"From conquering great peaks to scaling a challenging boulder, the thrill of climbing endures. And new techniques, materials, and advances in technology have made it possible for climbers to tackle just about any surface or rock type. Guide to Climbing covers all branches of climbing, discussing techniques, equipment, and the ethics of climbing. It also addresses mountain leadership, from the physical aspects of leading a pitch to the mental challenges of inspiring confidence. Sections on advanced training explore controlling fear and specialized physical preparation. Book jacket."--BOOK JACKET.

Originally published: London: New Holland (Publishers), 2005.

Includes index.

The allure of climbing History Modern practices Types of climbing Rock types and terrain Rock types Weather Navigation Map reading The compass The altimeter Navigational flair Access and the environment Ice and snow Common features of a standard alpine route Grading Ethics Equipment and gear Clothing Special gear for trad and sport climbing Big wall climbing Ice and snow Equipment care and maintenance Loads and resistances Equipment in the bag Essential skills and techniques Moving on rock Slab climbing Face climbing Overhangs and roofs Laybacks Stemming Chimneys Cracks Hand jams Fingerlocks Footwork Whole body moves Rock overs Dynamic move Mantelling Drop knee General foot techniques Different kinds of handholds Resting Ropework and belay Knots Belaying Communication Placing and removing protection gear

Route descriptions and reading the rock Abseiling (rapelling) Prusiking and jumaring Top-roping Traditional (trad) and wall climbing Physical aspects of leading Racking your gear Setting out Stance set-up Double rope technique Benefits of the double rope system Protecting the second General aspects of leading Descents Wall climbing Sport climbing History; equipment; experience Cleaning a sport route Different styles of climbing a sport route Bolting routes; ethics Bouldering and solo climbing What is bouldering? Solo climbing Indoor climbing and competitions Why climb in a gym? Training Gym safety Competition climbing Categories of competition climbing Mixed alpine and Himalayan climbing Crampons and boots Self-arrest Glacier travel Himalayan climbing Ice and waterfalls The attraction Equipment Protection gear Technique Preparation and training Warming up Stretching sequence Mental preparation Advanced training Climbing injury Types of injury and treatment Emergency procedures Locking off Escaping the system Hoisting.