How to crack climb for beginners reddit. The home of Climbing on reddit.

How to crack climb for beginners reddit. 4 crack. 9 free climbers spend 4 days slogging on (may have bolt ladders, may have run out aid on sketchy fifi hooks) and committed alpine faces with THE subreddit for people addicted to crack (climbing)! Nov 8, 2024 · Whether you want to fine-tune gear placement, anchors, or crush your first multi-pitch, this comprehensive guide to trad climbing has it all. Jul 31, 2025 · Looking to crack UPSC? Discover the best UPSC preparation books for beginners in Prelims & Mains. Brief History: Rock climbing in Squamish started in the late 1950s and rose in popularity after the highway from Vancouver was built. Not Reddit's rock climbing training community. The Crack Climber’s Technique Manual: Jamming with Finesse, written by crack master Kent Pease, is a book designed to help new climbers learn how to crack climb, and to teach seasoned crack climbers how to up their grade. Expert-recommended books for IAS aspirants in 2025. The home of Climbing on reddit. That being said, it's the best climbing in Washington. The gym you sign up for will grade their problems and you'll settle into a range where you know which grade you can do easily and which is more of a challenge or too difficult to try. I feel like the 359 votes, 47 comments. Climbing is a sport with a great community, and you'll meet people and get good advice just by being around. 4M subscribers in the climbing community. I will mostly be training indoor on a “crack machine” or some homemade crack hangboard in the future. Aug 5, 2022 · How to get started climbing cracks, from finger-size to the wide stuff, and the sizes in between. I've read up a bit on the technique for footwork and tried to apply it. I feel like I am burning it up and wasting it. Climbers roam the country, from Utah to California to This dude is climbing a crack, which requires its own particular set of techniques where you jam your hands, fingers and toes into the crack and then squeeze or twist them to generate outwards force on the rock to hold you in place. The most common recommendation I have seen is to climb ~three days a week for ~two hours max (dependent on climbing intensity), with at least two sleeps between each climbing session. Crack climbing - climbing a wall using a system of cracks in the rock face by jamming your hands and feet (and other bits) into the crack itself Jamming - a method of climbing to exploit cracks in the rock. Any tips on how to heat the Hello r/climbing! My friend and I have been climbing for a couple months now, 2 or 3 times a week. The climbing community was relatively small until the 1970s, when the So due to some unforseen circumstances I won't be able to crack climb this season (someone shat in the offwidth at our crag). 173 votes, 88 comments. I am relatively new to smoking crack and need some tips on how to get a good hit. And yes we are scared of falling. So I have looked back at previous posts and some other sources online and wondered what the new/current opinions are on the best crack climbing gloves. The motivation comes from trying some trad climbing at RRG with some friends and experiencing how fun it was! Feb 9, 2020 · Have you ever looked at an aesthetic crack climb, but had no idea how to crack climb? Where are the holds? Where can you put your feet? But crack climbing is one of the most rewarding and beautiful ways to climb, often on radiant sandstone walls in the desert or gorgeous alpine granite, following perfect splitters up endless rock faces. Dec 16, 2019 · Get the local scoop on rock climbing in Colorado including info on the best rock climbing areas and must-send routes for all abilities. At the level you're climbing at now and looking to climb, technique is 95% of your success so don't worry about training, worry about getting better at reading and climbing cracks of all sizes. My main question is what cars should I buy (Silver 2 currently) but if you could also give me some beginner tips that would be appreciated too. I bought a rope, and we are both belay certified, but that's about the end of our knowledge of how it works. If you've never touched features like that it may be a struggle for you. com Jun 26, 2025 · Squats make you stronger but that's the wrong posistion when you climb. A subreddit dedicated to discussing and reviewing climbing shoes. e. Feb 14, 2022 · Learn to climb by starting with the fundamentals. Been climbing for almost 4 years. The solution is still my favorite sport climbing shoe that I have tried, precise and makes me feel confident on even the smallest feet. Ive dabbled in in it and can layback a 5. When you’re crack climbing you instead wedge your hands and feet into the space in the crack to move upwards. PS: both of these shoes are more geared towards sport climbing or crack climbing. These were our favorites. People saying that crack climbing is harder than sport climbing at a given grade generally just aren't good crack climbers. Rad. Just tried to climb a hand crack at my local gym and got up about 5 feet before I stopped due to searing foot pain. I was wondering how many times per week to target. Definitely worth a whole day and you can work on crack climbing skills if you aspire to get into trad. We've decided we would like to actually try outdoor climbing, but neither of us has a good idea where to start. Keep in mind if you are not used to that style of climbing (granite cracks and slabs with micro-holds) you'll likely be at much lower grade initially. When you’re face climbing, you ascend the rock by pulling on holds like edges or jugs. This part summer we went on a guided two week hike and did some mountaineering/hiking. I Nov 28, 2021 · Discover all you need to know to start indoor or outdoor rock climbing: types of climbing, gear, practical tips We've got you covered! To be honest I would actually recommend to climb less, 3 times a week is a lot even for expereince climbers. A little background, I started climbing about a year ago with a couple groups of friends. I like having things written down, so I made notes of the relevant information from the video (and some of the comments made by others) and thought I'd share it here. He joins us today to share the five basic rules of crack climbing from his new book, "Crack Climbing: The Definitive Guide. (Would love to go 173 votes, 88 comments. 2 training days a week (one for HB and one for climbing) is perfectly reasonable for a beginner climber. Reddit's rock climbing training community. Unfortunately the only cracks at my gym are slightly inclined, and about halfway between hand and fist cracks which makes me think they are intended for people with experience climbing cracks already. Any advice, site or video you could recommend for people starting from scratch? Also, are there any rock climbing gyms around DC that might be good for beginners? Thanks!! :-) I’m so confused about their target audience! I definitely agree that it can’t be very appealing or logical to non-climbers, but it’s also not really right for diehard long-time climbers either, but “beginner climbers” feels like too small of a niche for a big budget show…? I sorta think they should’ve included much more explaining/layman’s terms, and really gone broad, since I The tendency for new crack climbers is to high step like in sport climbing to the highest foot lock, but it's really strenuous to put weight back on that high foot and it hurts like fuck. Like all climbing, crack climbing necessitates moving from a good balanced position over your feet, thru some (often awkward) transitional movement, on to the next balanced position over your feet. Therefore Crack Climbing Technique. Learn how climb cracks from fingertips to chimneys. If you climb enough trad (especially multipitch and alpine), you will encounter a "no fall zone" or panic situation. Figure out how to climb and self rescue on a 2 pitcher and then go climb a 8+ pitch sport/mixed route. I recommend climbing at least a year or two before you start doing any serious campusing or fingerboarding. It's difficult to practice crack climbing in the gym. Anyone recommend anywhere to go indoor climbing in Leeds for absolute beginners? We have no equipment or experience but want to try something new and climbing appeals to us! Or can anyone recommend anything new to try in leeds or just generally on a side note? Bored of doing the same things of a weekend and want to get out more! Archived post. Climb consistently to build up a base level of forearm endurance and recovery. Typically boulderers prefer something more aggressive but at the end of the day it's what feels best on your feet IMO. Small things like feeling how to spread your fingers, layering your palms and fists correctly during jams, the right angle and amount of torque so your shoes take as much of the brunt as possible during laybacks. We have What were the mistakes you made as a beginner? Small, big, form, etiquette? Hopefully it's not all horror stories of falling poorly! I would say, just climb, stretch, and do some moderate cross training like pushups and stuff to balance out. See full list on rei. Also surprisingly durable for a high performance shoe, lasted 8 months before I resoled them could have probably pushed it another month or 2. 1. A couple of good, easy beginner crack problem are Easy Crack V0, Easy Crack Traverse V1-, Blues Crack V2, Kashmir Crack V2/3, and Lost Digits V3 (look for the toe cam when you're going for the jug). Maybe you got off route, maybe the only placement in a section requires a piece that you placed earlier on the pitch, maybe you kicked a cam out of the crack while in the middle of a crux, maybe you're struggling with a fiddly placement while pumping out. 10a. 6, 5. We can both do a solid 5. Limit your climbing to around 1-2 a week should be enough and with enough rest you actually feel a lot stronger. Usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. Check /r/climbing for more content. Aug 8, 2018 · That is where The Crack Climber’s Technique Manual came in handy. I figured this would also serve as a good resource for those searching the sub for tips on managing their skin in the future, as it Hi All, I've been climbing for about 2 months, and I really want to get into crack climbing. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. We both are very limited in terms of technicals skills, however we are both in good shape. It's where I first learned how to jam cracks. I've tried a couple routes at my local climbing gym, 5. 7) at Leavenworth compare to those at Index? I've climbed a couple of easy routes at Index, such as Pisces, Great Northern Slab, Corner Flash, Hag Crack, and Senior Citizens in Space. The easiest area to get to is the lower town wall, which has a huge assortment of classics. Jan 21, 2021 · Trad climbing is dangerous, fun, and addictive. A nice helping of crack climbing on the tower, including off-width cracks. Oct 18, 2024 · Learn the basics of crack climbing, why it's essential, and how mastering jamming techniques can improve your climbing skills. Climb with people who are better than you, who can encourage and push you in your progression. I will put pretty decent sized rocks in my glass pipe and sometimes I don’t get a big smoky exhale. Don't be afraid to take a rest day or week (s) if you need it! Better to skip a few sessions than several months worth! As a beginner beginner, you probably don't want to go too crazy with it. I did plenty of hiking in the White Mountains, NH last winter Sep 12, 2019 · So you want to trad climb. The first time I could hardly get above 6-7ft and was really stoked about getting as far as I did. Find guides and more. 8 and below (but if you have favorite crack routes in the area that are harder lmk as well for Climbing mt rainier (edit with a guide) doesn’t require experience but strong physical fitness is a must as well as $2500 or so for guide and rental equip. Finger injuries sneak up on you, and I don't know a better way for it to happen than through board climbing 3-5 days a week. From the best trad climbing shoes to your first rack to how to train for crack climbing, we have the beta you need to start. Should you wait for the soreness to be over to climb As a beginner I would definitely start at a rock climbing gym as they will teach you about safety, gear and will often have classes and allow you to meet people. . HOWEVER, I love the styles that kilter, MB, and tension have and think that they're what got me to some of my goals. If you really can’t climb more than once a week, my biggest advice would be to get a hangboard to use at home. I have looked at the Black Diamond gloves, Ocun Pros, Splitter II (outdoor research) but not sure what to go with. La Sportiva Theory Review This is my first crack at a shoe review, I wanted to give an insightful perspective of my experience with this climbing shoe for new and experienced climbers alike. I'm sure you know that climbing outside is much different than climbing inside, but until you actually go climb outside you really can't understand just how different they are. Apr 18, 2019 · Just tried to climb a hand crack at my local gym and got up about 5 feet before I stopped due to searing foot pain. Big wall is a spectrum from bolted 8 pitchers to trad ''trade routes'' with easily accessible clear beta and maybe even fixed anchors, aid climbs that 5. You need to be able to Seconding (thirding?) the "just show up" advice. I recently installed the game and I barely know what I'm doing. Jan 29, 2021 · Get the scoop on all things Moab climbing including info on the best rock climbing areas and routes you can't miss when climbing in Moab. I feel like I am melting it too quickly or burning it up. We will both be in Joshua Tree at the beginning of May for a You're right the the easiest route up the tower is 5. Jun 12, 2025 · We put 23 pairs of climbing shoes to the test on boulder problems, sport climbs, and traditional routes. " I’ve been crazy about climbing the crack at my gym, and would love to climb real cracks outdoors! What Joshua Tree alternatives are there around Southern California for crack climbing in the summer? Any recommended routes? Looking for easier crack climbs since I’m still new to it, i. Usually climb 3 to 4 times a week if life permits. Beginner routes difficulty - Index vs Leavenworth How do the easy routes (5. Sep 12, 2023 · Crack climbing is a form of rock climbing in which the climber jams their body into cracks in the rock in order to ascend. Lots of room to improve on both technique and strength, but we're getting there. I know the solutions aren't ideal for this type of climbing but it's what I had for this session. May 2, 2024 · Squamish is one of the best places in North America for rock climbing, but like all places there are a few things to know before visiting. Hello everyone! I'm an aspiring trad climber and would love some feedback on how to improve at crack climbing. Climbing is quite stressfull fro the tendons and those take a lot longer to heal compared to muscles. 13 votes, 13 comments. Cracks are usually protectable with traditional climbing gear. Already had climbed a few time occasionally, but now I bought my first pair of shoes and plan on going more regularly. Hey I’m a new climber and I was wondering if people had some wisdom to share and what you wish you knew when you started rock climbing. The crack is a on vertical wall, starts out with thin hands then slowly widens to about perfect hands and at the top is fairly wide. Whenever I see a post asking questions about climbing X mountain and what to bring, people say that even asking such a question shows inexperience and to give up. Jun 1, 2013 · My body and brain does not compute it. This means you might have to climb with slightly sore forearms for a couple weeks before your body catches up. 7ish but if you haven't ever climbed outside on real rock it could still be a real challenge for you. The climbing is very beta intensive once you get above 10b, and you have to have good crack climbing and rope management skills. What would be some good beginner hikes/mountains to do in the Pacific Northwest area. 5. I am a beginner myself and they gym is a great place to learn. Also, if you can afford it, taking a beginner's class is a good way to learn how to belay and get tips on how to get started climbing. 146 votes, 11 comments. 10a/b with almost no success. Can anyone advise on which rock climbing gyms in Phoenix are good for both adults and kids? I built a master list of climbing skills for teaching friends, from single pitch sport climbing, to leading ski trips in complex avalanche terrain and first aid. Some contexts, this was my second time training crack climbing. Here’s a list of some things to know before you go. My biggest concern is to avoid overuse injury, as my forearms muscles/tendons are currently sore for a good 4 days after a session. Tendons take a lot longer to develop than muscles and it's easy to overdo it and hurt yourself. In the spirit of that, what is a decent mountain to do in winter? I have experience with layering so I won't freeze to death unless something unexpected comes up. This guide walks you though the types of holds, body position, and footwork. My body and brain does not compute it. Also: How to use your feet in cracks. Atleast with trad climbing you can carry a quadruple rack and saw up a 5. But I quite literally have no idea where to start. Dedicated to increasing all our knowledge about how to better improve at our sport. Ive been climbing for 3ish years now and I feel that it is time I learn how to do it. We are good belayers and are planning on taking a leading course soon. I need some tips on how to actually get a good hit without burning it all up. Lattice Training recently released a new video on their Ultimate Guide to Climbing Skin Care. Hello! My girlfriend and I have been climbing indoors pretty regularly for the last three years. But once I get to fist jams I struggle a lot. Serious, structured training is for more advanced climbers. I posted this to r/climbharder, but I feel like this subreddit will have a larger group of people who crack climb. What you're saying is only true if you're so poor that you can't buy the few basic items sport climbing requires. Finger locks, hand jams, fist jams, off-width and chimney techniques explained Hello! As the title states I am a beginner to crack climbing specifically (have been bouldering/top rope for awhile) I have only been using a wooden crack trainer at the gym and I am getting much better at everything that is like thin hands up to about cupped hands. Once you get more proficient, hop on Beam Me Up Scotty V3+. Hi! I live in DC and would love to star rock climbing. This is the second time I've trained cracks and the first time I could hardly get above 6-7ft. Make your reservations right when they release the dates (summer / fall the year before). Absolutely love it. (Would love to go Jan 22, 2020 · Widely regarded as one of the finest crack climbers in the world, Pete Whittaker—part of the Wide Boyz duo—has made made his name through dozens of cutting-edge first ascents and hard repeats. Just started going to a bouldering gym. Everyone’s route to trad climbing will be slightly different, and our guide can help! When you feel comfortable with classic mountaineering you can start rock climbing in order to train for more technical summits, usually the ones involving long glaciated approaches and several pitches of ice climbing like Puntiagudo or Corcovado. 9 crack like a champ, but I really want to get into crack climbing. 3M subscribers in the climbing community. Jun 3, 2025 · Discover where to go rock climbing in Washington, from easy routes to more challanging adventures. Warm up with lots of easy routes, building up to moderates, then hard flashes. In all seriousness, like all climbing, time and technique will assist to reduce the damage of crack/off-width climbing. Hey r/mountaineering, I'm interested in taking up mountaineering! Me and my friend both want to take it up as a hobby. Climbers roam the country, from Utah to California to Jun 30, 2020 · This dude is climbing a crack, which requires its own particular set of techniques where you jam your hands, fingers and toes into the crack and then squeeze or twist them to generate outwards force on the rock to hold you in place. This is the smaller rock climbing community on reddit. Don't step too high, don't reach too high, let your body sense guide you. 9 and are pretty steady on 5. There are 3 guide services IIRC, I used Alpine Ascents Train more than you think you have to Start climbing, you'll figure out very quickly what your skill level is. Even if you have really, really strong technical skills in the gym, learning how to apply those skills to actual rock is not something that happens overnight. I wanted to make sure my skin was kept in shape in the meantime so I came up with the idea to use my belt sander to keep my skin in shape for next season. akk bvqpnz nnkcn ydhsb tmyugrd zlhlf pdqhg bzzs omvxr vmyznia