5 Advanced Climbing Tips to Take You to the Next Level

Thanks to MRI technology, scientists have learned that no one is immune to the adrenaline rush action that movies give us. With the upcoming release of Free Solo, the documentary about Alex Honnold climbing up one of the world’s most famous rocks, more people will be excited about rock climbing.

Whether new to the sport or well-seasoned, there’s always room for improvement. If you want to take your skills to the next level, read to learn five rock climbing techniques you should know about.

Rockin’ Techniques

1. Head Jam

One of the most crafty climbing tips is to use your head. While you should strategize every move up, we mean physically using your head.

You don’t have to rely on your arms and legs to propel you upward.

If you find yourself in a tricky spot with a ledge or substantial overhang above you, press your head into the crevice to free your hands. You can reach for the next move while balancing with your neck and legs.

2. Mantling

Mantling is one of the many advanced rock climbing techniques professionals need help using. This move is helpful when approaching a flat surface, like a summit.

To execute this move, you need to be able to place both hands facing downward on a flat surface. Next, bend your elbows and propel yourself up as if trying to escape a pool with no ladder.

Beginners can kick their leg up and use that momentum to top out.

3. Rock Climbing Techniques to Build Forearm Strength: Gaston

Most climbers keep their hands pointed up. The Gaston technique spices things up by shifting hand placement 90 degrees so your fingers are pointed toward your heart and your elbows are facing out.

This grip helps navigate technical spots on the climb where footholds are sparse.

Extreme gastons can end with the fingers pointed down. This exercise is excellent for toning your forearms but will zap your energy away fast.

Ensure you’re always secure with strong climbing hooks whenever you attempt new techniques.

4. Dyno

The dyno is a move that can make you feel as graceful as a monkey swinging high in the treetops. It’s fast-paced and relies on your entire body being in sync.

Your legs must push off their footing hard while your arms stretch up to the next hold. For an instant, you’ll be flying in the air.

This power move should be used when the distance between your current position and the next position is too far to reach by stretching.

5. Assisted Foot Lift

The assisted foot lift is exactly what it sounds like. In this move, you use your hand as leverage to pull your leg up higher than it could stretch. The more flexible your hips and joints are, the easier this move will be.

If you spot a waist-high foothold, you can give your foot a boost by using one hand to grab it and lift it to the foothold. You’ll be surprised by how much further you can stretch when you use your arm strength to assist.

Ready to Enjoy Your Most Exciting Climb Yet?

If you want to test your rock climbing techniques, try out the new Sensa. These shoes can take the beating of all kinds of climbing terrains and suit the needs of any climber.

Find out more about our other climbing footwear, and check out our online shop!