Sport Climbing is the all-inclusive name given to competition climbing. Competition climbing encompasses 3 main disciplines: Lead, Speed and Boulder.
LEAD CLIMBING
Competitors climb a difficult and long route (minimum height 10-14 metres) in an attempt to reach the top. Rope-tied from below, competitors clip into protection points as they climb. Athletes only get one chance to climb as high as they can within 8 minutes. Ranking is determined by how high they climb before falling.
SPEED CLIMBING
Competitors climb a regulation route side by side. Rope-tied from above, competitors race up the wall in an attempt to reach the top first. Ranking is determined by time to complete the route.
BOULDERING
Boulder problems are powerful and technical short climbs at a maximum height of 4 metres. Falling is protected not by rope but by specifically designed mattresses, similar to those used in gymnastics. Competitors have multiple attempts to reach the top of a number of boulders. Ranking is determined by total number of boulders topped.
