Glossary of Climbing Terms

Layback: Or lieback. A climbing move that involves pulling on the hands while pushing on the feet.
Lead climbing: A form of climbing in which the climber places anchors and attaches the belay rope as they climb (traditional) or clips the belay rope into preplaced equipment attached to bolts (sport).
Leader Fall: A fall while lead climbing. A fall from above the climbers last piece of protection. The falling leader will fall at least twice the distance back to his or her last piece, plus slack and rope stretch.
Leashless: Ice climbing with your axes not being attached to your wrist, if you drop them they're gone, but the trade off is greater mobility
Liquid Chalk: A liquid form of chalk with a longer hold time than normal chalk. It is used on very hard routes and competitions, where the act of rechalking requires too much energy or time.
Locking carabiner: A carabiner with a locking gate, to prevent accidental release of the rope.
Lock-off: Using tendon strength to support weight on a hand hold without tiring muscles too much.
Low-Angle: A face climb that is less than vertical; the opposite of an overhang or roof. The same as "slab".