John Brett climbing on the “Needle” in 1969.
![John Brett climbing an inclined rock face in the mountains.](https://www.communitystories.ca/v2/val-david-escalade_rock-climbing/wp-content/uploads/sites/115/2019/12/1969-Brett-JohnAiguille-CondorVal-David-b-cc.jpg)
Source:
Claude Lavallée collection
Climbing on a steep rock face or wall requires a technique relying heavily on the feet. Movements across the rock face may sometimes resemble a ballet. Even if the holds in the rock are very small, a climber is able to “scratch” his way, or climb toward the summit.