Traditional climbing

From Free net encyclopedia

Traditional climbing, abbreviated to "trad", is a style of rock climbing in which routes are climbed from the bottom up, without using permanent fixed artificial aids (i.e. bolts) to progress (just the climbers' hands and feet and temporary protection). This protection is placed by the lead climber as they ascend, and used solely to catch the climber in the event of a fall, rather than to aid upward progress. It is a form of free climbing.

In the United Kingdom, "traditional" means that all protection is placed by the leader and removed by the following climber. In some other parts of the world, notably North America, a route may be described as "traditional" even if there are bolts already in place on the route, as long as these bolts were placed while on lead, rather than rappel, and only where absolutely necessary for safe passage.

Traditional climbing emphasizes the adventure aspect of rock climbing -- in fact, it's sometimes called "adventure climbing" in Australia; as such it contrasts with sport climbing, which emphasizes the athletic aspect.