Dab

A "dab" in bouldering refers to an unintentional touch or brief contact with the ground or a crash pad while attempting to climb a problem. This inadvertent touch can affect the integrity of the climb, and many climbers consider it a failed attempt if a dab occurs.

Examples

John carefully approached the crux of the route, but his foot accidentally brushed against the crash pad. He knew he had just committed a dab. During her ascent, Maria's shoe briefly touched a nearby rock, causing some in the group to recall it as a dab and suggesting the attempt wasn't clean. Tom was nearing the top hold when he dabbed his knee on the ground, resulting in his friends teasingly reminding him that the climb didn't count.