Rock climbing is an activity in which participants climb up, down or across natural rock formations. The goal is to reach the summit of a formation or the endpoint of a route.

Rock climbing is physically and mentally demanding and can be dangerous without proper climbing techniques and usage of specialised climbing equipment.

Rock climbing can be divided into different styles and sub-disciplines, including:

Abseiling – also known as rappelling, is controlled descent of a rock face using a rope and some form of friction device.

Bouldering – rock climbing on small rock formations without the use of ropes or harnesses.

Free climbing – the most commonly used method to ascend rock faces using the climber’s own physical strength and skill. Free climbing may rely on top rope belay systems, or on lead climbing to establish protection and the belay stations.

Solo – or soloing is a style of climbing in which the climber climbs alone, without the assistance of a belay.