One of the biggest misconceptions I had, when I was just starting out climbing, was that I should not wear socks with climbing shoes. My friend asked me, “do you wear socks with climbing shoes?” I said heck no! That’s blasphemy. I thought that my climbing shoes needed to be as tight as my pain …
Climbing Shoes: Laces vs Velcro! This debate might seem simple, but climbers tend to investigate all of the nuances of pieces of gear that seem simple. Climbing shoes have revolutionized the sport. The sticky rubber on these shoes helps us put our weight on the smallest of chips. Depending on your personal preference, you may …
When I first started bouldering, I had no idea that it was going to be addicting and fun. I had done powerlifting and cardio before, but never was I so challenged physically and mentally like I was when I was bouldering. The sport is also a great way to meet new people. There’s always a …
Since the 3rd grade, I have been wearing glasses. I’ve played sports, outdoor sports, and gone rock climbing all while wearing my glasses. Yes, you can wear glasses when rock climbing! But we need to take a few precautions first. Here’s everything I’ve learned from wearing my prescription glasses while bouldering and rock climbing. Keep …
In the world of rock climbing, there are many different styles. You’re most likely already familiar with roped climbing and bouldering. But have you begun to venture into the world of lead climbing and seen arguments about trad vs sport climbing? Within roped climbing, there are a few more styles of rock climbing. Top roping …
Tying a one handed clove hitch is a good party trick for your next multi pitch anchor party. The clove hitch climbing technique is one of the simplest ways we can connect ourselves to our anchors. Without it, we would have to buy another piece of gear, like a personal anchor system, to secure ourselves …
Climbing nuts are one of the first pieces of trad protection climbers will purchase. Placing nuts are intuitive, they are inexpensive, and will last you a long time. But if you’re new to trad climbing, how do you make sure that you’re getting the best climbing nuts? With climbing experience, you build your own personal …
ATC stands for air traffic controller! If you just started climbing, chances are that you’ve seen, heard about, or used a Black Diamond tube-style belay device, but it’s been referred to as an ATC. How often have you heard someone say, “belay me with your air traffic controller”? I never have, but I have often wondered …
Route reading is a critical skill for rock climbing. If you’ve watched elite level climbers at competitions or the Olympics, then you’ve seen them performing what looks like air karate before they step up to send the route. What they’re doing is called “route reading”. They are miming out the hand and foot sequence for …
Yes, you can climb too much as a beginner. An overuse injury will be incredibly detrimental to your climbing progression. I remember when I first started climbing it was all I wanted to do. I wanted to go every single day. And on the days I forced myself to take a rest day I was …
