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Quizzes > Sports > Other Sports

Take the Ultimate Climbing Trivia Quiz

Ready for a climbing knowledge test? Challenge yourself and conquer the rock climbing quiz now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cut style climber scaling rocky cliff quiz graphic on golden yellow background

This rock climbing quiz helps you see how strong your know-how is on knots, grades, safety, and gear. Play to spot gaps before your next climb, pick up a few tips, and have fun; for a quick refresher, see our guide to handling heights or warm up with this rock trivia.

What is the primary purpose of a climbing harness?
To provide padding against rough rock surfaces
To store extra gear during a climb
To attach the climber to the rope for safety
To measure the climber's weight
A climbing harness is designed to secure the climber to the rope system, distributing forces in the event of a fall. It ensures the climber can be belayed safely and comfortably. Harnesses also have gear loops for organizing equipment but their main safety function is rope attachment.
Which knot is commonly used as a primary tie-in knot by climbers?
Square knot
Bowline knot
Figure-eight follow-through knot
Sheet bend
The figure-eight follow-through knot is the standard tie-in knot because it's easy to inspect and less likely to slip under load. Climbers pass the rope through the harness and retrace the figure-eight pattern to complete it. While bowlines are sometimes used, they require additional backup knots.
In climbing ratings, what does the "5" in the Yosemite Decimal System indicate?
Technical rock climbing that requires a rope
Soft scrambling without protection
A five-star grade of route quality
A five-minute climb length
The Yosemite Decimal System uses the "5" class to denote technical rock climbing where a rope and protection are essential. Classes 1 - 3 cover hiking and scrambling; class 4 is exposed scrambling; class 5 requires technical skills and gear. Additional subdivisions (5.1 - 5.15) specify difficulty.
What piece of equipment is used to protect the climber from falling by attaching to the rope?
Prusik loop
Belay device
Quickdraw
Chalk bag
A belay device provides friction on the rope so the belayer can arrest a fall and control descent. Quickdraws connect rope to protection points but don't arrest the fall by themselves. Chalk bags hold chalk for grip, and Prusik loops are used for self-rescue, not primary belaying.
What is the typical purpose of a quickdraw in sport climbing?
To create friction while belaying
To connect the rope to bolt anchors
To tie two ropes together
To secure a climber's water bottle
Quickdraws consist of two carabiners connected by a sewn sling. They clip into bolt anchors on sport routes and allow the rope to run smoothly with minimal drag. This reduces rope wear and makes clipping easier.
Which technique involves using small edges on the rock with fingertips?
Jamming
Laybacking
Smearing
Crimping
Crimping is when a climber grips very small edges, placing the fingertips in a near-90° angle on the hold. It generates high strain on the finger joints but provides maximum friction. Other techniques like jamming, smearing, and laybacking use different holds or body positions.
What is the recommended angle of rope at the belay device to maximize friction?
30 degrees
180 degrees
10 degrees
90 degrees
Positioning the rope at a right angle (90°) through the belay device maximizes internal friction surfaces, making it easier to hold a fall. Smaller or larger angles reduce friction and can make braking more difficult. Proper rope alignment is key to safe belaying.
When should a climber replace their climbing rope?
Only when it no longer fits in the rope bag
When it shows significant wear, damage, or after a major fall
Immediately after any fall
After six to eight years of regular use
Ropes should be retired when they show core damage, sheath wear, or after a severe fall with a high impact force. Manufacturer guidelines often suggest replacement after five years if used regularly, but condition-based assessment is critical. Regular inspections and proper storage extend rope life.
What is the best method to clean and maintain chalk bags?
Wipe only with a damp cloth
Soak overnight in bleach solution
Machine wash on high-heat cycle
Hand wash with mild detergent and air dry
Hand washing a chalk bag with mild detergent removes built-up chalk dust while preserving fabric integrity. Machine washing, especially on high heat, can shrink or damage the bag. Bleach weakens fibers, and a simple wipe won't clean the inside effectively. Always air dry fully before using.
In multi-pitch climbing, what is a "fake belay"?
An emergency belay without proper anchors
Using a second rope to belay simultaneously
A simulated belay drill at ground level
A brief resting stance that locks off but doesn't build a full belay station
A fake belay, or temporary rest, uses a single piece or body position to hold the climber in place without constructing a secure anchor. It's used for quick rests on steep pitches but isn't safe for long-term hangs or as a true belay stance. Climbers should move on to build full anchors soon after.
What causes rope drag and how can it be minimized?
Friction around direction changes; minimized by using extended quickdraws and proper clipping
Excess chalk build-up; minimized by cleaning the rope
UV exposure; minimized by storing the rope in shade
Wet conditions; minimized by waterproofing the rope
Rope drag occurs when the rope passes through multiple protection points that aren't aligned, creating friction that pulls the rope. Using extended quickdraws or alpine draws and optimizing clip placements reduce direction changes. Minimizing drag makes upward progress easier and safer.
How does lung capacity affect high-altitude climbing performance?
It has no effect; altitude adaptation is solely about acclimatization
It only matters when skiing, not climbing
Greater lung capacity allows more efficient oxygen uptake at altitude
Smaller lung capacity is better to reduce weight
At high altitude, partial pressure of oxygen drops, so climbers with larger lung capacities can move more air per breath and maintain performance longer. While acclimatization is vital, physiological factors like lung volume play a role in endurance and fatigue resistance. Training can improve capacity over time. Himalayan Trust: Lung Function at Altitude
What is the difference between a "deadpoint" and a "dyno" in climbing techniques?
Deadpoint is a controlled static reach at full extension; dyno is a dynamic leap releasing contact
There is no difference; they are interchangeable terms
Deadpoint uses both feet and hands; dyno uses only hands
Deadpoint is for ice climbing; dyno is for sport climbing
A deadpoint involves a momentary suspension at full extension where the climber catches a hold in a controlled manner with minimal movement. A dyno is a dynamic, often airborne move where the climber releases all points of contact to reach a distant hold. Both require precision and timing but differ in contact strategy.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Analyze Rock Climbing Terminology -

    After completing the climbing quiz, you'll be able to define and differentiate key terms used in rock climbing and climbing trivia questions.

  2. Identify Essential Climbing Gear -

    You'll learn to recognize and describe the functions of critical equipment used for indoor and outdoor climbs, from harnesses to carabiners.

  3. Assess Climbing Techniques -

    You'll evaluate different climbing methods and apply appropriate techniques to various rock formations and gym routes.

  4. Recall Famous Ascents -

    You'll strengthen your knowledge of historic climbs and legendary climbers, enhancing your understanding of mountaineering achievements.

  5. Apply Safety Best Practices -

    You'll be able to outline fundamental safety protocols and risk management strategies for safe climbing experiences.

  6. Evaluate Personal Climbing IQ -

    You'll pinpoint areas of strength and improvement in your climbing knowledge and skills through a comprehensive knowledge test.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understanding Climbing Grades -

    The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) and French grading scales help climbers assess route difficulty before you start a climbing quiz. For example, a 5.10a in YDS roughly converts to French 6b; using conversion charts from the American Alpine Club can boost your performance on any climbing quiz. Mnemonic trick: "Five point ten is six b in France" helps you remember on the go.

  2. Essential Knot Techniques -

    The Figure-8 follow-through and double fisherman knots are industry standards for harness tie-in and cord linking. UIAA and Petzl manuals often include these techniques in climbing trivia questions and certification tests, so practicing proper dressing and tightening of each knot is crucial. A handy mnemonic: "Figure eight, tail in flight" ensures a secure finish.

  3. Anchor Building & Force Angles -

    Efficient anchors rely on redundancy, equalization, and the angle rule: resultant force = 2 × cos(θ/2) × load, where θ is the angle between anchor points. Exceeding a 120° angle can double the load on each piece, so keep angles below 90° for safety, as recommended by Petzl's professional guidelines. Visualize a pizza slice to remember: narrower = stronger anchor.

  4. Biomechanics & Training Protocols -

    Finger tendon stress follows a 7-second hang and 3-minute rest cycle to maximize strength, as outlined in the Journal of Sports Sciences. Incorporating campus boards, antagonistic muscle work, and flexibility drills prevents injury and sharpens technique. Remember the 7 - 3 - 7 rule (hang - rest - sets) to structure your hangboard sessions.

  5. Iconic Ascents & History -

    Knowing landmark achievements like Warren Harding's first ascent of El Capitan's The Nose in 1970 enriches your knowledge for any rock climbing quiz or climbing knowledge test. The National Park Service archives and Climbing Magazine articles are great for deep dives into route history and impact. Use the rhyme "Nose '70, Harding's spree" for a quick memory boost.

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