The climber’s first attempt at a route without any prior information, completing it in either lead or traditional style without falling. Before climbing, the climber has only observed the route from the ground and has not seen anyone else climb it or received any descriptions or beta about the cruxes from others or articles.
FLASH
The climber’s first attempt at a route with some prior information, completing it in either lead or traditional style without falling. Before climbing, the climber may have watched others climb the route, understood the shapes and sizes of the holds, and known descriptions or beta about the cruxes. Completing a bouldering problem on the first try is also called a FLASH.
REDPOINT
After repeatedly practicing the route, the climber completes it in either lead or traditional style while placing protection as they go. If they fall, the attempt fails, the rope must be taken down, and all intermediate protection must be removed before the next REDPOINT attempt can be made.
PINKPOINT
Similar to REDPOINT, except that quickdraws are already pre-placed on the intermediate protection. PINKPOINT is very common, especially on overhanging routes. Nowadays, climbers increasingly disregard the distinction between REDPOINT and PINKPOINT.
REDCIRCLE
During a climber’s attempt at a REDPOINT, if they fall, the rope and quickdraws remain on the route. The next climb starts from the ground using the same rope to complete the entire route. Prior to this, the climber may have practiced the route repeatedly and familiarized themselves with or attempted all the moves.
YO-YO
After falling, the rope and quickdraws remain on the route. The next climb starts from the ground using the same rope until the route is completed. The difference from REDCIRCLE is that the climber has no knowledge of the route after the fall, nor can they observe or attempt the later parts.
HANGDOGGING
After falling, the climber continues climbing from the fall point to familiarize themselves with the subsequent moves. HANGDOGGING itself does not mean completing the route; it is merely preparation for methods like REDPOINT.
FREE SOLO
Completing a route alone without using a rope, protection points, or protective gear.
SOLO
Completing a route alone. A rope, protective gear, or even aid climbing methods may be used.
TEAM FREE ASCENT
A team collectively completes a multi-pitch route. During the process, team members take turns leading, while others follow using ascenders. In reality, this method cannot be considered FREE climbing, as it involves the use of equipment for assistance.
REDCROSS
The second climber completes the route without falling.
ALL FREE
Hanging on an intermediate protection point to rest once or multiple times, completing every move to reach the end of the route. This does not count as completing the route but indicates that no external force was used during the climb.
TOP ROPE
Completing the route without falling using top-rope protection.