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04.01.22

Different types of climbing – recommended reading

There are a plethora of different types of climbing. If reading is your thing, here’s some recommended books to check out. 

 

GET TO KNOW CLIMBING

Learn more about the different types of climbing

Bouldering and top-roping are just two types of climbing. There are a lot more disciplines that you may not know, but might be interested in learning more about. It could open up a whole new world for you. We’ve created a list of recommended reading for those interested in broadening their climbing horizons. If you’d rather kick back and watch some videos, check out our YouTube playlist.

 

Recommended reading

Libby Peter – Rock Climbing: Essential Skills and Techniques

This one should be in every climber’s bookcase, especially if you are wanting to brave the big outdoors. There are a lot more situations and risks that we need to be aware of outside. This handy book teaches you about various aspects of single and multi-pitch rock climbing, like which knots to memorise and how to build anchors in various situations. It will help you with problem solving as well as give you tips for improving your movement skills.

 

Tommy Caldwell – The Push : A Climber’s Journey of Endurance, Risk and Going Beyond Limits to Climb the Dawn Wall

One of our sport’s most humble and humbling climbers, Tommy Caldwell, writes about his experience of The Dawn Wall. For those unfamiliar with big-wall climbing, this account is a fascinating introduction. Caldwell spent 19 days free climbing Yosemite’s 3000-foot Dawn Wall. Even if you’ve already seen the film, this book is well worth the read.

 

Various authors: Peak Rock – The History, The Routes, The Climbers 

This collection is perfect for someone curious about the history of British climbing. How has it developed into what we do today and what were its origins? Maybe it will inspire you to try something a bit more old-school. Written by a team of the Peak District’s local climbers, this is an eye-opening read that will get you psyched about a visit to the Peaks. 

 

Ken Wilson – Classic rock: Great British Rock Climbs

And speaking of climbing history, Classic Rock, first published in 1978, quickly achieved legendary status. It is a collection of 80 of the best lower-grade trad climbs in the UK, complete with photos, anecdotes and essays. It was a regular appearance on a climber’s coffee table. This is guaranteed to start a ticklist for any novice trad-climbers.

 

Nate Fitch – Knots

This one is for those of you especially into your knots. Why not buy the pocketguide? Something to study on rainy evenings.

 

Yvon Chouinard – Climbing Ice:

The legendary Yvon Chouinard (owner of Patagonia) created this photobook in 1978. What better way to instruct yourself on the techniques, dangers and safety measures of ice climbing than with beautiful pictures?

 

You may also be interested in our articles on How to start bouldering and How to start roped climbing.