5 Advanced Climbing Techniques Every Climber Aspires To Master
As exciting as rock climbing is, many people get stuck on a plateau while learning rock climbing. They either lack the proper guidance or are stuck with a difficult problem that requires a lot of practice.
Whether performing the kneebar or learning how to lead climb, you need regular practice and dedication towards your climbing goal. If you have mastered some basic climbing techniques, you should consider learning more advanced moves. To help you do that, here are five advanced climbing techniques every climber aspires to master.
- Heel Hook
A heel hook is when you put a heel on hold and then push down with the heel you put on hold while pulling up with your arms. Your knees will be in a bent position.
This motion relieves the weight from your arms and allows you to reach out with one hand for the next hold. Depending on the hold you’re attempting, you may need to flex your foot downward or turn it toward the wall.
If you’re working on an overhanging problem, a heel hook can help you move to the next hold with your arms while keeping your feet attached to the wall. Because of the nature of the action, make sure your legs are entirely stretched before using it.
- Back flag
The back flag, like standard flagging, is all about balance. You use the advanced technique when you have holds on one side of your body but need to move in the opposite direction.
If your left foot and left hand are on and you need to move to the right, a rear flag with your right foot behind and to the left will change your body’s center of gravity to the left, bringing it closer to the supporting foot and hand. This position will be more secure, and funneling upward power from the left foot into the hips will be considerably easier.
- Gaston
Consider the motion you’d make with your right hand to open a sliding door that doesn’t have a handle. You’ll need to flip the right hand counterclockwise such that the fingers point to the left and the elbow stays on the right. This movement is referred to as a gaston.
The gaston is one of the most prevalent advanced rock climbing techniques. It’s worth mentioning, though, that a gaston quickly depletes the energy in the forearms, making it challenging to execute.
- Lead climb
Unlike top-roping, lead climbing requires the climber to carry the rope and clips right from the ground. The climber starts the ascent while affixing the clips into the route while progressing upwards. Though the climber wears the harness, there is no rope attached to the top of the route. Once you learn how to lead climb, you can lead other climbers on the route and climb challenging routes around the world.
- KneeBar
The kneebar is one of the best-advanced climbing techniques because it allows you to take a breather, relax on the climbing wall, and sigh with relief. The kneebar is a relatively straightforward move to execute, despite being an advanced technique.
To do the kneebar, tuck your knee into the hold such that you can maintain your body weight on it. Climbing pants is beneficial if you plan on doing the kneebar. You should be able to make your subsequent motion once you can support your body weight.
While learning more advanced skills, you need to regularly practice the basic climbing techniques too. It will ensure that you keep on building your existing knowledge base while learning new things.
