Section 2: Equipment
2.1 Climbing Shoes
- Design: Specialized tight-fitting shoes with smooth rubber soles (no tread pattern) designed to maximize friction and precision on small footholds. Downturned (cambered) toe profile for hooking and pulling on holds.
- Restrictions: No minimum or maximum sole thickness. No mechanical aids (springs, suction devices, magnets) permitted within the shoe. Shoes must not leave marks or residue on the wall or holds.
- Athletes' choice: Athletes typically carry multiple pairs — softer shoes for bouldering (sensitivity on small holds), stiffer shoes for lead (endurance and edging), and speed-specific shoes (maximum rubber contact for the standardized wall).
2.2 Chalk
- Dry chalk: Magnesium carbonate (MgCO&sub3;) in powder or block form. Carried in a chalk bag worn on the waist (lead) or placed at the base of the wall (bouldering).
- Liquid chalk: Magnesium carbonate suspended in alcohol solution. Applied to hands before the attempt; the alcohol evaporates, leaving a chalk layer. Permitted and commonly used, especially in bouldering.
- Prohibited substances: Rosin, pine tar, sticky sprays, or any adhesive substance that enhances grip beyond chalk is prohibited. Tape is permitted on fingers (for skin protection) but must not enhance friction.
2.3 Harness and Rope (Lead and Speed)
- Harness: Standard climbing harness meeting EN 12277 or UIAA safety standards. Worn for Lead and Speed climbing. Athletes provide their own harness.
- Rope (Lead): Dynamic climbing rope provided by the organizer. Typically 10–11 mm diameter. Belayed by trained and certified staff using assisted-braking belay devices.
- Auto-belay (Speed): Mechanical auto-belay device attached to the top of the speed wall. Automatically takes up slack as the climber ascends and lowers them safely upon release. Inspected before each session.
- Quickdraws (Lead): Pre-placed on the wall by the route setters. Athletes clip the rope through quickdraws as they ascend. Failure to clip a quickdraw before climbing above it may result in a safety-related attempt termination.
2.4 Attire
- National federation competition uniform at Olympic events
- Competition bib or number must be visible on the back (lead/boulder) or front (speed)
- No jewelry that could catch on holds or equipment
- Hair must be secured so it does not obscure the competitor number or interfere with climbing
- No headphones, communication devices, or electronic devices permitted during competition