Colossal Climbing: Climbers tackle a cliff face next to a set of freestanding sandstone pinnacles at Alabama’s Sand Rock. (Photo: Drew Eldridge)So you’ve set your sights on conquering some of Chattanooga’s baddest 5.11s.
But no matter how hard you try, you’re still wiping out on 5.8s.
If you’re struggling to gain traction in your training, High Point Climbing coach Wills Young says it might be time to re-evaluate your resolutions. While you may summit that 5.11 yet, he believes one of the best ways to improve your grade is to tackle your weaknesses.
“A lot of people like to do what they find they’re good at and avoid doing what they’re not good at,” Young explains. “That avoidance can really limit your climbing.”
Instead of sticking to your strengths, Young suggests doing an honest assessment of climbs you’ve been avoiding – whether they involve navigating tilted overhangs, griping sloped handholds or utilizing dynamic climbing – and mastering them. You’ll need that robust repertoire of movements and hold types to tame 2017’s beast.