🧗‍♀️ Rock Climbing

Climbing splits into bouldering close to the ground over mats, sport climbing on bolted routes with a rope, and trad climbing where the leader places all the protection. A grade describes the hardest move on the route, not how long it is.

🚀 Start Here

• Rock Climbing Equipment List
• Rock Climbing Terms and Slang
• Best Rock Climbing Athletes of All Time
• Where Rock Climbing Is Most Popular
• The Tournaments That Matter

⏳ Rock Climbing History

• Mid-1800s: Alpinism gains popularity in Europe; Rock Climbing separates from mountaineering with the ascent of the Napes Needle by Walter Parry Haskett Smith.
• 1920s to 1950s: Rock climbing center in European Alps emerges; Growth of climbing schools and varied techniques.
• 1960s to 1970s: Significant advancements in climbing gear; Emphasis on “clean climbing”; noteworthy increase in female climbers.
• 1980s: Sport climbing becomes more prominent; First World Cup of Climbing organized; First commercial climbing gyms open.
• 1990s: Rise of bouldering; Expansion of climbing gyms and competitions; Introduction of foam crash pads for safety.
• 2000s: Rapid increase of climbers and climbing gyms globally; Rise of media coverage for rock climbing; Development of new safety equipment.
• 2010s to Present: Globalization of rock climbing; Inclusion of rock climbing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.