Whipper

A "whipper" refers to a significant fall a climber takes while lead climbing. When the climber falls, the rope catches them after they descend a considerable distance. This usually happens because the climber is above their last placed protection or quickdraw, causing a longer fall than usual. While a whipper can be startling, it's generally safe due to the dynamic properties of climbing ropes and the security of well-placed gear.

Examples

In lead climbing, a "whipper" occurs when a climber falls and the rope catches them after a significant drop. This typically happens if they fall above their last piece of protection, such as a quickdraw clipped to a bolt. The climber experiences a sudden jolt, but the dynamic rope helps absorb the impact. In sports climbing, a "whipper" is a common event, especially on challenging routes. When a climber takes a fall, the quickdraws and bolts placed along the route catch them, preventing a ground fall. The length of the fall depends on the distance from the last draw and the slack in the rope.