downclimbing

Reverse ascent technique

Downclimbing is descending a rock face or steep terrain by climbing rather than rappelling or jumping.

It requires facing the rock and reversing the movements used to ascend—often more difficult than going up because you can't see your footholds as easily.

The route was too short to justify setting up a rappel, so we just downclimbed it.

technique

backstep

Rearward stepping motion

chimneyingRock climbing technique, opposing pressure
stemmingRoot-form reduction process
edgingDecorative border material

smearing · mantel · handhold · foothold · weight-shift · friction · balance · reversing · sequencing · spotting

gear

rope

Thick twisted fibers

anchorSecures ships to seabed
belayAnchor a rope
carabinerSpring-gated metal link

harness · protection · quickdraw · sling · helmet · chalk · cam · nut · webbing · descender

safety

caution

Careful attention to risk

vigilanceState of keen awareness
awarenessState of perceiving reality
judgmentReasoned decision-making capacity

deliberation · focus · patience · control · reversibility · retreat · backup · spotter · communication · hazard

terrain

slab

Thick flat piece

chimneyVertical smoke passage
crackNarrow break or attempt
gullyChannel carved by flowing water

arete · ledge · overhang · ridge · face · corner · dihedral · traverse · pitch · grade

downclimbing

backstep

rope

caution

slab

downclimbing

Opposites

Categories

Family