It being winter here in the northern hemisphere, my social media feed is full of news and images of the white stuff – people climbing it, hiking across it, skiing down it (me, jealous much?!). I came across one such article (link at the end) dealing with nerves when skiing – and although I don’t ski (unless you count the time I pretty much … [Read more...]
Busting climbing myths #1
😱 I don’t have any upper body strength The myth ‘I need to have strong arms’ often stops people getting started, so today’s article is all about why you don’t need strong arms when you’re starting out. In fact, you don’t need to be fit or skinny to get started and enjoy climbing. When most people start climbing they are not strong. With … [Read more...]
Training Book Review // Gimme Kraft
Do you enjoy climbing but want to develop further skills and strength but don’t really know where to start? Gimme Kraft by Patrick Matros, Ludwig “Dicki” Korb and Hannes Huch is a comprehensive guide to getting fitter and stronger for all types of climbing. “How do I get stronger?… train most efficiently?…what exercises make the most sense?” are … [Read more...]
Stamina Training
Do you find yourself sending boulder problems but having to take rests on longer routes? Do you have to shake out a lot on longer routes and find yourself shouting “take!” a little too often? If so then you might want to train your endurance. … [Read more...]
Book Review // The Rock Warrior’s Way by Arno Ilgner
Ever backed off a climb and berated yourself afterwards? Ever cursed and thrown a wobbly after falling off your project? Ever wondered why you can’t seem to get past that grade? …. … [Read more...]
Women’s Only Masterclass // White Spider Climbing
Fancy improving your climbing techniques? Fancy learning from one of the UK's top climbers Emma Twyford? … [Read more...]
Do I love bouldering now?
If you read part 1 last month you will have a good understanding that, while I'm pretty outdoorsy and active, I was completely unaware of the point of bouldering and how it fits with my ambitions of climbing mountains. I set myself the challenge to give it a go - here's how I got on. If you want to find out the challenge I set, and why, you can … [Read more...]
FrictionLabs Chalk // Review
FrictionLabs is a US based climbing chalk company currently boasting to have manufactured the highest purity of magnesium carbonate chalk on the market. “Why is this so great?!”I hear you ask. Well, chalk is a combination of magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate. The former traps moisture, leaving surfaces dry and the latter attaches water to … [Read more...]
Friction Labs Loose Chalk // Review
Very soon the UK is getting Friction Labs' new chalk products. We've got our hands on some to test out and give you the lowdown. Our tester, Beth gives her fully tested review of the chalk ball, followed here by her review of the full fantastical selection of loose chalk. It's true, there are many types of chalk. We never knew, but we do now … [Read more...]
La Sportiva Katana Velcro Rock Shoe // Review
Love... Comfort and feel. They are a comfort/performance hybrid so edging is really precise but could also wear on long multi-pitch routes. The blue and green show looks great too! Would like to see..... Them change the women’s fit from pink to something else! Better durability in the toe **Overall rating Criteria Grade Value … [Read more...]