Eddy Delwood wove an exaggerated tale about him. It was a story about the day's big climb.
"So the gumby's up there fifteen minutes now...He's not movin', just standin' there."

"Beattie...What's a gumby?"
"It's what I thought you were the first day: a beginner, a rookie, green as grass and wet behind the ears. Something you've never been, Spider-Man. Though the way you climbed just now...well..."

You do notice one guy (not a gumby, he's done A5 climbs) who doesn't really hoist any equipment, never leads the climb, never finds routes, and conveniently forgets to bring his ropes.

Caroline was silent. Probably standing there, watching with pity. Or maybe she'd left. Why would she stay to watch the gumby climb anyway?

Gumby

Meaning

Noun