RCUK Forum

Advice for the beginner:
- read as many articles on this website as you can (you'll learn a lot)!
- climb with people that are stronger than you, and also that are psyched (this will help you improve quickly ... pay attention!)
- go steady (ie DON'T GET INJURED!)

This weekend I headed over to Burbage north. There are some not so scary boulders there that I could practice my footwork and balance. I managed to be able to walk down steadily without slipping. I even managed to walk up but had to put my hands down a few times as my balance isn't yet up to scatch. Overall though, a better performance than at Tryfan. I'm hoping that by next year when we revisit Little Tryfan in Wales, I will be able to walk up and down without too much problems and maybe even try some of the easier routes on the Tryfan Bychan itself :)

Hi my name is will, and i am a climbing coach based in Southampton. there are a few things that can help you improve your rock climbing ability, but don't get to excited any technique in climbing takes a while to master, but by constantly playing with them, can massively help. There are a few things worth looking at, when it comes to your climbing style or technique.

Firstly and most importantly, you don't need to be superman, yes you need some basic hand, forearm and core strength, to help you remain on the wall. But from my experiences, having good footwork is the key principle.

Keep your heel higher than your toes. This helps transfer your weight into your toes giving more force against the rock rather than loosing it through your heel, hence the reason people slip off holds.

always try and keep your arms straight. This means that your body weight again is transferred through your bones rather than muscle... saving the massive pump..

Always try and keep your feet below your supporting hand like a "tripod".. This means your centre of gravity is always over your feet, giving you more support and less strain on the arms. also allows you to use the "Knee drop" more effectively.

Knee drop, is where you twist your hip, by pushing your knee towards the opposite knee. for example. if you are moving your right hand you want to twist your right knee in, and if you want to move your left hand twist your left knee in.. It takes alot of practice, but ask someone to demonstrate it at your local gym, and watch how they move...

All of these take alot of practice. so dont worry if you dont grasp it straight away. Hope this is what you were after.

Any feedback would be great.

Happy climbing
Will









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Thanks Will, I will take your advice on board. Much appreciated. Joe

Another visit to the peaks. This weekend it was Stanage Edge. A bit more practive on my smearing then an attempt to climb up the boulders whilst my partner gave me advice on good footwork. Another area I will need to practice. I'm trying to get into the habit of looking for footholds as I climb and then place my foot directly there as opposed to searching with my feet. Fingers crossed as time progresses it just becomes natural instinct.

I hope everyone elses weekend climbing was fun. I know mine was (although it is hard work) :)

More climbing at Baslow Edge this glorious Saturday. Couldn't believe how quiet the peaks were considering the beautiful weather we had. For the first time, my partner tried me on a couple of routes there and I exceeded her expectations so feel really proud of myself :) (I must find out the name of the routes).

Update :) Just completed my introductory climbing lessons to enable me to learn and gain confidence belaying. I am now a member at The Edge Climbing wall. Time to get a little fitter during the winter months ready for the summer. I must say, I enjoy climbing more outside than in. I'm not saying I do not enjoy climbing indoors. Do any of you have preferences???

Hey I run little website with few lessons (and growing in number) have a look I hope it helps. http://summitplateau.webs.com/