Sport climbing is an exhilarating form of rock climbing that emphasizes strength, endurance, gymnastic ability, and refined technique. In sport climbing, climbers rely on permanent anchors that are fixed into the rock for protection, with the climber’s rope clipped into these anchors to prevent falls. This approach contrasts with traditional climbing, where climbers use removable protection as they progress. Sport climbing generally employs lead climbing techniques, although variations such as free solo and deep-water solo climbing (without protection) can also be performed on sport climbing routes.
With the rise of climbing walls and gyms, many climbers today begin their journey in indoor climbing facilities before transitioning to outdoor sport climbing. This transition is relatively smooth, as the techniques and equipment used in indoor climbing are well-suited for sport climbing.