1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Climbing

Crack Climbing

Definition of a Climbing Word

By , About.com Guide

Heidi Knapp jams a crack in Indian Creek Canyon, Utah.

Your hands and feets are wedged or jammed into a crack to make vertical progress.

Photograph © Stewart M. Green

Crack Climbing

Crack climbing is the technique and process of ascending various sized cracks or fissures that split rock faces. Progress is made my jamming or wedging a climber’s fingers, hands, arms, feet, and legs into the crack, depending on its width. Cracks are often described by the appendage used to climb it, such as a hand crack, fist crack, or finger crack. Wide cracks are called off-width cracks and chimneys.

Explore Climbing

About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Introduction to Pilates

Learning Pilates fundamentals can help you get the most out of your exercise regime. More >

  1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Climbing
  4. Climbing Glossary
  5. Dictionary of Climbing
  6. Crack Climbing -- Climbing Technique

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.