In the world of climbing, there are various terms used to describe the type of ascent that a climber has achieved. These include onsight, flash, redpoint, and pinkpoint. Here, we will explore the differences between these type of ascents:
On Sight
An onsight ascent is when a climber successfully completes a climb with no prior knowledge of the route or beta. They must rely on their own intuition, skill, and ability to read the climb as they go. This is considered the most difficult type of ascent, as it tests the climber’s ability to interpret the rock and their instincts.
Flash
A flash ascent is similar to an onsight attempt, with the crucial difference being that the climber has some prior knowledge or beta about the climb. This information may have been gleaned from watching others climb or from reading guidebooks. However, the climber still has not attempted the climb before and must rely on their skill and intuition to complete it. This scent is still considered impressive, as the climber has not climbed the route before.
Redpoint
A redpoint ascent is when a climber has attempted a climb multiple times and has successfully completed it without falling or resting on the rope. The climber may have practiced specific moves or sections of the climb prior to their successful ascent. This style of climbing is common in outdoor sport climbing, where climbers may project a specific route over a period of days, weeks, or even months.
Pinkpoint
A pinkpoint ascent is similar to a redpoint attempt, but the climber has used pre-placed gear to protect their ascent. The gear is still used only as protection and not for aid or assistance in the climb, but the method of ascent is considered slightly less pure than a redpoint.