Sport climbing - Definition and Overview

Sport climbing is a style of rock climbing that relies on permanent anchors fixed to the rock, especially bolts, for protection. The term is used in opposition to traditional or adventure climbing.

The activity emphasizes the gymnastic and athletic aspects of climbing and can be undertaken with relatively little equipment (provided that someone else has equipped the route with bolts).

In some climbing areas, notably in the United Kingdom, sport climbing is frowned upon, because many climbers believe that the permanent placing of bolts in mountainous and sea-cliff areas detracts from the wilderness experience, damages the rock, or devalues the achievements of the first ascensionist who climbed the route by placing their own protection. In the UK sport climbing takes place only on indoor climbing walls and on a few limestone and slate cliffs that are unsuited to traditional climbing.

Sport climbing is a relatively modern branch of the sport, becoming popular in the 1980s. The emphasis that it places on strength and stamina led to a big improvement in standards among top climbers.