What Is…..Jumaring

Dear Steph,
Spring greetings from India.
Let me say it at the outset, I so envy what you do and can do
I love the mountains but have only done walking up the side. No rock climbing the real way. And most of the remaining time I am at a desk working on a computer; which is not fun!
I reached your page looking for the antonym for rappelling. Is there one?
What is the word when you climb up using a rope?
Keep the height.
Love and care,
Gurdas

Dear Gurdas,
Thank you for writing! Jumaring is the technique climbers use to ascend a rope. It requires two ascending devices (one for each hand), and two nylon ladders, called “aiders,” for the feet. Jumaring can also be done by paraplegic climbers, by modifying the jumars to add a pullup bar, since they can’t use the foot aiders (as you can imagine, this is an amazing, strenuous feat, twice as hard as regular jumaring.)

Jumaring (also called “jugging”) can feel like a nightmare until you learn the technique. Then it becomes an efficient tool, enabling big wall climbs, and speed ascents in the mountains.

Though it can be difficult to perfect the skill of fast jumaring, especially when carrying a pack, jugging is generally easier to learn than climbing, so it’s a good way to get friends to come along on party-style, summer big wall adventures. It’s also handy for BASE jumpers who want to reach the tops of towers conveniently. Climbing photographers are always competent, quick juggers.

Hope this answers your question, and have great adventures in your beautiful mountains!
xx Steph