Preparing for the next move in his ascent on the bouldering wall at the University of Oregon rec center, Jack Naughton, a junior at the University of Oregon, reaches for the next hold with his left hand. Here he is climbing the red course, which is wedged between two walls, making him practically climb the corner of a large box.
This is the University of Oregon Recreational Center’s rock wall, which is approximately 30 feet tall and has ropes for “belaying” hanging from the top. “Belaying” is the process of fastening a harness around oneself and having someone else stationed below handle the rope to minimize slack while the climber ascends. Using this method as a safety precaution, climbers can reach higher altitudes with a lower chance of getting hurt in a fall. Jack Naughton, a junior at the University of Oregon, is seen getting a scope of the wall and warming up by climbing the bottom section. Jack prefers the rock wall with the belaying because it is more challenging than the bouldering wall, for it being taller it requires better stamina.
Here is a close-up of Jack Naughton’s hands as he “rainbow climbs” the rock wall at the University of Oregon. “Rainbow climbing” is a slang term often used by climbers that describes free climbing up the wall without following a strict color pattern. Sometimes “rainbow climbing” is considered cheating because the climber is not following the rock course but is creating their course using the different holds.
Jack Naughton, a junior at the University of Oregon, is bouldering at the University of Oregon’s recreational center bouldering wall. Here he is climbing the yellow pattern on the wall and has his right hand on the grey “volume.” The grey-colored “volume” acts as an extension of the wall, changing the structure of the course and allowing the climber to have a better hold than without it.
Jack Naughton, a seasoned rock climber, is seen here scoping out the course he wants to do next. Jack is mentally preparing while also chalking his hands to get a better grip and remove the moisture from his hands.