In case of a fall, the climber is supported by a rope running through a fixed anchor point located at the top of the wall. The other end of the rope is controlled by his partner standing on the floor (belayer).

In case of a fall, the climber is supported by a rope that the climber attaches to each belay anchor points (protection points) located on the wall on the way up (he places the rope through carabiners that are hanging on the protection points). When he falls, his partner standing on the floor (belayer) will arrest the fall as soon as the rope is under tension through the last carabiner of the highest protection point reached by the climber.
The rope will be left hanging after the climbing session is over.

Belay anchor systems are attached to the wall by way of "bolt hangers"" : These are pressed steel componants, placed on the climbing surface in a certain pattern to safeguard the fall of one climber. The rope does not go through the system directly, but through a karabiner or a quickdraw which is hanging on the bolt hanger itself.

The climber is not attached to a rope : he is protected either by his partner positioned to catch him when he falls or by adequate floor protection such as landing mats adapted to the fall height. This type of climbing is used exclusively on low wall sections : 3.00 m to 4.50 m (10' to 15').

Artificial Climbing Structure and Artificial Climbing Wall.

A fixed anchor point attached to the climbing wall supporting the rope to protect the climber.

Climbing structure limited in height (max. 4.50 m = 15') with no belays : landing mats adapted to the fall height are placed at the base of the walls to protect the climbers.

A permanent or removable componant which assists the climber in ascending the wall by offering a "foothold" or "handhold" in which to support oneself.

Belay points anchored to the ground in front of the climbing wall and supporting the rope to protect one climber. Floor anchors may consist of a bar to protect several climbers ("collective floor anchor system").

Climbing wall section with a continuous positive inclination over 5° from the vertical plane.

A fixed anchor point on the climbing wall supporting the rope to protect one climber.

Climbing wall section with a continuous negative inclination over -5° from the vertical plane.

A fixed anchor point placed on top of the climbing wall supporting the rope to protect one climber ("individual top rope point") or several climbers ("collective top rope belay system").
Collective top rope belay systems are generally a bar (the rope goes around the bar) or a rail (the rope is held by brackets gliding horizontally along the rail).

Climbing wall section composed of several sections with a negative inclination over 45 ° from the vertical plane.

Climbing wall section with a horizontal or nearly horizontal inclination.

Portion of the climbing wall representing the way the climber has to follow (either vertically or horizontally).