Types of rock climbing holds. Start reading this guide.
Types of rock climbing holds. These holds come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each designed to provide unique challenges and experiences for climbers. These small, durable grips are attached to climbing walls to provide climbers with a variety of surfaces to grip and hold onto during their ascent. Running water, wind erosion, rock fall, etc. Jun 11, 2025 · You’re scanning the wall, examining all the hold types, angles, and distances, and picturing your movement through the climb. Jun 11, 2024 · Discover the world of rock climbing wall holds, from types of holds to installation tips. Let’s look at the different climbing types you’ll come across. , and have been continually shaped for millions of years. For context to people arguing the names given to these holds; they're used for teaching kids the different holds and movements in climbing, not a demonstration of a right/left facing hold being either a gaston or sidepull or something May 17, 2023 · Bouldering holds come in various different shapes, sizes, textures, and functions. Nov 14, 2024 · Rock Climbing Holds How to Use them Rock climbing holds are the foundational features on Rocks& climbing walls, offering various shapes and textures to practice different techniques and build strength. I was wondering if anyone would be able to highlight some of the basic common types of holds. They are created by various factors, such as running water, wind erosion, rock fall, etc. Broadly speaking, there are four types of wall setups: Panelized These are common in smaller gyms. For context to people arguing the names given to these holds; they're used for teaching kids the different holds and movements in climbing, not a demonstration of a right/left facing hold being either a gaston or sidepull or something Feb 17, 2025 · Introduction Slopers are one of the six classic types of rock climbing holds found in both climbing gyms and outdoor routes. In this guide, we’ll explore the various types of rock climbing, assess the difficulty of each, outline the necessary equipment, and delve into the techniques required Mar 15, 2024 · Bouldering vs. These are the main types of holds that you find in rock climbing gyms. From holds for bouldering to hands-free grips, there are a ton of different types of climbing holds available. On top of climbing holds, there are several different body positions that will help with climbing ability. We even fantasized that one day there would be gyms designed specifically to cater to the needs of climbers. Typically, they Oct 28, 2023 · 5. Natural Rock Holds: Natural rock holds, as the name suggests, utilize existing rock features as climbing holds in outdoor settings. Aug 29, 2025 · In this guide, we’ll break down the most common types of rock climbing holds you’ll find in a climbing gym, and how understanding them can support your growth – whether you’re new to climbing, coming in from hiking, or chasing new goals on your climbing journey. Jun 21, 2025 · Explore how to select the best rock climbing wall rocks, including hold types, installation tips, and safety advice for all skill levels. Types of Rock Climbing Rock climbing takes place either indoors or outdoors. Soon after we had made the decision to start our own company we started cutting into foam, lots of foam! We launched with our initial 5 sets: Tectonic Plates, Glaciers, Ridgelines, Floods, and Sinkholes Nov 24, 2024 · Types of Climbing Holds: A Comprehensive Guide Climbing holds, also known as climbing grips or handholds, are the artificial rocks attached to climbing walls. Think of different rock types as like different “game boards” — distinctive characteristics in each rock type act like palettes that determine the basic composition of your climb. Feb 1, 2025 · Rock climbing holds vary in size, texture, color, material, etc. It was the climbing holds that we didn’t like that led us to create Grizzly Holds. Sep 27, 2025 · Building a home wall? Get the right Climbing Holds! Our 2025 guide covers types, materials, selection & setting basics. Apr 14, 2015 · Climbing has some great jargon. Jul 8, 2024 · Rock climbing is an excellent way to boost your mental and physical strength, but the multiple terms and types can be confusing for some beginners. May 16, 2023 · Rock climbing holds are the grips or handholds that climbers use to ascend a wall or rock face. Discover the ultimate grip with my first-hand experience testing Rock Wall Hand Holds. In this article, we take a look at 9 different rock types of climbing holds you’ll encounter as you start to get better at rock climbing. Ever wondered what types of climbing holds exist in the gym or how to hold them? Then this is the guide for you! I'll go over each type of hold and show you pictures of each. Limestone is considered one of the hardest rocks to climb on due to it usually having a more polished nature. 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. Climbing hold A competition climber using fiberglass macros climbing holds on an artificial wall during a bouldering event A climbing hold is a shaped grip that is usually attached to a climbing wall so that climbers can grab or step on it. When you're out there climbing, whether it's at the climbing gym or out at the crag, knowing the different rock climbing hold types is essential. ! Sep 9, 2020 · If you are collecting holds for your first at-home wall, make sure to grab some pinches of varying widths to practice each type of hand position. The problem? Sometimes it’s tough to know which climbing grips to use and how to use them properly. Common rock Discover the 5 best climbing holds for your indoor wall—from jugs to crimps to slopers. Let’s compare indoor and outdoor climbing to help you get your climbing journey started. Sep 25, 2023 · Explore the diverse world of indoor rock climbing holds. Whether you are a beginner or advanced climber, having a good understanding of the different types of holds and their uses can greatly improve your climbing performance. Jun 5, 2025 · Whether you’re rock climbing indoors or outdoors, it’s important to recognize the various types of holds you will encounter. Feb 2, 2025 · Ready to take your climbing skills to the next level? Check out our guide on the different types of climbing holds, and learn how to use them like a pro! Commercial climbing gyms offer a lot of different kinds of climbing holds to practice on. Jan 31, 2025 · Overview of Rock Climbing Holds Rock climbing holds are essential components of climbing walls, serving as the key features that climbers grip while ascending. Oct 10, 2022 · If someone asks you for beta, understand the names and shapes of climbing holds to discuss climbing terminology. Start reading this guide. For all the holds listed above, the distribution of your weight will affect the effectiveness of each hold the most. I'm also going to show you my hand placement so you can get a good idea on how you can hold them. Mar 27, 2018 · What is free climbing? Free soloing? Are sport climbing and lead climbing the same? Our guide explains the different types of rock climbing. Jun 23, 2024 · In conclusion, indoor climbing holds come in a variety of types and serve different purposes to enhance climbers’ experience and skills. This guide covers everything from jug holds to crimps to improve your climbing skills. Feb 16, 2024 · This article is designed to guide you through the different holds categories that cover the walls of indoor climbing gyms, shedding light on the terms used and offering a few useful tips. No home climbing wall is complete without climbing holds! Make sure you understand the different types of climbing holds so that you have a nice variation and understand how to use them. Learn about types, function, and how to choose the right ones for your climbing needs. Get all the information about How to Use the 9 Basic Types of Climbing Handholds. Perfect for beginners and seasoned climbers alike! Nov 4, 2022 · When you are just getting started rock climbing, it can be hard to get on the wall and stay there. Feb 28, 2015 · If you're wanting to make you way up a rock, there are many different types of rock climbing that you can choose from. Here you can find some of the most common types of holds, their uses, and how to hold them. This article provides that overview and, more importantly, explains how to use each hold. To excel in climbing, you need to train your pinch strength. Start your climbing journey and conquer new heights! Shop for Climbing Holds at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. Learning the different types of climbing holds like jugs, crimps, and slopers can transform frustration into progress, giving you the tools to tackle any route. Learn how these essential components create challenging routes for climbers of all skill levels and bring the outdoor climbing experience indoors. Jan 5, 2024 · An experienced climber will be able to recognise different bouldering holds and know how best to use them from just looking at the wall. These holds come in various shapes and sizes, each serving a specific purpose to challenge climbers of different skill levels. 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. Rock Realistic Large custom sections of 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. Where else but on theCrag you can search for climbing areas by your preferred rock type? The information presented here was compiled by Dipl. Pinch strength involves force and control, with your thumb playing a key role as a stabilizer Sep 6, 2024 · Learn about rock climbing clips, including types, advantages, materials, and tips for choosing the right one for your climbing needs. One way to understand the distinctions of climbing holds is how they attach to the wall. On most walls, climbing holds are arranged in paths called routes, by specially trained route setters. You’ll learn about these in the next article. Climbers use a combination of these holds to navigate routes up climbing walls. Create your perfect wall! Working with climbing holds everyday, we knew exactly what types of climbing holds we liked and didn’t like. 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. Remember that you must use your legs to climb the wall. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Mar 1, 2025 · Credit:By Short Guys Beta Works When you first start climbing, the pinch grip may seem simple—squeeze a hold between your fingers and thumb. Sep 27, 2022 · Rock climbing holds, especially unusual ones, may confuse beginners. Of Aug 20, 2025 · Introduction to Climbing Holds Climbing holds are essential components of both indoor and outdoor climbing, serving as the points of contact for climbers to grip and maneuver. Climbing holds are the actual rock that you use to grip and pull yourself up on. 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 like slopers and crimps, and technique Discover the different rock climbing grips. -Geologist Harald Rost Nov 8, 2023 · Discover the world of rock climbing lingo in this comprehensive guide to rock climbing slang and terminology from from ‘crux’ to ‘beta,’ and more. Shop for Climbing Holds at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. To help you understand these types, check out the video below (coming soon), or this nifty This guide explores the essential rock climbing grips you need to know and provides detailed insights, practical techniques, and valuable tips to help you master these critical grips. Discover the 5 best climbing holds for your indoor wall—from jugs to crimps to slopers. For any help regarding any product explore the How-to section on Atomik Climbing Holds. What’s your favorite way to climb? Leave a comment to let us know! Traverse Climbing Traverse climbing is horizontal climbing where the goal is to make is across a Traverse Wall Aug 1, 2023 · Once you start to travel for rock climbing, however, you’ll soon discover that different types of rock behave differently and you might find yourself almost back at the beginning as you grapple with surprising slick surfaces, unpredictable crumbly holds or challenging overhangs you haven't experienced before (kind of like a Colorado skier hitting the icy slopes of the northeast for the first When you’re rock climbing outside in multiple locations, you may notice one type of rock has different attributes to the other. It might seem crazy, but climbing isn’t just about strength; it’s about creativity and foresight, too. Until then, have fun climbing and bouldering! The following article gives an overview about the many rock types that are out there for climbing. Understanding the different types Sep 21, 2022 · Climbing up tall rock climbing walls takes plenty of upper body strength, but your hands–specifically, how you use rock climbing grips–can make or break your experience. This is because different rock types can be sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic. May 8, 2023 · Uncover the secrets of indoor climbing holds! Learn how to conquer jugs, slopers, pinches, pockets, & footholds like a pro with our comprehensive guide. This page will introduce you to the fundamentals of top rope climbing, sport climbing or trad climbing. The best grip Aug 21, 2024 · The types of climbing holds you’ll find in a gym are inspired by natural features found in rock. A helpful guide for beginners in rock climbing! May 17, 2024 · There are a multitude of types of climbing holds. , 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. Understanding the different types of holds is crucial for both beginners and experienced climbers, as it Aug 25, 2024 · Rock climbing is a thrilling sport that challenges both the body and the mind. Happily, our dreams came true and facilities for climbing are Climbing on Different Types of Rock Rock types differ in their ease and feel when climbing on them. Understanding the various types of climbing holds can directly impact a climber’s performance and technique. By strategically incorporating various hold types such as crimps, slopers, pinches, and jugs, route setters can cater to climbers of all skill levels and provide a well-rounded climbing experience. Hold names and shapes help climbers communicate and avoid damage. We’ve compiled a list below with descriptions of each to help you identify and use different holds when climbing. Oct 8, 2025 · Learn about the types of climbing holds and how they differ from one another. But there are subtle differences between the individual types that can end up being the deciding factor between success and failure on a route. As far back as the 1980's, we saw the need for indoor alternatives to escape the cold, harsh winters or the hot, humid summers. Once you know the basic hold types, take some time to learn how to use them. Here’s a guide on the types of holds and how to use each effectively: Climbing on Different Types of Rock Rock types differ in their ease and feel when climbing on them. Feb 17, 2025 · Introduction Slopers are one of the six classic types of rock climbing holds found in both climbing gyms and outdoor routes. Enjoy this pun-filled, visual dictionary of common climbing holds. Here’s an overview of the different styles of rock climbing. We will go over the types of indoor climbing holds, how to approach and hold on to them, and what you should know about your center of gravity while rock climbing. The most common kind of hold is the jug, a large, easy-to-grip hold that is often used for beginners. Dec 5, 2021 · In the previous guide to this three-part series, I discussed the general idea and requirements to make a DIY rock climbing wall at home (indoor or outdoor). Check out this guide to master the basic six rock climbing grips and finger holds and dominate your next visit to the gym. Jun 23, 2024 · When setting bouldering routes, the placement of different types of holds is crucial in creating a challenging and engaging climbing experience. While climbing holds may look simple enough, understanding the nuances of each type of hold is an essential part of climbing; and a lot harder than it looks!While there are only a couple of types of holds in the climbing gym, they come in thousands of shapes and sizes which affects the way you are going to use them when climbing. For example, a flat surface doesn’t have any positivity. Learning the names of holds and how to spot each one is fundamental to your progress as a climber. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. While rock climbing, you will use handholds and footholds to push and pull your body to the top. They come in various shapes, sizes, and textures, providing different challenges and techniques. Our visitors are beginners just getting introduced to the sport… so to help them get started, here is a list of some of the basic rock climbing holds to try out on our Jan 6, 2021 · The key to any climbing hold is knowing how to use it. They come in many shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: they’re meant to be climbed! To help you get started on your first climb or master the art of crimping, here’s an introduction to each type of climbing hold: Crimp Crimp holds are the smallest of all the climbing holds. In doing so it tries to bridge the gap between the scientific view of a geologist and the information needs of an interested climber. Learn about various hold shapes and how they challenge climbers. While both involve scaling vertical surfaces, they differ in terms of equipment, techniques, and overall approach. May 31, 2024 · Explore the functionality of types of rock climbing holds to enhance your climbing experience. Below is 14 of the most common climbing holds that you’ll see indoors and outdoors as well as the ideal technique for using them. 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. May 24, 2023 · Climbing holds are the gateway to an exhilarating climbing experience, offering endless possibilities for climbers of all levels. Learn about materials, mounting techniques, and strategic placement to enhance your climbing experience safely. As soon as you get your climbing shoes on you might feel like you’re being bombarded with jargon and lingo you’ve never heard before! But don’t let that scare you off. 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. Positive doesn’t mean its emotional well-being, but it is a way of describing the strength of the edge for you to hold onto it. From scaling towering cliffs to navigating indoor walls, the diversity in rock climbing ensures that there is a type suited for every skill level. Now that you know the list of materials and the entire building process, let’s get to decorating it…with climbing holds. Metolius was the first company to bring indoor climbing and training products to North America. Elevate your climbing game with these top-rated holds. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. Jan 31, 2023 · Discover the different types of indoor climbing holds so you can practice various grips and determine how to use certain types of holds based on their appearance. Aug 24, 2023 · Discover the world of climbing holds - essential components for rock climbing. . But as you get into bouldering, you’ll realize it’s essential, especially for larger holds. These holds add an element of authenticity to outdoor climbing routes, connecting climbers directly with the natural environment. How to Do a Crimp While Climbing Different Climbing Crimp Positions There are two main types of crimping in rock climbing: the full-crimp grip and half-crimp. The sections are then assembled on-site. Learning climbing holds names and types is essential to improving your climbing. From the three types of crimps, when to use them, and how to improve your crimp strength. Mar 27, 2019 · Neil Gresham gets to grips with handholds: Page-one of climbing technique is making the best use of the holds, and this became apparent when we looked at footwork earlier in this series. These holds are defined by their rounded, smooth surfaces that lack a positive edge, making them uniquely challenging to grip. Plus, get tips on how to choose the best hold for your specific style and experience level. They are made from a variety of What’s next? In this article, you learned about the different types of holds. Jan 13, 2023 · Commercial Gyms The Climbing Wall Association publishes design and engineering specifications for indoor rock climbing walls in the US. Rock climbing has gained considerable popularity over the past few decades and evolved into various disciplines, each with Different Types of Climbing Holds Note: Before I mention the different kinds of holds, let me explain a term I will be using- positivity. Climbing holds come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing climbers to customize their routes and challenges. Remember to prioritize safety, take it one step at a Oct 14, 2024 · Indoor rock climbing holds come in all shapes and sizes. Here are some common types of rock climbing holds: Apr 4, 2024 · Overall, hueco holds offer a diverse and exciting climbing experience, allowing climbers to test their skills and adapt to different types of holds and rock formations. Find out about indoor and outdoor holds, safety tips, fitness benefits, advanced techniques, and even DIY options. Not after this! Understanding the types of climbing holds and how to use them will Indoor Rock Climbing for Beginners: Types of Holds Your first time in a rock climbing gym can be intimidating, even if you go with a seasoned climber. There are several primary categories of holds, each with unique characteristics that influence how climbers Jun 23, 2018 · Learn here the nine different types of handholds that you'll encounter on cliffs and how to use each with specific hand movements and techniques. Climbers The free coach-led introduction that’s available to every newcomer at The Climbing Hangar will walk you through the basics of holds and grips, so you’ll feel confident hitting the wall. The factory makes wall sections and finishes with textured paint or resin. Sandstone is considered easier, however you should not climb on sandstone within 24 hours of rain as the rock can absorb the moisture. Interested in learning more about the different types of rock climbing? Here you'll find a comprehensive guide on all the various types of rock climbing. 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. But what’s the difference between a screw-on and a bolt-on climbing hold? We answer that question, and more in our May 1, 2024 · Crimp Climbing 101 covers the essential techniques and training tips for using crimps. Jan 12, 2022 · New to climbing? Our beginner's guide to climbing moves, holds, & technique provides the information you need to improve today. I’ll tell you about the difference between hold types and the correct ways of plotting a climbing problem. Oct 23, 2015 · The rock climbing tower at Refreshing Mountain offers a physical challenge with the reward of spectacular views at the top. Jul 18, 2022 · Sometimes you have lovely big slabs to grab onto with your entire hand, and other times you need to get creative with tiny holds and reach down rather than up. Apr 17, 2016 · Rock climbing is inherently a puzzle that demands your ability to analyze the rock for the best lines and holds for you to utilize on your ascent. Here’s a guide on the types of holds and how to use each effectively: Jun 30, 2021 · Different Types of Rock Climbing Explained There are many different types of rock climbing and it can be confusing, especially for new climbers. May 19, 2025 · Climbing gyms are full of holds of various sizes, shapes, and colors, but did you know that almost all of these holds actually fall into several categories of types of holds? Understanding the types of rock climbing holds in your gym and knowing the lexicon can help you talk about routes and understand better how to send. Rock Climbing: These are two distinct yet closely related disciplines within the world of climbing. Jul 12, 2024 · Whether you’re an indoor rock climber setting up a home wall or a gym owner installing a professional wall, understanding all the varieties of climbing holds available is crucial. Jan 5, 2025 · Climbing holds are essential tools for both indoor and outdoor rock climbing enthusiasts. Mar 12, 2025 · Rock climbing holds are protrusions found on walls used to ascend a route. Because of this, it’s important to understand the main types of handholds you will use climbing. Jul 13, 2021 · By the way, there are different types of crimp grips and gripping techniques for different holds, and we’ll dive into it more below. Discover the different types of climbing holds and how to use them effectively. Done right, route reading can save energy, boost efficiency, and help prevent falls. It truly is a thrilling and rewarding sport that combines physical strength, mental focus, and problem-solving skills. 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. co9vnou0y7xpwmyhdaw8hmvz5ly6mogpyaraue5jdfi4ipq