Lanky individual provides support for climber (8)
I believe the answer is:
beanpole
'lanky individual' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'support for climber' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'support' could be 'pole' (poling is a kind of supporting) and 'pole' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'bean' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'provides' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for beanpole that I've seen before include "Tall thin person (colloq.)" , "Training guide for runners possibly" , "A tall thin person, informally and leguminously" , "Noble ape (anag) - tall, thin person" , "Noble ape like lanky fellow" .)