Types of climbing holds 2. Each type of climbing hold presents its own unique set of challenges and lessons. Edges are the most common type of handholds that you encounter on rock surfaces. Feb 17, 2025 · Introduction. See full list on rei. As in: get your best climbing shoes on, look up, grab whatever you can, pull up and hope you don't fall off. Check out our Educational Hold Line for educational purposes in the gym world of climbing. Running water, wind erosion, rock fall, etc. Polyurethane ( 1 ) is more flexible than polyester and less prone to chipping and snapping when mixed correctly. Here are some popular types of wood for climbing holds: Discover the various types of climbing holds used in bouldering, from jugs and crimps to pinches and slopers, and learn how to grip them effectively for a secure hold. Jan 25, 2023 · But an experienced eye will see an array of climbing routes and movements. Plus, an experienced climber will also more quickly recognise how to best grip a climbing hold and which position his body should be in at any given moment. Nine Basic Types of Climbing Handholds. Climbing holds come in a large array of sizes and shapes to provide different levels of challenge to a climber. Smart Playrooms offers a variety of holds, essential for indoor climbing, that vary Oct 10, 2022 · Different Types of Climbing Holds Crimps. The type of climbing hold Jan 6, 2016 · Modern climbing holds are usually made from polyurethane which is the same stuff you use to make skateboard wheels. Learning the different types of climbing holds is the first step in grasping the climbing language. Why Knowing Types of Climbing Holds is Important. Then you watch and listen to experienced climbers in the gym and hear them saying things to each other like… “Dyno to the jug…. Most climbing utilities are intended as handholds or footholds. Hearing unfamiliar words fly from the mouths of climbers when you have no idea what they are referring to can feel isolating. Jan 5, 2023 · Rock climbing holds are an essential part of the sport of rock climbing, and there are many different types of holds that climbers can use. This rule applies to all types of climbing holds: jugs, crimps, pockets, pinches, and slopers. Slopers are usually the thinnest holds and jugs are usually the least thin holds. Climbing is about more than just strength—it’s about strategy and energy efficiency. Learn everything you need to know about climbing holds in this comprehensive guide! We look at all the different types of holds, how to hold the hard ones li Jan 2, 2024 · Using Proper Climbing Hold Terminology. Below are the types of holds with the pros and cons of each: Bolt-On Climbing Holds 2. Written by Stewart Green. Edge holds, also known as ledge holds when the hold is oriented in a linear fashion and parallel to the ground, are usually much narrower than jugs. We hope our guide helps you master the crimp grip like no other. But the more you climb, the more you realize there’s a subtlety to climbing that requires different types of rock climbing holds for different routes and Explore different types of climbing holds and their unique characteristics in this beginner-friendly guide to rock climbing. , have shaped natural climbing holds for millions of years! If you’re new to climbing, you might get confused when you hear somebody talk about a sloper or a jug. If large holds and volumes enable setters to craft space in multiple dimensions, increasingly sophisticated dual-textured and no-tex holds help setters craft affective experiences, forcing climbers to navigate emotions like fear, anxiety, confidence, and even revulsion. Working with climbing holds everyday, we knew exactly what types of climbing holds we liked and didn’t like. May 2, 2024 · Slopers are one of the most challenging types of rock climbing hold. Once you know the basic hold types, take some time to learn how to use them. Sep 28, 2023 · Climbing Jargon – Different Hold Types . It was the climbing holds that we didn’t like that led us to create Grizzly Holds. An edge is usually a horizontal hold with a somewhat positive outside edge, although it can also be rounded. May 24, 2023 · Climbing holds are the essential building blocks of any climbing wall, providing the necessary grip and challenge for climbers of all skill levels. Wall Material. They're crucial for practice and skill development. Always call holds by their proper names, such as edges, crimps, jugs, slopers, pinches, and May 8, 2024 · Introduction to Climbing Holds and Their Importance Climbing holds are the very shapes you grab or step on when climbing walls, either indoors or outdoors. Dec 20, 2020 · Crimps and chips are generally small, thin climbing holds. However, quality polyurethane mixes are not as easy to achieve as those made with PE. The Five Main Types of Rock Climbing Holds Jugs. The most common kind of hold is the jug, a large, easy-to-grip hold that is often used for beginners. Apr 28, 2016 · Any type of climbing hold can be described as thin. The more you climb, the better you'll become at using all types of climbing holds. The only difference is how they attach to your wall. Knowing how to tackle each one helps you predict what the routesetters had in mind for a particular problem, making it easier to solve instead of scratching your head in confusion. Here you can find some of the most common types of holds, their uses, and how to hold them. Shop for Climbing Holds at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. But which one is right for you? Learn all about the different types of climbing holds, the benefits and drawbacks of each type, and how to use them to enhance your climbing skills. Jun 14, 2024 · Find Climbing Holds at Atomik Climbing Holds. Think of them as the building blocks of climbing; they There are currently four types of holds in the climbing industry. If you’re looking to add crimpers or any other kind of climbing hold to your climbing wall, we have you covered! Atomik Climbing Holds offers a huge selection of climbing holds of all kinds and sizes for all ages and skill ranges. In addition, since 2000, the number of climbing gyms in the US has increased to four times as many. A flat surface, with no space to hold onto is completely negative. These are rounded, somewhat circular holds that might look impossible to hold. Due to their unique shape and texture, no hold looks or feels the same. Apr 10, 2021 · From holds for bouldering to hands-free grips, there are a ton of different types of climbing holds available. Chips are most commonly footholds but can also be used for hands on advanced climbing routes. When selecting climbing holds, there are a few essential factors to consider to ensure the best fit for your specific needs. Climbing hold types. Interestingly though the word jug is probably the most SUBJECTIVE term in climbing holds and is often used to describe a hold that you can grip okay but your climbing partner struggles with. Jul 30, 2017 · The different types of climbing holds and how to use them. We make them all out of the same non-toxic polyurethane resin. More contact = more friction. Jan 26, 2023 · A lot of it needs to make more sense to the common ear. Jun 23, 2024 · In this article, we will explore the various types of indoor climbing holds and how you can utilize them to enhance your climbing experience. Jul 13, 2021 · But the truth is, you can also use a crimp grip on other types of holds, like slopers for example, as it depends on how you bend your DIP joints. Each hold tests different grip strengths and techniques. New to climbing? It can be overwhelming with the amount of jargon to learn so we’re here to help. When discussing different types of holds we refer to the ” positivity” of a hold which refers to how much space there is for your hands or fingers to fit into. Jugs teach you about rest and recovery, crimps about precision and finger strength, pinches about the importance of thumb involvement, slopers about trust and body positioning, and pockets about strategic finger usage and the risks of overloading. I've heard of slopers and crimp holds but I haven't found a good overall explanation of them all anywhere. Slopers are one of the six classic types of rock climbing holds found in both climbing gyms and outdoor routes. CRIMPS. Not after this! The first time you see a climbing wall, it just looks like an odd collection of different sized and coloured climbing holds that have been placed at random. But otherwise, there are a lot of different holds where you could use crimping as a climbing technique. Fortunately, a large chunk of the vocabulary revolves around the types of climbing holds and their names. If you’re on a budget, buy climbing holds in bulk because it’s much cheaper regardless of the shop. These holds are common on overhangs, making them even more difficult to grip. Understanding the various types of climbing holds can directly impact a climber’s performance and technique. May 17, 2023 · Bouldering holds come in various different shapes, sizes, textures, and functions. Crimp holds, pockets, jugs, kids, slopers, foot holds, pinches, rails, roof jugs, volumes, and features, are many of the hand holds for climbing walls offered here. Plus, get tips on how to choose the best hold for your specific style and experience level. It shows off your climbing expertise and improves communication as well. Learning the proper techniques for using each hold will help you climb more efficiently and effectively. People either love or hate them, but they are great holds to pull hard on! Slopers. Let’s jump in! Our Granite Holds are probably the most special holds in the climbing scene. Many of these shapes try to mimic real rock features, while others are merely for fun. Holds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and you’ll need to learn how to identify each kind so that you can grip it correctly. By understanding the different types of climbing holds, selecting the appropriate sizes, and installing them correctly, you'll be well on your way to creating exciting climbing routes and improving your skills. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. First and foremost, consider the type of wall you will be using for climbing holds. Choosing the right type of wood for your climbing holds is crucial for durability and performance. Climbing Hold Types. Types of climbing holds Jugs: Mar 20, 2025 · Introduction to Climbing Holds. Indoor climbing involves mastering a diverse array of holds, each presenting its own set of challenges and demands. Incuts/Mini Jugs Climbing Holds. Every rock face that you climb offers a variety of handholds or grips. . Now that you have a solid understanding of climbing holds, talk to other climbers about climbing problems using the appropriate terminology. I was wondering if anyone would be able to highlight some of the basic common types of holds. On most walls, climbing holds are arranged in paths called routes, by specially trained route setters. Before we get into it, let’s first go over the difference between a climbing hold and a climbing grip. In this article, we’ll touch on five categories of climbing holds, go over how to identify them, and offer some general guidelines for using proper technique on each. But it is not the specific shape that matters, but rather how that shape can be utilized. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. May 24, 2023 · Climbing holds are the gateway to an exhilarating climbing experience, offering endless possibilities for climbers of all levels. Types of Indoor Climbing Holds Jugs “Type of Climbing Hold” refers to the grip it offers. Each type of rock climbing hold requires a specific technique to ensure maximum grip and minimal energy wastage. As with all types of holds, jugs come in different sizes, from very small to very large. Climbers use a combination of these holds to navigate routes up climbing walls. com Aug 15, 2017 · The best grip on a climbing hold is always going to be the grip that maximizes contact with the hold. Sep 21, 2021 · Whether you’re rock climbing indoors or outdoors, it’s important to recognize the various types of holds you will encounter. Of course, there are holds where crimping is impossible, like a crack climb or a jug. Usually, you can only fit two or three fingers, compared to two hands or the full hand that fits on jugs and it may be shallower so it is harder to climb than the jug. In 2021, an estimated 6 million people in the US participated in indoor climbing activities. Jan 12, 2022 · A jug normally describes a large, deep hold that you can wrap your whole hand around. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned climber, this guide will provide you with valuable insights on how to navigate the world of indoor climbing holds. In this article, "Climbing Holds 101: Types of Climbing Holds," we delve into the intricacies of some fundamental hold types, shedding light on their characteristics, difficulty levels, and optimal uses. These are small holds, with thin edges ranging from approximately one finger pad to half-a-finger pad deep. These holds are defined by their rounded, smooth surfaces that lack a positive edge, making them uniquely challenging to grip. From jugs to crimps, slopers to pinches, and the materials they're made of, this guide dives deep into the evolution, types, and intricacies of climbing holds, helping climbers and enthusiasts better understand their indoor climbing experience. Crimps are probably the most common holds on V3 problems and higher in bouldering gyms. I am pretty new to bouldering/rock climbing and I often hear people talking about different types of holds at my indoor gym I go to. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Jan 31, 2023 · To master that latest project or maybe stick to the wall longer than two moves, it’s essential to know how to use different types of rock climbing holds. Learn how best to use different climbing holds and get to grips (completely unintentional pun) with the terminology thanks to coach Emily and route setter Ellie from our TCH Swansea team. And more friction = feeling more secure on the hold. This type of climbing hold is just like a regular jug but it is smaller and is probably the most common type of climbing hold. These are among the most common holds you will encounter on the climbing wall in an indoor climbing gym. Whether you’re an avid climber or a beginner in this sport, you must first master climbing indoors to ensure your safety while doing Factors to Consider When Choosing Bolt-On or Screw-On Climbing Holds. com May 17, 2024 · From large ledges that mimic the comfort of a boulder to tiny micro-holds that challenge your fingertips, the variety of artificial climbing holds is a direct inspiration from nature. Any type of climbing hold can be described as thin. Sep 25, 2023 · Explore the diverse world of indoor rock climbing holds. Similar to positivity, the thinness of a hold is a relative term that depends on the context. Feb 16, 2024 · Jugs are very common in beginner problems in climbing gyms. Feb 12, 2024 · But the relationship between outdoor climbing and indoor setting isn’t just about movement: it’s also about emotion. Aug 21, 2024 · The types of climbing holds you’ll find in a gym are inspired by natural features found in rock. Climbing holds are essential components of both indoor and outdoor climbing, serving as the points of contact for climbers to grip and maneuver. Sloper See relevant content for every-last-rock. These types of holds are seldom found on beginner routes due to a greater need for strength and solid technique. Thin holds usually make up the crux (most difficult part) of a route. Rock climbing terminology is often the most confusing, intimidating part of the sport for a new climber. It will take you through a number of different holds, what they are called and how to use them. Whether you're a beginner looking to start your climbing journey or a seasoned climber interested in building your own wall, understanding the different types of climbing h Jan 13, 2023 · A lot of the climbing hold industry in the USA prefers polyurethane nowadays. While nearly every hold so far has used an open grip, crimps use a closed grip. “Hold” refers to the actual piece of plastic or real rock that a climber grabs with their hand The different types of climbing holds explained. This blog post is going to help you learn the never ending jargon of climbing. Whether you're a novice or an May 31, 2024 · Rock climbing enthusiasts rely on an array of specialized equipment, with climbing holds being a pivotal component. From pockets to slopers to pinches to crimps, we’ll guide you through every type of climbing hold, bridging the gap between the gym and the great outdoors. Sep 9, 2020 · If you are interested in building your own climbing wall at home, it is important to understand the different types of climbing holds. Each wood species possesses unique characteristics that influence grip, texture, and longevity. The best way to improve your skills is to practice regularly. This article will help you develop a better eye for climbing holds. Dec 15, 2024 · Different Types Of Wood For Climbing Holds. Dec 5, 2021 · Climbing holds aren’t as expensive given their durability and usage even if you get the non-toxic polyurethane resin – the premium climbing holds. Jan 31, 2023 · Rock and wall climbing are highly popular extreme sports activities. While some holds might look obvious, other ones not so much. ” “Match on the crimp…” Nov 4, 2022 · Once you know how to recognize and respond to different holds, you will be prepared for many different types of climbing, including sport climbing, bouldering, and top rock climbing, indoors and out. Every piece is defined by the features of the raw Finnish granite stone, to offer you the most versatile and interesting climb. This material makes climbing holds both durable and simple to produce in a wide range of shapes. Jun 23, 2018 · Brent Winebrenner/Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images. May 8, 2023 · Learning the different types of holds and how to use them is critical as you’re getting started climbing. STONE CLIMBER holds are made of natural stone and each of them is a unique piece. Jugs -Positive(the rock meets the wall at an angle that is less than 90 degrees or, in other words, angles downward) holds that you can grab onto -everyone’s favorite holds. There are also corn and soya bean based materials currently being developed to create an environmentally friendly type of climbing hold. They're characterized by a rounded, sloping surface that requires you to use your body's tension to stay on them. The easiest rock climbing hold for beginners to use is the jug. Jul 18, 2022 · When you first start rock climbing, your approach is all about the vertical gain. All the different types of holds are words you will recognize, and once each hold is explained, you will hopefully have an “oh…that makes sense” moment. From crimps to slopers, undercuts to side pulls. Narrow, often small and flat, they require great finger strength. What follows is a more detailed outline of climbing holds. Feb 2, 2025 · There are many different types of climbing holds that you can use to help you get to the top. The type of climbing hold Below is an article on the common handgrips found in climbing. Soon after we had made the decision to start our own company we started cutting into foam, lots of foam! Climbing holds come in a huge variety of shapes, from blobs to bats. Sep 21, 2022 · The main hold types you’ll find in climbing gyms include: Slopers -Sloping holds that don’t usually have a “good” angle to hold. A climbing hold is a shaped grip that is usually attached to a climbing wall so that climbers can grab or step on it. Below is a list of the MAIN types of climbing holds available. sopmgohuvwjiadiolvqavzazkbylbzrhfcymmvedmezhejhaspxotmbigxlyvwfsinpdjyuccfzfvb