On The Rocks Climbing Gym

TOMORROW AT CREST CREEK

We're gonna put some love into the trails and then get on some climbs.

DM to RSVP if you want to join us.

++and if you need more information on the event, visit www.rockgym.ca/events

see you there

A well-climbed route will often have obvious chalk marks, indicating where the hand holds are.

If there are no chalk marks, look for shadows. Shadows on the rock often indicate ledges, flakes, cracks, or pockets that make good holds.
➡️ these can also be fall hazards and it's good practice to recognize those from the ground

Following the bolts or gear placements, even on top rope, helps you determine where the route goes. This can also be a helpful tool while you're on the route (especially if you've never climbed this route before) to help you stay on course.

Pro tip: if leading, it's a good idea to identify your clipping stance from the ground.
This helps you:
➡️ feel more confident on lead
➡️ clip more efficiently (conserve energy)
➡️ prevent fall while clipping (lots of slack and potential for ground fall at first few clips)

A lean back is a body positioning technique where you shift your hips and upper body slightly away from the wall while still keeping your hands and feet on the wall.

This can feel unnatural at first when you're used to hugging your hips/core into the wall.

You might use a lean back when the feet are small, smeary, or insecure — especially on slab or when the hand hold is a flake (as it is above).

By moving your centre of gravity slightly away from the wall, you can increase pressure through your feet, which helps them stick better. If you stay too close to the wall, your feet feel skatey and might slip out from beneath you.

It also allows you to straighten out the arms, using your skeletal system instead of over-gripping with your arms.

It doesn't matter that you climb 5.13 in the gym. If you don't have outdoor technique, your strength won't translate on real rock.