The Reverse Angle In Rock Climbing

Well-known climbing routes are typically classified using a rating system such as the Yosemite Decimal Rating System, but not all routes are easily defined or rated. Rock climbing surfaces and structures vary greatly depending on the geological forces that formed them. Rock angles can be surprising and extreme, and a climber must be prepared, experienced and possess the expertise to tackle the most challenging angles, including reverse angles or overhangs.

Ratings

According to the Yosemite Decimal Rating System, more difficult climbs fall into a Class 5 category, and a set of subcategories within Class 5 further classify climbing complexity. While 5.1 to 5.8 ratings include steep and vertical terrain, higher ratings of 5.9 to 5.15 include inverted angles and overhangs, according to REI. These types of climbs require keen skill and experience, as well as serious climbing equipment.

Angles

When people think of hiking or climbing, they likely envision traversing up a naturally ascending slope. Such climbs are typically categorized as Easy to Intermediate with a 5.1 to 5.8 rating. These categories include climbs with steep sections and convenient hand and foot holds but may have some vertical sections. A climber must have basic but solid climbing skills and strength to traverse such surfaces. Climbs categorized as Hard are rated between 5.9 and 5.10 and are not for beginners. They are more technical and may include vertical surfaces and even overhangs, according to the climbing guide "Rock Climbing Washington," by Jeff Smoot. Rock climbing shoes are required. Reverse angled surfaces might also fall into this category because climb ratings do not determine exact climbing angles but only the climbing difficulty.

Reverse Angles

Reverse angle climbs are more challenging because the surface is inverted. Instead of climbing a steep slope or vertical section, you must climb out as you move up the rock surface. With inverted surfaces, there's nothing for you to grab a hold of or to break your fall if you lose your grip and footing. You must completely rely on your climbing equipment if you fall. There's no way to determine the extremity of a reverse angle based solely on its potential climbing rating, and many inverted climbs lead into overhangs or may be categorized as such. The difficulty of inverted climbs and overhangs can be further defined by a lettering classification or plus and minus rating. For example, 5.15d indicates a very difficult climb, which is extremely technical with at least vertical surfaces and overhangs. These climbs are not for beginners and require rock climbing shoes and other expert equipment.

Overhangs

Overhangs are also considered inverted climbs and may vary in angle degrees. Rock surfaces can range from a 90-degree angled or vertical surface to a horizontal surface that you must traverse with your back facing the ground. Overhangs and other climbing facades are rarely composed of exact angles, but typically include a combination of angles, slopes and surfaces.