Mountaineering Handbook: 101 Tips and Tricks Pocket Guide to Climbing even the Highest Mountain by Outdoors Incorporated

Author:Outdoors Incorporated [Incorporated, Outdoors]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-09-10T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 5

TECHNIQUES AND MOVES

Whether you are climbing a rock or ice, there are specific techniques of climbing and moves you've got to understand to have a smooth experience. These moves and techniques will help you to scale specific terrains during your climb. The hallmark of great climbing is in your understanding of the basics of these moves and methods. You've got to place your focus on techniques while you are climbing your next rock. This is fundamental to conquer the mountainous steeps that seem dangerous or difficult to overcome. The techniques you need include how you should use your feet to your advantage, the means of maintaining your balance and understanding the right moves to deploy.

Tip 58: Utilizing Your Feet

The fundament upon which the success of your climb stands is your feet. It is not uncommon to find beginners trying to pull themselves up the rocks or walls and ending up getting tired as soon as they start. As you climb, you are expected to step up and not pull up. This requires you to be balanced using your arms and hands. There are two feet techniques you can use during a climb. These are:

Tip 59: Edging

Edging involves you using the rubber on the edge of your shoe to step on a hold. You could also use the inside edge that involves your big toe giving you stability on small holds. The direction you have to move in determines the choice of the edge you will use.

Tip 60: Smearing

This foot technique is used when there is no foothold. What you do is depend on the rubber of your shoe to create friction against the rock. This technique is very helpful during slab climbing, which is a low-angled rock that has lots of undefined footholds. During smearing, you should look out for small protrusions that will enable you to have a little friction.

Tip 61: Footwork Tactics

Aside from these footwork techniques, there are some tactics you have to know as you climb. Let's take a look at them.

Ensure that your foot is directly below you and look out for good footholds to maintain the right balance.

You should pay more attention to your foot placements than your handholds.

Keep your foot still once you find a place to set it on.

Let your heel be as low as possible so you can have enough contact with the wall. If your heel is high, you will have less rubber on the rock, which will reduce the friction. This makes it very possible for you to lever your foot off the wall when you try to make your next move.

Tip 62: Maintaining Balance

As you are climbing, you've got to maintain the perfect balance. If you find yourself having a line of jugs that pave the way to the wall, you will enjoy your climb. However, in a situation where you move and pull yourself through different directions, you need to engage your body to maintain the right balance. If you have to use a hold that is on a side, you will not be able to pull straight.

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