after Gaston Rebuffat, a French alpinist from the arly 1900s, who seems to be nicer than Belle's guys. Watch this video to see Gaston in action—don't try this one at home.

Climbing is a sanity saver, an indoor oasis in the the depths of winter, an opportunity to spend time with your friends, and a great workout (you can burn up to 900 calories an hour rock climbing!). Who knows, you may find your very own Zach Morris.