Climbing@IITK

FAQs

1. How many rounds in the competition?
   Only two rounds: Qualifiers and Finals.
2. I have never climbed before. How do I climb?
   You will wear a climbing harness, and a rope will be securely attached to it. A belayer (second person) will manage the slack in the rope as you climb. Aim to reach the top climbing hold and cling with both hands to finish.
3. Tell me more about climbing up.
   You may use any wall feature or hold for hands and feet. The rope is only for safety and must not be held while climbing. Do not touch metal plates or bolts with hands/feet — it will lead to disqualification and may cause injuries.
4. What if I can’t climb up anymore?
   Shout “take” and the belayer will tighten the rope, lowering you safely. Even if you just let go without warning, your belayer is experienced and will keep you safe.
5. How many attempts do I get?
   – Two attempts if you fall early (from the third panel or below).
   – If you fall after climbing above the third panel, you will not get a second attempt.
6. How much time do I have to climb?
   Four minutes per attempt. ⏱ Don’t rush — 4 minutes on the wall is a lot!
7. What is the qualifying criteria?
   Qualification is based on endurance, not time. The more panels you climb, the higher your chance. Climbers who top the first wall proceed to a second wall (another 4 minutes).
8. What is my climbing score?
   Your score is the height reached, mapped accurately by judges. In finals, your climbing time till the final hold is also recorded.
9. What is the climbing attire?
   – Shoes are compulsory
   – Wear tight-fitting clothes
   – Clip your hand and toenails
10. Tell me more about safety on the wall.
    – Keep the rope between your arms
    – Do not grab the rope if you fall
    – Push against the wall with your limbs to avoid impact injuries
11. Understanding climbing jargon:
    Climbing Lingo 101
12. My hands are sweaty and slip easily.
    Use chalk powder to keep them dry — we will provide it.
13. It felt like everything got over so quickly. I want to climb more.
    The competition is just the start! You are welcome to climb anytime later. Climbing is equipment-intensive but has one of the cheapest monthly memberships on campus.

Detailed rulebook is available separately.

Rules & Guidelines

For Beginner and Intermediate category (Top-rope):

1. Climbers must wear the given safety harness.
2. Attach securely using a screw-gate carabiner or a figure-eight knot with a safety knot, through both tie-in loops.
3. All climbers will observe the route for 2 minutes together, then go to isolation.
4. If a climber falls before the 4th panel, they get two attempts. After crossing it, only one attempt.
5. Each climber has a maximum of 4 minutes to attempt.
6. Climbing Time = from the Starting Signal until the end of attempt.
7. Route observation after the signal is allowed, but within the 4 minutes.
8. An attempt ends if:
   1. Top: Both hands on the top hold for 2 seconds.
   2. Take: Climber asks belayer to take full weight.
   3. Accidental fall or weighting the rope illegitimately.
   4. Banned move performed.
   5. Climber returns to the ground voluntarily.
9. Banned moves:
   • Holding/stepping on steel bolts or anchor plates.
   • Touching holds outside the designated route.
10. Allowed:
    • Using side edges of the wall for hands/feet.
    • Any move not listed as banned.
    • Calling belayer for slack when required.
11. In a tie, the climber with the lesser climbing time wins.
12. After finishing, climbers must not instruct others. Doing so = disqualification.

For Advanced category (Lead):

1. Climbers must wear the given safety harness.
2. Attach the rope using a figure-eight knot with a safety knot through both tie-in loops.
3. Only one attempt per climber.
4. Rules (6–12) of Top-rope apply with these changes:
   • Observation & climbing time may vary.
   • Top: Secure rope through top anchor and control top hold with both hands for 2 seconds.
5. Climbers must clip the rope through every Protection Point in order, before moving above it.
6. Climbers may unclip and re-clip the last clipped point anytime.
7. Judges may ask to correct clipping errors (e.g., Z-clip) — climbers must comply.

Directives for Belaying:

• Belayer on ground, preferably assisted by a second person.
• Use a manual belay device.
• Before climbing, belayer must check:
  • Climber’s harness is secure.
  • Rope is correctly tied with figure-eight knot + safety knot.
  • Rope is coiled/arranged for smooth use.
• During climbing, belayer ensures proper slack:
  • Not too tight, not too loose.
  • Falls stopped dynamically and safely.
  • Competitor is safely lowered to ground.