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Glossary of Climbing Terms

Redpoint
To successfully and cleanly complete a route or problem in more than one attempt.


Flash
To successfully and cleanly complete a route or problem on the first attempt, after having received beta of some kind.


Onsight
A clean ascent made on the first attempt without prior practice or beta.


Session

A focused training block or concentrated effort to send or work out the moves on a climb. KAYA counts any activity within 24 hours as a session.


Send (Ascent)
To successfully complete a route or problem without falling or taking via on-sight, flash, or redpoint.


Attempt
To try to climb a route, problem, or move sequence.


Fall
An attempt which did not result in a send.


Volume
Volume describes how much climbing you do, and is the sum of attempts per session.


Logbook
In KAYA, a logbook is a record of your sessions, including climb diaries, notes, and climb videos.

Benchmark
A Classic climb that is considered a standard or point of reference against which the difficulty grade of other climbs is compared. For the climber, ascent of a benchmark represents mastery of the grade for the area.

Classics
A climb that is widely regarded as being exemplary, often featuring excellent quality of rock, enjoyable movement and having a striking appearance.


Route
A climb that is typically more than 15 moves and is usually only safely done with a rope.

Bouldering
The practice of climbing close to the ground so that relative safety can be maintained with crash pads and spotting instead of belay ropes. Generally, bouldering has a greater focus on peak strength and gymnastic movement than roped climbing.

Climb
An individual boulder problem or rock climb on an outdoor cliff or indoor wall, typically assigned a difficulty grade.


Lift 
This tag refers to a movement where the climber engages in lifting or pulling their body upward, often using holds above them. It involves utilizing upper body strength.


Yard
Yarding involves forcefully pulling on holds, typically large or positive ones, to make upward progress. It can require a strong pull with both arms.


Coordinate

Coordinate movements involve using both hands or feet simultaneously in a synchronized manner. This could include matching hands on a hold or using opposing hand and foot placements.


Press

Pressing refers to using body tension and strength to move upward against a hold, often with a focus on pushing away from the climbing surface.


Jump

Jumping is a dynamic movement where the climber propels themselves from one hold to another. It requires timing, precision, and sometimes a burst of explosive power.


Run 

Running involves moving quickly and dynamically between holds. It can be used to describe a series of dynamic movements in succession.


Toe Down

This footwork tag indicates a technique where the climber places their toe on a hold while keeping the heel elevated. It is often used for precise placements on smaller holds.


Heel 

Heel refers to using the heel of the climbing shoe to secure a hold. This technique is useful for maintaining balance and stability, especially on larger holds.


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