There are seven types of climbing that you can do indoors. They are as followed: crack, bouldering, face, lead, speed, top rope and traditional. In this article, we will give a brief description of each. We have also created a list of indoor climbing gyms around the world for your convenience.
Climbing Types – Cracks
Crack Climbing is a very technical type of climbing where climbers use finger cracks to ascend up a wall. Even though they look simple many people might find cracks challenging because they put much more emphasis on finger strength rather than overall upper body strength. This discipline is ideal for improving finger strength and technique.
Climbing Types – Bouldering
Bouldering is an extremely popular type of climbing that can be done both indoors and outdoors. In bouldering, climbers ascend short, steep walls without the use of ropes or harnesses. This type of climbing is a great way to improve your strength, power and agility.
Climbing Types – Face Climbing
Face climbing is one of the more popular types of climbing because it involves ascending a wall using small holds on the surface of the wall. This type of climbing requires good technique and lots of endurance.
Climbing Types – Lead Climbing
Lead Climbing is one of the most advanced types of climbing. In lead climbing, climbers ascend a wall with the help of a lead rope. They then clip their quickdraws (small metal carabiners) into the anchors as they go. This type of climbing is a great way to improve your strength, technique and problem-solving skills.
Climbing Types – Speed Climbing
Speed climbing is a relatively new type of climbing that has quickly gained in popularity. In speed climbing, climbers ascend a set route as quickly as possible. This type of climbing is a great way to improve your speed and agility.
Climbing Types – Top Rope Climbing
Top rope climbing is one of the most popular types of climbing. In this discipline, climbers ascend a wall using a top rope that is fixed to an anchor at the top of the wall. This type of climbing is great for beginners because it allows them to safely learn how to climb without dealing with scary falls.
Climbing Types – Traditional Climbing
Traditional Climbing is a very old discipline that involves ascending a route in its original style, placing protection along the way, and returning to the ground after reaching the top. In this type of climbing, climbers use removable protection such as cams, nuts and hexes to clip into permanent bolts which are permanently attached to the rock surface near or around natural protection points. This type of climbing has been made famous by Tommy Caldwell’s epic free solo link-ups The Dawn Wall in Yosemite National Park and Free Rider on El Capitan.
The benefits of climbing
There are many benefits to climbing. Here are just a few of them:
Climbing is great for your physical health. It builds strength, endurance and flexibility.
Climbing is a great way to relieve stress and tension.
Climbing is a great way to improve your problem-solving skills.
Climbing is a great way to improve your coordination and agility.
Climbing is a great way to improve your balance and spatial awareness.
