Dynamic climbing rope stretches when it is loaded, so for a
climber this means that when he falls, the rope will stretch a
little as weight is applied, making a fall softer and safer.
A static climbing rope does not stretch and has its advantages
in situations where you need a rope that does not stretch or give,
such as rappelling or caving use. A static rope should not be used
by climbers who are lead climbing because taking a fall on a static
rope can lead to serious injury to the climber or even cause the
rope to snap as it does not properly absorb the force it needs to
cushion a fall.