Climbing is the activity of using one's hands, feet, or any other part of the body to ascend a steep object. It is done recreationally, competitively and in emergency rescue and military operations. It is done indoors and out, on natural and manmade structures.
Climbing activities include:
- Bouldering: Ascending boulders or small outcrops, often with climbing shoes and a chalk bag or bucket. Usually, instead of using a safety rope from above, injury is avoided using a crash pad and a human spotter.
- Buildering: Ascending the exterior skeletons of buildings, typically without protective equipment.
- Indoor climbing:
Lead climbing
and bouldering artificial walls with bolted holds in a climbing gym.
- Canyoneering: Climbing along canyons for sport or recreation.
- Ice climbing: Ascending ice or hard snow formations using special equipment, usually ice axes and crampons.
- Tree climbing: Recreationally ascending trees using ropes and other protective equipment.
