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zac_1979
Mar 28, 2005, 10:44 PM
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Ok, few weeks into climbing now, started talking with some of the regulars at the climbing gym. They talk a different language when it comes to climbing. Not to sound like a fucking noob I just listen and keep my comments to myself. Anyway.....point is, how can I learn the terminology of climbing?
Trad climbing, top ropping, camming, etc.....!?
Should I just start reading climbing mags?
THX - The NoOb.
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skecthballer
Mar 28, 2005, 11:18 PM
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Registered: Sep 14, 2003
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yes
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outdoorsie
Mar 28, 2005, 11:25 PM
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This question has probably been asked before, you might do a quick search of the forums. When I started climbing, I really loved this website: http://climb.mountainzone.com/glossary_a_l.html
Note that some of the words are defined using other words in the glossary. Like, right off the bat, Abseil is defined as a word for rappel. What does it mean to rappel? It's in there... look it up. You may find yourself in similar cycles, but it's a nice (and entertaining) resource.
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maculated
Mar 28, 2005, 11:27 PM
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Specialized vocabulary is not something you sit down and study. As you climb, you'll be inundated with "arete" and "bomber" and the like. Like learning any new vocab - you'll learn it when you need it. Forcing it upon yourself is kinda artificial.
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dingus
Mar 28, 2005, 11:31 PM
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Dude! = Wow, did you see THAT?
Whoa... = I can't believe you did that!
Right on! = you're a moron but I don't make a habit of arguing with crazy people
ROCK! = ROCK!
DMT
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veganboyjosh
Mar 28, 2005, 11:32 PM
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just keep reading. this website is good to start, and follow links that people post. if something's above your head, instead of posting right away, just keep reading and searching, and you'll most likely find that the question has been asked (and answered) several times.
also, any of the john long books are good for the basics.
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cfmwh
Mar 29, 2005, 12:20 AM
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1)Read, reread and read again: Freedom of the Hills, John Long's books, climbing mags, anything regarding climbing.
2)Get hands-on experience from the, well, already experienced, trustworthy and safe climbers.
3)Climb, climb, climb.
4)Remember that one of the most beautiful things about climbing is there is always something new to learn.
Oh yeah, welcome to the wonderful world of climbing!
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viacontinuum
Mar 29, 2005, 12:36 AM
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I think all of the above advice is great, especially what Maculated said. that's a really good point; nothing screams 'n00b' louder than someone telling you to "match-cam that bomber crimp-sloper before you get aggro and deck, yo!" (Note: I don't even know what half those words mean).
Having said that, I think a really important distinction that you yourself made in the title is the difference between terminology and lingo:
Terminology is something that you can read and learn. Knowing the right word helps you express yourself clearly and concisely, and will make understanding other climbers a lot easier (in most cases). It's pretty hard to explain trad climbing without using words like "cam, nut, protection, rope, harness, ...trad, ... climbing". Books, the rc.com glossary, other internet sites, and other people are all great resources to learn new terminology.
Lingo is a little different. You can't always read a lingo-dictionary and be able to speak like a true dirtbag boulderer. Some people might argue differently, but I think with lingo there are so many little undertones that you can often tell when someone is trying to force it (see example above). It's really just slang words for climbing terms and in all honestly, you don't need to know any lingo to talk about climbing. Inevitably you'll pick it up and start using it too, but don't worry about that. it just comes with time. If you're really psyched to learn new lingo, check out the "Ask the N00B" thread, where subtle answers a lot of readers' questions. Even if you don't get much info from it, I have to say it's pretty entertaining.
Good luck, and happy climbing!
Peace.
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justin_tw123
Mar 29, 2005, 12:37 AM
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i read the boards alot...usually i post a question and then see later on that there is one just like it. books and mags are good too. i know quite a bit of lingo but am nowhere near using half of the info ive learned. just read and climb...and dont be afraid to say "dude...what the hell did all that you just said mean?" i havent met a rude unfriendly climber yet. just ask you'll get an answer. plus when you hear a term you dont know in the gym you might get a better idea of the term if someone can point it out to you such as the crux of a climb. you can be shown what a crux is. good luck have fun.
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cliffhanger9
Moderator
Mar 29, 2005, 1:08 AM
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Hey Welcome to RockClimbing.com and more interestingly, climbing in general
Well you ve come to the right place. There is a TON of info here if you know how to find it (admittedly, quite a confusing task with the current site design but thats being worked on)
We have a search tool at the top of every page on the site so check there first. The next best place is the FAQs (also a work in progress).
I will also point you to the direction of our own climbing dictionary here on RC.com.
http://www.rockclimbing.com/articles/term.php
Hopefully that is of use.
So take a look around, stay a while. Like I said there is a TON of info here already and it is only going to improve as more and more users submit route beta, helpful articles and interesting trip reports, gear reviews, and some amazing climbing photography.
Anyway, again I welcome you to the world of rock climbing and try not to get to overwhelmed with it - the attitudes of those you climb around, not progressing as fast as you would like to or simply not understanding all the terms - just have fun with it!
ROCK ON :mrgreen:
-Dan
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tirroth
Mar 31, 2005, 9:13 AM
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Registered: Mar 31, 2005
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In reading some descriptions on routes for bouldering and TRing I have come across 1 term that I have not been able to find anywhere; SDS.
Can anyone enlighten me to what that actually means?
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maculated
Mar 31, 2005, 10:01 AM
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Registered: Dec 23, 2001
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sit down start
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andrewbanandrew
Apr 3, 2005, 6:37 AM
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Registered: Nov 10, 2004
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Lingo is really just jargon; it's easier to say "flag" than "stick your foot out to change your center of gravity relative to the wall"
Just ask people
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rocknan
Apr 4, 2005, 2:46 PM
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Registered: Oct 29, 2002
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so what's Noob?
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maculated
Apr 4, 2005, 6:08 PM
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Registered: Dec 23, 2001
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An evolution from "newbie," the internet term for the uninitiated. It's not a good thing to be called.
STFU N00b!!!1
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rocknan
Apr 5, 2005, 9:39 AM
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Registered: Oct 29, 2002
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THX. i think i won't use it.
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cragb
Apr 5, 2005, 2:26 PM
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Registered: Feb 9, 2005
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A personal favorite is gravy train bro.
Translation: Easy
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