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Falling represents the most apparent type of error. Fundamentally, an error is the failure to accomplish an intended task. Common physical errors in climbing include foot slips or not reaching a hold ("Not far enough"). Errors can also be conceptual, like choosing the wrong path ("Via Error"), misperceiving opportunities, or messing up a sequence.
Errors are not voluntary; they are occurrences, not intentional actions. Indeed, if one attempts to make an error and succeeds, the task (making the error) is achieved, and thus the outcome is not an error in the original sense. Errors do not necessarily cause failure, but they must be handled—caught before they propagate into larger issues.
All errors are a form of waste. They primarily decrease efficiency by wasting motor energy or opportunities. Errors can be categorized: Via Errors: Related to incorrect paths or physical placement (e.g., reaching too far, being too close, using the wrong hand, losing momentum).
Anima Errors: Related to mental performance (e.g., inattention, hesitation, self-doubt, not looking at a target).
SOMA Errors: Errors that result in physical injury, either acute or long-term.
Arbitrary Errors: Subjective deductions, like those in a judging system ("Code of Points").
It is impossible to climb without errors. More difficult sequences ("Beta") inherently possess a greater potential for error. The environment itself ("Ekos") affords certain potential errors; one cannot, for instance, fall off the ground. When errors are likely, a contingency plan or conditional logic ("If there are no errors, then do something") is necessary.