Off Topic: Rock Climbing

"Crocket Bernet" (crocketbernet)
10/13/2014 at 22:27 • Filed to: None

As penance for my sin have a Ferrari. Anyone who wants to indulge my interest please continue after the jump.

Does anyone on here rock climb, I'm going to go this weekend and it seems like it could be a bit of fun any tips/tricks/videos you could link me to. I'm not expecting to be the best (or really any good) because right now I'm body building and I'm a bit bulky for it but I think it will still be good fun.

DISCUSSION (20)

E30Joe drives a Subaru > Crocket Bernet
10/13/2014 at 22:29

I do a lot of hiking and free climbing, my only advice is to visualize your way up whatever you are climbing.

Crocket Bernet > E30Joe drives a Subaru
10/13/2014 at 22:31

Cool, thanks man. So sorta plan your line as if I was snowboarding.

tromoly > Crocket Bernet
10/13/2014 at 22:35

Use your legs as much as possible, it isn't called pull-up climbing. Though it is funny to watch bros with zero climbing technique try to climb. Also, stretch your arms/elbows/back, it helps, and tendonitis sucks.

Crocket Bernet > tromoly
10/13/2014 at 22:37

Ya I was talking to a guy on my floor who climbs a lot he said technique wise keep the arms straight and keep your center of gravity near the wall, which sounds fine and dandy but I have no clue how to do the second part haha.

PowderHound > Crocket Bernet
10/13/2014 at 22:43

breath smooth and don't panic. Rely on your feet more than your hands. Hips in to the wall. If you are resting keep your arm straight so you are hanging by the bone not using muscle. Have fun.

Crocket Bernet > PowderHound
10/13/2014 at 22:48

Me? Panic? Never.

Kinja'd!!!

Big Bubba Ray > Crocket Bernet
10/13/2014 at 23:18

Use your legs. Like as much as possible. If you're tired and need a break, don't stay put for too long or you'll wear out your arms. Keep your hips close to the wall as much as possible. It's hard to explain techniques online, but just give it a go and have fun! Make sure you tie your knots right and have a proper harness on and somebody who really knows how to belay.

I used to rock climb a few times a week and it really was a passion of mine. After my bike accident, my left had is basically ruined. I haven't climbed in over a year and half, but my hand is slowly regaining strength and I hope to get back into it soon!

tromoly > Crocket Bernet
10/13/2014 at 23:32

Keep your hips in the wall, don't hang your butt way out. Stand so your feet are sideways running along the wall, it really helps.

Crocket Bernet > Big Bubba Ray
10/13/2014 at 23:37

Thanks for the advice and here's to a speedy recovery.

BeardyMcJew > Big Bubba Ray
10/13/2014 at 23:45

What he said.

Also try not to use a death grip unless you need it. Balance has a lot to with it.

It can be much easier to reach up and grab a hold when you put all your weight on one foot and let the other dangle. For example, when facing a wall, reaching up and to the right is easier if you extend your left leg and stand on your right.

In general, taking the path of least resistance and making the move that requires minimal effort is usually good. That can require some creativity. Also climbers are among the most helpful, friendliest enthusiasts you will ever meet.

Have fun!

Rainbow > Crocket Bernet
10/13/2014 at 23:47

Do not hang from anything. Your hands are there to hold you against the wall. Don't use them to pull you up.

I have had to give up on multiple occasions after my hands became so numb that they were physically unable to hold anything anymore. It's entirely in the legs.

BrainsYall > Big Bubba Ray
10/14/2014 at 00:10

I broke my left hand in rugby two years ago. Its been rough getting back into climbing but I am slowly getting some grip back. Best of luck to you on your recovery!!

Big Bubba Ray > Crocket Bernet
10/14/2014 at 00:10

Thanks! Are you climbing outdoors or at a gym? Either way it will be a good time.

BrainsYall > Crocket Bernet
10/14/2014 at 00:11

Inside or outside? If outside, PLEASE wear a helmet! I know a lot of pro climbers etc don't but its really not worth it to get beaned in the head by something. Protect that brain!

E30Joe drives a Subaru > Crocket Bernet
10/14/2014 at 00:21

Yes! Exactly, look where you're going before you go there and visualize it before it happens.

Big Bubba Ray > BrainsYall
10/14/2014 at 00:35

Thanks! I shattered my middle finger and broke my pointer finger. Partially degloved my pointer finger and almost completely degloved my middle finger. Destroyed the cartilage in my thumb as well. Needless to say all the most important digits on that hand were rendered nearly useless haha I'd post a picture for you, but it is vomit inducing.

Have you tried using one of the Gripmaster Pro Hand Strengtheners? I just got a heavy tension one a month or two ago and I try to use it every day. Even though I don't have feeling in my pointer and middle fingers yet, I have a lot of my strength back because of it! Definitely something you should look into if you haven't yet.

wallaby13 > Crocket Bernet
10/14/2014 at 03:24

You can also lock your arms closed, instead of keeping them straight. It's hard to explain but bring your hand as close to your shoulder as you can. The idea here (in both cases) is to let your arm rest.

Join a gym and talk to people, do some hand exercises to warm up and cool down, and push ups at the end can help your joints. I had a terrible time with tendon/muscle pain in my elbows. A buddy told me to start doing 100 pushups at the end...and problem solved.

Crocket Bernet > Big Bubba Ray
10/14/2014 at 09:17

Indoors I don't think I'd be nearly good enough for outdoors.

Crocket Bernet > BrainsYall
10/14/2014 at 09:19

Inside

StoneCold > Crocket Bernet
10/15/2014 at 06:05

A lot of the other advice is really good, but one thing I can stick in there:

Stretch your fingers more often than not. Before and after a climb, close and open them at least 3-4 times. I don't know how long you're going or if the walls are feature heavy; but if you make a day of it, you'll thank me when it doesn't hurt to hold a pen the next day.

Edit: Also, if you're going for a long time and not using chalk, maybe bring a rag or something to wipe sweat off your hands and then stick it in a cargo short pocket or something.

(You can wonder what pained me the most after a day of climbing, can't ya XD )