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. But my favorite climbing shoes are the …
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 …
Sport climbing relies on pre bolted climbing routes while trad climbing requires the climber to carry and place their own protection as they climb the route. 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 …
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 …
Top roping is a form of rock climbing where the climber is secured to a rope that is anchored above them at the top of the climb. This is different from lead climbing where the climber is protected by a rope that they trail behind them and is clipped into protection points as they ascend. …
