Jim Bridwell’s Casual Rating System

Rock Climbing
Written By John Godino
 

Are you confused when you read a guidebook climb description of “5.10c R M8 WI5+ Grade IV?” Yeah, me too.

For a refreshing simplification, have a look at Yosemite pioneer Jim Bridwell’s Casual Rating System, which describes any climb in just four categories.

  • NBD = No Big Deal

  • NTB = Not Too Bad

  • PDH = Pretty Darn Hard

  • DFU = Don’t F**k Up


 
John Godino
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