Aid climbing

Aid Climbing

Aid climbing in the Tatras

Aid climbing is a style of rock climbing in which climbers use equipment placed in the rock to support their weight and assist in their ascent. This technique is often employed when the natural features of the rock are insufficient for free climbing, where climbers rely solely on their physical strength and skill to ascend.

History

Aid climbing has its roots in the early days of mountaineering, where climbers used rudimentary tools and techniques to overcome difficult sections of rock. The development of specialized equipment, such as pitons, carabiners, and ascenders, has allowed aid climbing to evolve into a highly technical discipline. Notable figures in the history of aid climbing include Royal Robbins, who pioneered many routes in Yosemite National Park.

Royal Robbins, a pioneer of aid climbing

Techniques

Aid climbing involves the use of various tools and techniques to ascend a rock face. Key equipment includes:

• Ladders and aiders: These are used to step up and gain height when the rock face lacks sufficient holds.
• Daisy chains: Adjustable webbing loops that allow climbers to secure themselves to the rock while moving equipment.
• Skyhooks: Small hooks that can be placed over edges or in small pockets to support weight.
• Profilhaken: Specialized hooks used in aid climbing for thin cracks and seams.

A climber using a ladder aider

Equipment

Aid climbing requires a variety of specialized equipment to ensure safety and efficiency. This includes:

• Cams and nuts: Used to protect the climber by placing them in cracks and crevices.
• Pitons: Metal spikes hammered into the rock.
• Ropes and harnesses: Essential for safety and support.

Notable Routes

Some of the most famous aid climbing routes are located in Yosemite National Park, including:

• The Nose on El Capitan: A classic aid route that has been climbed by many of the sport's pioneers.
• The Shield: Known for its challenging pitches and exposure.

The Shield, a famous aid climbing route in Yosemite

Modern Aid Climbing

Today, aid climbing continues to be a vital part of the climbing community, with climbers pushing the limits of what is possible on rock faces around the world. Advances in equipment and techniques have allowed climbers to tackle increasingly difficult routes, such as those found on Cerro Torre and the Great Trango Tower.

Related Pages

• Free climbing
• Mountaineering
• Rock climbing
• Yosemite National Park

Gallery

• 
  Daisy chain in use
• 
  Skyhook placement
• 
  Profilhaken in a crack
• 
  Aid climbing on El Capitan
• 
  Aid climbing in Mont Peney
• 
  Climbing El Capitan
• 
  Cerro Torre headwall
• 
  Layton Kor in Eldorado
• 
  Craig DeMartino on Zodiac
• 
  Great Trango Tower