Polish language/Rock climbing

This Wikicourse aims at teaching foreign climbers Polish rock climbing vocabulary. The course provides theoretical background such as names of the climbing gear, but it also focuses on the practical aspects, like commands used while performing the activity.

Bolechowicki Gully Nature reserve, Bolechowicka Gate (E pier), Karniowice village, Kraków County, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland

Introduction

The aim of the course is to teach a foreigner (possibly a climber) how to climb using Polish language. Apart from differences in equipment vocabulary, a participant will have a chance to learn the climbing commands. Additionally,a few Polish climbing zones will be presented. The course invites every climbing passionate to check how the sport is performed using Polish language.

Equipment

Some names of the climbing gear are simply copied from English to Polish which makes it easier for a foreign lerner of Polish. It is because the pieces of equipment are frequently named after the inventors and become international names. There are, however, items that are named in Polish which leaves the foreign person with no other option than to remember them. This section shows which names are copied from Enligh (or were slightly changed), and which are Polish ones.

Climbing commands

Below, you can find a basic list of English and Polish terms that are used by climbers to communicate. The commands are supposed to be said loud and should be short as during the climb there is no time for longer explanations. Both climber and belayer have to react quickly and pass the message as clear as possible. To understand how the activity of belaying works, please visit Wikipedia Belaying.

Mogę iść?

• on belay? - mogę iść?

Asekuruję

• belay on - asekuruję

Idę!

• climbing! - idę!

blok!

• take!/tension! - blok!

wybierz!

• up rope! - wybierz!

Luz!

• let out, slack - luz, daj luz

luz!

• lower! - dół!

nie asekuruję

• belay off - nie asekuruję

Lecę!

• falling! - lecę!

kamień!

• rock! - kamień!

Lina!

• rope! - lina!

Overhanging rock climbing

Types of holds and route characteristics

In this section you can learn the Polish terminology in reference to the types of holds and routes that a climber may encounter while ascenting.

Grading systems

All climbing routes have their level of diiculty assigned. The level is agreed within the climbing environment. Each route has its grade which is a helpull hint for a climber before ascenting the route. There are many grading systems around the world and here you can check how English and Polish one deffers from he rest of them. Grading systems

Explore Polish Rocks

When you are already familiar with Polish rock climbing vocabulary, why not to visit one of beautiful zones Poland can offer to the climber? There are a few picturesque areas where you can enjoy climbing on a wide range of routes and in different sceneries. Some hidden deep in forests, other exposed to the sun, Polish rocks are popular with more and less advanced climbers.

Sport climbing zones

• Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska - a climbing zone situated in the South part of Poland. Offering beutiful routes on limestone rocks Jura is definitelly worth to visit.

For more information go here :JURA

• Sokoliki - situated in the South-West part of Poland, close to the border with Czech Republic. Sokoliki offers a great deal of climbing routes which are hidden in the beautiful forest.

You can read more about Polish sport climbing zones here -> Climbing in Poland

Exercises

Time for a practical side of the course! Take the following test to check what you have learned about Polish rock climbing terminology.

TEST

References

1. Luebben, Craig. Rock climbing: Mastering Basic Skills, The Mountaineers Books, Washington, 2004.

2. Luebben, Craig. Wspinaczka w skale, Galaktyka, Łódź, 2011