Harness: The padded belt and leg loops worn by climbers, attaching them to a rope.

Belay Device: A mechanical device used to control the rope while belaying a climber.

Carabiner: A metal clip used to connect ropes to gear or to climbers.

Quickdraw: A set of two carabiners connected by a webbing sling, used to attach the climbing rope to bolts or gear.

Rope: Dynamic ropes are used for climbing to absorb the force of a fall.

Grigri: A type of assisted-braking belay device.

ATC: A common belay device used for both belaying and rappelling.

Chalk Bag: A pouch that holds chalk powder to keep hands dry and improve grip.

Belay: The act of managing the rope for a climber, catching them if they fall.

Bouldering Pad (Crash Pad): A thick foam mat used to cushion falls while bouldering.

Cams: Spring-loaded devices that expand to fit into cracks for protection.

Nuts: Small metal wedges placed in cracks for protection.

Helmet: Protective headgear worn to prevent injury from falling debris or impacts.

Climbing Shoes: Tight-fitting shoes with sticky rubber soles for better grip on rock.

Top Rope: A climbing style where the rope is anchored at the top of the climb and the climber is belayed from below.

Lead Climbing: The climber clips the rope into protection as they ascend, with no anchor above them.

Sport Climbing: A form of lead climbing where pre-placed bolts are used for protection.

Traditional (Trad) Climbing: Lead climbing where the climber places removable gear (cams, nuts) for protection.

Bouldering: Climbing on shorter routes without ropes, usually on large boulders, with a crash pad for protection.

Free Soloing: Climbing without any ropes or safety equipment—extremely dangerous.

Multi-Pitch: Climbing a route in several stages (pitches), with belay stations in between.

Aid Climbing: Climbing using gear to assist upward movement, rather than relying solely on natural holds.

Crimp: A small hold where the fingers are curled to grip a narrow edge.

Jug: A large, easy-to-grip hold.

Sloper: A rounded hold where grip relies more on friction than finger strength.

Heel Hook: Using the heel to pull or stabilize on a hold.

Toe Hook: Using the top of the foot to pull on a hold.

Flagging: Extending one leg out for balance while climbing.

Mantle: A technique where the climber pushes down on a hold, using it like a ledge, to stand up.

Dyno: A dynamic move where the climber jumps or lunges for a hold.

Smearing: Pressing the foot against the rock when no distinct foothold is available.

Layback: A technique where the climber pulls with their hands and pushes with their feet against opposing sides of a feature (like a crack or corner).

Barn Door: When a climber swings uncontrollably to one side, like a door on a hinge.

Crack: A fissure in the rock that can be used for hand jams, foot jams, or protection placement.

Arete: A sharp, narrow ridge of rock.

Overhang: A section of rock that angles more than vertical, requiring powerful moves.

Slab: A less-than-vertical rock face requiring balance and technique rather than strength.

Roof: A horizontal overhanging section of rock.

Corner: An inside angle where two faces of rock meet.

Flake: A thin, often fragile sheet of rock that sticks out from the main wall.

Pockets: Small holes or depressions in the rock, often used as finger holds.

Hueco: Large, bowl-like depressions in the rock that can be used for handholds or footholds.

Beta: Information or advice about how to complete a climb or specific move.

Send: Successfully completing a route from start to finish without falling or resting on the rope.

Flash: Climbing a route on the first try with prior beta.

Onsight: Climbing a route on the first try without any prior knowledge or beta.

Redpoint: Successfully climbing a route after multiple attempts, but without falling or resting.

Project: A climb that a person is trying to complete, often after multiple attempts.

Pump: The burning sensation in your forearms from climbing too long or hard.

Crux: The hardest move or sequence of moves on a climb.

Whipper: A long or dramatic fall while lead climbing.

Bomber: A very secure hold or piece of gear.

Jugging: Using mechanical ascenders to climb a fixed rope.

Epic: A climb that becomes much harder or more intense than anticipated.

Gumby: A beginner climber, often used jokingly.

Sandbag: A climb that is harder than its rating suggests.

On Belay?: The climber’s question to the belayer to confirm they are ready.

Belay On: The belayer’s response, indicating they are ready to manage the rope.

Climbing: The climber’s call to indicate they are starting to climb.

Climb On: The belayer’s confirmation that it’s safe to begin climbing.

Take: Command to the belayer to take up slack in the rope, often before resting.

Slack: The climber’s request for more rope to move more freely.

Falling!: A climber’s warning to the belayer that they are about to fall.

Off Belay: The climber’s call to indicate they are no longer tied into the rope and the belay can stop.

Rope: Called before tossing a rope down to avoid hitting anyone below.

Respect Other Climbers: Always respect those climbing near you. Don’t crowd their space or talk loudly while they are climbing.

Wait Your Turn: Don't cut in line or "poach" someone's project by jumping on a route they've been working on.

Leave No Trace: Carry out all your trash, avoid damaging vegetation or rock features, and stay on established trails.

Don’t Hog Routes: If you're projecting a route, be mindful of others waiting. Let them hop on between attempts.

Keep Chalk Use in Check: Use chalk sparingly and brush holds after heavy use, especially in sensitive areas.

Respect Local Ethics: Different climbing areas have different unwritten rules (e.g., about fixed protection or cleaning routes). Know and respect them.

Be Mindful of Noise: Keep your voice down when near other climbers, especially in quieter, natural settings.

Belay Safely: Always pay full attention when belaying. Don't use your phone or become distracted.

Clean Up Gear: Make sure you take down all gear, including quickdraws and carabiners, when you're done with a climb.

Respect Rest Days: If you're in a climbing area for multiple days, allow others the chance to climb routes you've been working