This study investigates the consistency of the current method for rating the difficulty of a rock-climbing maneuver. There have been no studies focused on this topic. The current method assumes there is a correlation between the degree of overhang of the rock and difficulty. It also assumes there is a similar correlation between the hold size and the difficulty.

For Example: A vertical rock wall with small climbing holds may get the same difficulty-rating as a 30-degree overhung wall with large climbing holds.

Hypothesis: There is a significant correlation between the hold size and degree of overhang, in regards to maneuver difficulty.

Christopher R. Lambert
Graduate Student
Humboldt State University