Information about a
climb obtained
from other
climbers.
Broadly there are two types of beta,
The first details information about
the climb, perhaps
there is a hidden hold
or a best technique to use a certain point.
The second details information about
the protection on a climb,
perhaps there is only one type of
nut that will fit into the crack that you are climbing.
A climber will usually only
carry one or two nuts of each size. *
If a climb requires many of the same size
the safety of the climber depends on this piece of information or
"beta"
It is accepted that a description to a climb
in a guide book
should contain
beta of the second type as this is an issue of safety, however often
it is frowned upon to include
beta of the first type, working out the route should be left to
the skill of the climber.
* i know this might sound a bit perverted,
it's a
Freudian sport, what can I say.