Bouldering

NEWBeta

Information about how to complete climbing moves

NEWCampus

Climbing using only arms without feet

NEWCompression

Squeezing holds toward each other

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Essential terms every beginner should know

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Bouldering Quick Reference

Common terms and definitions at a glance

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📚Complete Bouldering Dictionary

20 terms organized alphabetically

Letter A

1 term

Arete

Outside corner or edge of rock formation

Example: "The arete problem had great exposure"

Letter B

1 term

Beta

Information about how to complete climbing moves

Example: "He shared beta for the crux move"

Letter C

3 terms

Campus

Climbing using only arms without feet

Example: "He campused the entire overhang"

Compression

Squeezing holds toward each other

Example: "The compression section was powerful"

Crash Pad

Foam mat providing protection from falls

Example: "Place crash pads under the problem"

Letter D

1 term

Dabbing

Touching ground or object other than designated holds

Example: "He dabbed on his foot placement"

Letter E

1 term

Eliminate

Modified version of problem restricting certain holds

Example: "The eliminate version was much harder"

Letter G

1 term

Gaston

Grip pushing sideways away from body

Example: "The gaston move felt unnatural"

Letter H

1 term

Highball

Tall boulder problem where fall consequences are serious

Example: "The highball problem was intimidating"

Letter M

1 term

Match

Placing both hands on same hold

Example: "Match hands on the jug hold"

Letter O

1 term

Overhang

Rock face angled past vertical

Example: "The overhang required powerful moves"

Letter P

1 term

Problem

Bouldering route or sequence of moves

Example: "The problem had a tricky start"

Letter S

4 terms

Sit Start

Beginning boulder problem from sitting position

Example: "The sit start added difficulty"

Slab

Rock face angled less than vertical

Example: "Slab climbing requires precise footwork"

Spotter

Person helping guide falling climber to crash pad

Example: "The spotter kept her safe"

Stand Start

Beginning boulder problem from standing position

Example: "The stand start was more accessible"

Letter T

2 terms

Top Out

Completing boulder by climbing over the top

Example: "The top out was easier than expected"

Traverse (Climbing)

Horizontal movement across rock face

Example: "The traverse required endurance"

Letter U

1 term

Under Cling

Grip pulling upward on bottom of hold

Example: "The under cling was surprisingly secure"

Letter V

1 term

V-Scale