What Does Gumby Mean in Climbing?

by

Climbing Terminology

  • Gumby: Term for a beginner climber
  • Beta: Insider advice on climbing routes
  • Special Climbing Techniques:
    • Gumby also means newbie
    • Aid climbing uses devices, not just rock features
    • Dyno is a dynamic move to the next hold
    • Runout means the distance between a climber and protection
    • Free climbing uses only rock features

Climbing Progression

  • Everyone starts as a gumby
  • Flashing a route means climbing it first try with some prior knowledge
  • A gaston hold orients sideways to pull inwards
  • Sport climbing uses pre-placed protection
  • The crux is the hardest sequence on a route

Gumby’s Adventures

  • Gumby is created by Art Clokey and gets a TV show
  • His friend Goo crushes on him
  • Tara is Gumby’s girlfriend introduced in a movie
  • Gumby’s last name is Gumba and he lives in Gumbopolis

Other Climbing Techniques

  • "Cragging" means a day of climbing
  • Showing Off Double Dynos On V1 Routes means climbers recording fancy moves to impress new climbers
  • French flagging uses a free leg beneath for balance
  • Edging means feet on narrow rock edges when rock is loose
  • Crack Climbing jams hands and feet into cracks to climb

Leave a Comment