Advertisement

topic editor

Brent Sedo, DeNel Rehberg Sedo

Brent Sedo - Brent Sedo got his start in journalism as the co-founder of his high school paper, the ambitiously titled Springfield Voice. He ...

rss

Free Climbing

Free climbing is the art of rock climbing without the use of artificial aid for upward movement. When free climbing, a climber uses only his or her own strength, endurance and power to make progress up a rock face. Safety equipment serves as a back-up in the event of a fall, preventing injury or death. Free climbing includes sport climbing, traditional climbing, ice climbing and mixed climbing. Technically, bouldering is also free climbing – though the safety equipment used in bouldering differs, the idea behind it is similar.

Free climbing should not be confused with free soloing. The dangerous practice of free soloing is rock climbing without the use of safety equipment to back the climber up in the event of a fall.

Leading Contributors

Latest articles in Free Climbing

 Rock Climbing Tantrums, Spray and Other Crag Noise Pollution

Disruptive climbers at the crag can ruin other climbers' days. Regulate your noise levels and manage your sport climbing frustration. Remember to have fun.

Dec 6, 2011 – Alli Rainey

Rock Climbing Etiquette Tips – Don't Be a Route Hogger

Be considerate of others wanting to try the route you're climbing. Following a few simple guidelines can keep everyone at a crowded crag relatively happy.

Oct 1, 2011 – Alli Rainey

Rock Climbing Technique Drills: Pacing, Regripping and Mantras

Make your time in the climbing gym and on warm-up and cool-down routes outside more constructive with drills that address pacing, regripping and mantras.

Sep 4, 2011 – Alli Rainey

Fixed & Used Rock Climbing Gear on Sport Climbs – Leave or Take?

Fixed gear on sport routes as a rule should stay where it is. Bail biners are an exception. Learn when it's ok to remove a carabiner and when it's not.

Jun 19, 2011 – Alli Rainey

Rock Climbing Pain Relief – Learn About OTC Painkillers (NSAIDs)

Do you pop "vitamin I" to get you through climbing days? You might want to rethink your choice. Learn sports-relevant side effects of this and other NSAIDs.

Feb 9, 2011 – Alli Rainey

Subscribe to feed