the language of climbing. It is vital to be able to give
clear instructions to your partner, this is especially important in noisy conditions. All
too often I have seen the looks of disappointment on climbers faces when their partner has
come back from the crowded bar with a diet coke instead of the lager that was required.
However, by learning the language of climbing, such accidents can easily be avoided. I am
therefore dedicating the issues column to clarifying the main points.
Abseil
A technique used by some "hard" climbers to preplace the protection on routes
easily within their capabilities. Alternatively a common device used in conversation when
it is revealed you are a climber e.g. "you're a climber eh! I went abseiling
once."
Belay
A dubious rope system set up by the lead climber primarily designed to offer psychological
comfort for the second, who is normally un aware of the danger they are in.
Drink
An essential part of climbing often taking place before, after and sometimes during. It is
used mainly as a memory aid to help recall all the tremendous sloping holds and poor
protection you encountered on the V Diff you did earlier.
Friends
A term often wrongly used to refer to camming devices. Friends are actually climbers or
other interested parties who have a car and are willing to take you on frequent climbing
trips. Technical friends are those who possess all the gear as well as being able to lead
the routes you are too chicken to attempt.
Nuts
Also known as "Balls" - what you need for leading.
Leader Fall
Occurring generally when the climber has attempted something beyond their ability or after
bumbling off route onto an E5. Leader falls are expressed in feet as there are roughly 3
more of them to the metre making it easier to baffle others into a false sense of
admiration.
Rupert Priestnall
