Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is the sport of climbing up rocks, cliffs, or walls. Climbers use their hands and feet to find grips. Many climbers use ropes to stay safe. Rock climbing can be done outside on real rocks or inside on climbing walls. It takes strength, balance, and a brave heart.

Climbing Gear

Climbers wear special shoes with sticky rubber soles. They tie ropes to a harness around their waist. A partner below holds the rope to catch them if they slip. Climbers also use chalk to keep their hands dry. Helmets protect their heads from falling rocks.

Kinds of Climbing

There are many kinds of rock climbing. Bouldering is climbing short rocks without ropes, with soft mats below. Sport climbing uses ropes clipped to bolts in the rock. Top rope climbing has a rope at the top of the wall. Free solo climbing is done without any ropes, but it is very dangerous.

Fun Facts

• Rock climbing became an Olympic sport in 2020.
• The hardest climbing routes are rated with letters and numbers, like 5.14.
• Some climbers can hang from just one finger.

Did You Know?

Indoor climbing walls have colored holds, and each color shows a different route up the wall.