Aid climbing

Aid climbing is a style of climbing in which standing on or pulling oneself up via devices attached to fixed or placed protection is used to make upward progress.

Introduction

In the context of climbing, "aid" refers to any method used to ascend a climb where the climber's own physical strength and skill are supplemented by artificial means. Aid climbing is contrasted with free climbing, where the climber's physical ability and technique are the sole means of ascent. Free climbers use equipment such as ropes and protection to prevent injury during falls, but not to assist progress.

Techniques

The predominant method of aid climbing is by the use of aid ladders (etriers). These are short ladders, usually made of webbing or similar material, which are attached to a piece of protection. The climber then steps up on the ladder, and repeats the process with another piece of protection. This process is repeated until the top is reached.

Equipment

Aid climbing gear includes a wide variety of specialized equipment. The most common pieces of aid gear are pitons, nuts, camming devices, ascenders, and aiders (etriers). Other common pieces of aid gear include daisy chains, fifi hooks, and belay devices.

History

Aid climbing has been a part of climbing since the sport's earliest days, when climbers used basic equipment to ascend routes that were beyond their physical abilities. The use of aid climbing techniques has allowed climbers to ascend routes that would otherwise be impossible.

See also

• Climbing styles
• Free climbing
• Bouldering
• Traditional climbing
• Sport climbing