Climbing Technique
Channel: mancing mania indonesia
Date: 28/09/2022

Climbing Techniques and Moves
Basic techniques for using your feet are edging and smearing:
 • Edging is exactly what it sounds like: You step on a hold with the rubber on the edge of your shoe. You can use the inside edge, where your big toe offers stability on smaller holds, or you can use the outside edge. Your choice depends on the direction you need to move in order to get on or off the hold.
 • Smearing happens when you don’t have an actual foothold, so you rely on your shoe’s rubber for friction against the rock. Smearing is useful in slab climbing, when you’re on low-angle rock without many defined footholds.
When you smear, look for small depressions or protrusions that will give a little extra friction. You can also flatten out the angle for slightly better purchase.
Keep the following footwork tactics in mind when climbing:
 • Try to keep your feet directly below you. Keep an eye out for footholds in good positions, so you can maintain better balance.
 • Look for foot placements even more than for handholds.
 • Once you set your foot, keep it still. You’ll have a better chance of staying on the hold as you make your next move.
 • Keep your heel low so you have plenty of contact with the wall. With a high heel less rubber is on the rock, reducing friction and increasing the odds that you’ll lever your foot off the wall when you make your next move.
 • 
Climbing Efficiently
Learn how to use less energy and how to give your muscles a break as you climb:
 • Straight arms are happy arms. Straightening your arm allows your skeleton to take most of the weight, not your muscles. Even a slight bend in your elbow means your muscles are working to hold it there.
 • Focus on your hips. Beginners often keep hips squared to the wall, which can feel very stable, but it pushes your weight away from the wall and stresses your muscles.
 • Try to keep one hip pushed up against the wall. That helps keep your weight over your feet and lets you lean back with straight arms.
 • Having a hip close to the wall brings your shoulder closer. Your weight is over your feet, decreasing your chances of peeling off. A close shoulder also changes the angle of pull on handholds, making them easier to grip.
 • Good climbers climb with their eyes. Keep your eyes on the wall to look for holds that let you take a quick rest. Don’t just focus on the chalk marks.
 • When you find a good rest, use it. Allow your pulse to slow down and shake out your arms so they don’t get pumped later.

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