Next up in our bouldering jargon busting series are F words… F is for feet, flappers, first ascents and Fontainebleau!

From techniques to famous locations, the F terms are vast! See all the previous letters through our blog feed. Now let’s explore what F is for…

FINGERBOARD

A large piece of wood with individual strips of wood attached. Used by experienced climbers to increase the strength in their fingers by doing pull ups and moves without the aid of their feet. Potentially very bad for finger tendons and ligaments if tried when not completely warmed up, or for beginners without sufficient tendon strength. But also a great way to prevent injury when used correctly! 

FLAG

To stick a foot out sideways for balance, especially when stopping yourself from barn dooring.

FLARED

A crack with sides that taper outwards making it very difficult to jam.

FIGURE FOUR

A technique for making a long static reach from a positive hold. Involves hooking a leg over the holding arm. Can be used to rest an arm on a long ascent.

FINGER JAM

A jam in which the fingers are inserted into a crack and rotated until they are wedged.

FIST JAM

A jam in which the fist is inserted into a crack.

FOOTWORK

The art of using the feet well.

FOOT JAM

A jamming technique in which the foot is wedged, toes first, into a crack.

FOOT SWAP

Replacing one foot for another on a foot hold.

FROGGING

Getting the hips and as close as possible to the wall with the knees pointing out to the sides.

FIRST ASCENT

The first time an outdoor route is climbed.

FLAPPER

Horrible loose bit of skin that hangs off your fingers when a blister breaks.

FLASH

To climb a route without practice (but perhaps knowing the beta), without falls, on the first viewing and first attempt. (This is very similiar to onsight, which is even purer: no beta.)

FONTAINBLEAU

The famous bouldering area just south of Paris, France (AKA Font or Bleau). Also a system for grading boulder problems, the grade is often prefixed with ‘Font‘.

FRICTION

The force created when skin or rubber is pressed into the rock.

Next up in our climbing jargon busting series are words beginning with G.

Indirock is Essex’s biggest bouldering wall, offering top quality indoor rock climbing for all ages. We also have a great coffee shop!