- What is slab climbing. Understand the basics, common characteristics, and various slabs types like overhangs and underclings. Rock of this orientation is often called a ‘slab’. Such is the part technology has played in slab climbing. By using your gravity-advantage, balance, and smearing technique, you will be amazed at what is possible! May 29, 2024 · Dawes was one of the world’s best slab climbers at the time and came close to climbing The Meltdown, which was graded 5. Understanding the how and why will make you a better climber. Glossary of climbing terms relates to rock climbing (including aid climbing, lead climbing, bouldering, and competition climbing), mountaineering, and to ice climbing. smearing which all are important for slab climbing shoes. 14+ slabs exist in Spanish granite—but one of the hardest slabs in the U. What is smearing, when to do it, how to get better at it, advanced techniques and the best shoes for it! Dec 24, 2023 · Bouldering offers a uniquely engaging form of climbing powerful problems close to the ground. What would you call a slab that is less steep than vertical. Must-Know Rock Climbing Terms, Phrases and Slang: Anchor Belay Carabiner Chalk Dyno Edge Flake GriGri Harness Jam Knot Lead climbing Mantle Nut On-sight Pitch Quickdraw Rappel Redpoint Rope Route Send Smear Top rope Traverse Undercling Sep 23, 2025 · Explore slab, vertical, and overhang climbing styles to boost your technique, strength, and versatility as a climber. Techniques such as smearing, where climbers maximize their grip by keeping the balls of their feet in direct contact with the rock, and maintaining a low heel positio Jul 23, 2023 · Explore the top 100 rock climbing terms with clear definitions to enhance your understanding of this adventurous sport. Have you considered incorporating specific training exercises to improve your grip strength and slab climbing skills? Remember, choosing the right climbing shoes can make all the difference in ensuring optimal performance and comfort. Dec 28, 2022 · Today, with countless steep sport climbing crags across the country, the art of delicate slab climbing on sweeping faces, with its emphasis on balance, smearing, and precise footwork, has somewhat lost its allure with the mainstream. Dec 24, 2023 · Slab climbing requires an understanding of the subtleties of smearing. Check out the video to see the slab technique breakdown!My Climbing/Workout Gear: https://amzn. Sep 13, 2023 · This week, slab climbing queens @AnnaHazelnutt and Irena provide a lesson in slab technique. Watch our top 3 slab skills for climbing newbies, and practice exercises on the slab set at the Hangar. Conclusion In conclusion, mastering slab bouldering requires dedication and consistent practice. I've been focusing on slabs for quite a while and haven't had this happen to me yet. May 21, 2020 · There are many climbing techniques that can be learned and leverage to improve your climbing performance. Aug 20, 2024 · Slab In Lead climbing and Sports climbing, a "Slab" refers to a rock face with an angle less steep than vertical, often inclined between 30 to 80 degrees. A subsection of slab is friction slab, which sounds like what you are talking about (again just my vocab for it). Learning good slab technique and being comfortable with its committing nature is essential for many climbers. 14d or harder. Hardest slab is really hard, like this 14d. It’s more common to smear when climbing outdoors, but some indoor climbs require the climber to utilize this technique on volumes or rounded footholds. It’s mostly friction climbing: you smear your soles on small toeholds […] Jun 23, 2024 · Slab climbing is a challenging aspect of indoor climbing that requires a different set of techniques compared to overhangs. This unique environment Jun 11, 2024 · If rock climbing is a dance on the wall, slab climbing is the Grand Ballet, requiring excellent technique, determination, and bravery. Slab routes often require movement that focuses on balance. Special techniques such as Rock climbing grades are a means of estimating the difficulty of a climb. Mar 16, 2017 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. The more you know, the more you know. Especially if you are climbing outdoors, you are likely to encounter walls at different angles, even ones that change angle throughout the climb. It’s what keeps you off the ground and makes subtle weight shifts and delicate sequences successful. Slab shudder my dad ended his climbing career on a 5. Sep 11, 2020 · Simply put – For climbing slab on hard rock you want stiffer shoes with harder rubber, for slab climbing on soft rock you want softer shoes and rubber. [1][2][3] The terms used can vary between different English-speaking countries; many of the phrases described here are particular to the United States and the United Kingdom. 9 slab. Empress is long—865 feet, usually climbed in seven pitches—but not especially difficult. Slab Climbing: Climbing on low-angle, smooth rock faces where friction is key. These lines are just off vertical and, while many have tried them, have only been redpointed a few times. 14d by McHaffie. successful slab climbing is often dependent on trusting friction, precise footwork, good body position and balance. When you climb a slab, the general rule is that you keep your weight on your feet. Mar 7, 2025 · Final Thoughts Indoor climbing walls provide a variety of challenges, from technical slab routes to steep overhangs that test strength and endurance. Mar 17, 2022 · Slab climbing is the exact opposite of overhangs (the angle here is less than 90°). Don't get your foot stuck in a pothole on the way down, it will rip it off. The next part of the skyscraper is composed of a stack of eight eight-story sections. Flash? Crimp? Slab? Sometimes you just need a simple explanation especially if you’re a beginner climber or even a long-time member of your local gym. Jan 17, 2018 · In the final of a 3 part blog series, learn the best places to practice your new friction slab climbing techniques, including a new one-of-its-kind facility at The Mountaineers Seattle Program Center. Precise footwork and an ability to climb well will get you much farther. Aug 30, 2025 · Discover what is a slab in rock climbing and learn how this unique technique challenges your balance and precision on less-than-vertical rock faces. Another reason why climbers hate slab climbing is related to the fact that slab climbing is completely different to overhang climbing. In this in-depth exploration, we’ll delve into the art of slab What are the bouldering wall types? Bouldering walls come in all shapes and sizes, and each type of wall presents unique challenges and opportunities for climbers to hone their skills. Slab climbing, also known as friction climbing, prioritizes foot work over hand and footholds, as opposed to vertical climbs or overhang climbs which often have foot and hand holds. Get to grips with slab climbing with our handy videos. In rock climbing a slab climb (or friction climb) is a type of climbing route where the rock face is 'off-angle' and not fully vertical. What Is Slab Climbing? Slab climbing is any climbing at an angle less than 90 degrees – aka any wall Jul 8, 2025 · Slab climbing combines technical skills with safety equipment. You’re engaging different muscles and using different techniques which ultimately can put off a climber who finds overhang climbing fun. Apr 14, 2019 · Climbers find three basic types of rock faces and terrain when they are climbing—slabs, vertical faces, and overhanging walls. See full list on thewanderingclimber. In bouldering, a "slab" refers to a climbing surface that is less than vertical, typically leaning at an angle. Slab climbing and crack climbing technique are two areas where many climbers struggle. Rarely though do people understand the nuances of two particular techniques. Although the move may seem straightforward, it’s not easy to master this fundamental climbing technique. com Sep 22, 2021 · Slab climbing is hated by many but loved by the dedicated. Climbers on slabs rely more on balance, footwork, and precise movements rather than strength. If you feel like a goat traversing a cliffside, it’s slab! Vert – Vert terrain is at a 90-degree angle (aka, vertical). In simple terms, friction is the resistance that one surface encounters when moving over another. May 31, 2023 · You may hate slab climbing, but being skilled in the art of less-than-vertical climbing is a necessary tool in your multi-use toolbox. A climber cuts feet on overhang terrain. This iconic slab marks the beginning of an adventurous journey up one of the world's most renowned rock faces. I find that I'm climbing a couple grades lower on slab problems compared to overhanging ones. I think it's cause on overhangs I'm usually falling straight down onto the mat, whereas in slab climbs I'm scared a foot will slip unexpectedly and I'll hit every hold and volume on the way down. Even if Let’s talk rock climbing. Ice climbing usually uses picks, crampons, ropes and protective gear while the climber climbs frozen water falls, cliffs, frozen slabs and other similar terrains. Learn what makes each style challenging and addictive, and find out how to become a well-rounded climber. Take a look at the Great Slab thread to see what the attraction is. Here we are talking about fit, balance. In rock climbing a slab climb (or friction climb) is a type of climbing route where the rock face is 'off-angle' and not fully vertical. Sep 18, 2017 · In part 2 of a 3 part blog series, learn the 5 slab climbing techniques and how you can combine balance and footwork to get to the top. This article focusses on the art of rock climbing slabs. Use your toes Using your toes is probably the most basic climbing technique and should be one When it comes to outdoor climbing certain techniques like face climbing and roofs can translate pretty well from indoor climbing. . What Is Slab Climbing? Slab Like A Pro! The journey to becoming a slab pro involves mastering a range of techniques that prioritize balance and footwork over brute strength. Nestled in the heart of Yosemite National Park, the Freeblast Slab stands as a formidable and awe-inspiring section of the legendary Salathe Wall on El Capitan. It starts with around 70 metres of “slab” up the building’s podium. It is characterized by balance- and friction-dependent moves on very small holds. Friction climbing requires the liberal use of ‘smearing’ or ‘frictioning’ techniques, where the climber uses a combination of balance and Slab climbing is a unique and challenging form of rock climbing that involves ascending slabs, which are smooth, low-angle rock surfaces. Jan 31, 2022 · I remember a slab boulder problem at the Camp 4 boulders in Yosemite that I had tried in vain hundreds of times but was able to do first try with my brand-new pair of Fires. This is Feb 10, 2021 · Slab Climbing Technique for Rock Climbing and Boulderinghttps://rockclimb. Disbelief 5. Aug 4, 2023 · This technique is most often utilized on slabs where the angle of the wall is less than vertical. Smears require a deliberate technique due to their lack of defined edges. Since the rock is low angle, even a Aug 24, 2017 · Friction climbing, also known as slab climbing, is a type of rock climbing where the rock face is angled to less than vertical and offers little in the way of traditional hand and foot holds. 13d and Existence Mundane 5. When discussing “how steep” a wall is, for instance, we have three general terms: slab, vertical, and overhang. to/2tCoPetClimbing Tape In a commercial gym it makes sense as a way to cater to brand-new climbers, tricky slab-climbing, and specific holds, but a home gym is for training and personal enjoyment and a big vertical wall will become uninteresting way too fast. Slack: The loose portion of the rope, needing to be managed to prevent excessive fall distances. On July 5, he onsighted two 5. Nov 17, 2023 · The shoe that's best for you depends on your body type, climbing style, the type of rock you climb on, and how much you want to spend. If you learn a few tricks, you’ll find yourself much better equipped to take on big days out on friction slab or that weird slopey problem at the gym. 1. Successful navigation of a slab requires precise movements and weight distribution over the feet. Much like the slab wall, once you reach an intermediate level, you will likely wish that you had some kind of overhang to challenge you as a climber. This implies that a vertical slab is a 90* wall. There are two different types of ice climbing: Alpine ice Water ice The reason that these types of ice are considered different is because alpine ice is frozen precipitation and water ice is frozen water flow. Oct 10, 2023 · In the diverse world of rock climbing, where vertical walls and overhanging roofs often grab the spotlight, slab climbing stands apart as a subtle yet immensely challenging discipline. Technique and mindset are paramount. Sep 29, 2023 · The journey to becoming a slab pro involves mastering a range of techniques that prioritize balance and footwork over brute strength. Climbing, like many sports, is full of its jargon. Like many sports, it's full of jargon so we'll begin by learning all about indoor climbing walls. While the softer angle enables climbers to place more of their body weight on their feet, slab climbs maintain the challenge by having smaller holds. Feb 25, 2025 · New to indoor climbing walls? This guide covers types, features, climbing grades, and essential tips for beginners looking to start climbing. It's simple. Climbing slabs is difficult for both bouldering and rock climbing. Terminology and climbing jargon are confusing. I really don't trust my feet. Slab for technique? Hi everyone, I’d like some of your opinions regarding a discussion I’ve been having with my climbing partner. From google: Slabs are rock faces that are angled at less than 90 degrees or less than vertical. 14s Nov 11, 2023 · Slab climbing; loved by some, hated by many. Here's everything you need to know about slab climbing shoes. While a 60* wall is less steep. Nov 3, 2020 · The second in a 3-part article series, written with the aim of helping improve your rock climbing technique. But that might just be me idk. video----------Although "Rock Climb" will have more than 100 videos (7 hours+ of co Jan 27, 2023 · There are hard slab routes around the world, but only a handful have been given 5. There's no brute forcing this type of climbing, just awesome footwork and god-level balance. In my climbing vocabulary slab is anything less than vertical, regardless of hold type. Techniques for climbing slabs and vertical walls. Taipei 101 is an interesting building from a climbing perspective. 14b. What’s The Best Temperature For Slab Climbing? Conditions really do matter and again it depends on the type of rock as to what slab climbing shoes would perform best. As one of climbing's simplest disciplines, requiring little gear beyond shoes and chalk, bouldering focuses on demonstrating gymnastic strength, advanced technique like heel hooks and dynos, plus mental creativity. It’s rated only 5. In high school physics terms, friction is independent of the contact area, but in a May 26, 2021 · Below we’ll look at all the nuances of slab climbing; what makes a good slab climbing shoe, what’s the best temperature for slab climbing and what to look for in a slab climbing shoe, as well as a guide to the best slab climbing shoes on the market. Master techniques including lockoffs, jams, and rest positions to safely enjoy this thrilling style of rock climbing. Dec 1, 2023 · Photo by: pinimg Slab climbing, with its seemingly frictionless surfaces and scarcity of holds, demands a unique set of techniques and skills that set it apart from other forms of rock climbing. Climbing a Love it or hate it, slab climbing is part of being a well rounded climber. Slabs reward bottle whereas walls of the same grade often demand greater strength and endurance. Jun 17, 2021 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Understanding wall types, grading systems, and key climbing techniques will help new climbers progress faster and enjoy the sport more. S. Climbing slab requires good technique, precision, and trust in your abilities. Nov 16, 2020 · Slab climbing is a fun and important skill set, but only encompasses a small fraction of the movements that rock climbing requires. Discover essential gear such as harnesses and carabiners. to/3J6fNdDClimbing Shoes: https://amzn. The accuracy, balance, flexibility etc. On June 29, Ondra onsighted Endless Summer 5. The type of rock face positioned at an angle less steep than vertical. So why risk a severe road rash by climbing slabs? Simple: it will make you a better climber. Apr 17, 2023 · @AnnaHazelnutt joined us at the Lattice HQ to teach us some slab techniques! In this video we Anna covers the two major styles of slab movement - Smearing and Edging. Read, follow, and absorb them, and you may just learn to love climbing without holds. In climbing, a 45* wall is an overhanging wall. It was repeated in 2018 by Spanish climber Ignacio Mulero. It could have a crack, making it easier to protect with trad gear, or it could be relative you featureless meaning it would be a bolted route or top-roped (or a very high trad grade). To master this challenging discipline, climbers must understand and employ specialized techniques for efficient movement on slabs. Unfortunately, big muscles and an ability to campus do little on harder routes. Slab – Slab terrain is at an angle less than 90 degrees. Techniques such as smearing, where climbers maximize their grip by keeping the balls of their feet in direct contact with the rock, and maintaining a low heel position to enhance friction, are essential in navigating the slab terrains. However, there are many things you can do to improve your slab climbing ability. Knowing just a few key strategies can unlock climbs that would otherwise feel impossible! Slab climbing often lacks big holds, so you’ll want to keep your weight on your feet as much as possible. Vert routes vary in the skills and technique required. Because of the less aggressive wall angle, slab climbs often feature smaller or flatter hands Jan 3, 2024 · Looking to improve your slab climbing technique? Dive into this guide for valuable tips and tricks to help you succeed on the rock wall. by working with a climbing guide at one of the many areas across Colorado we can help climbers find Jul 24, 2021 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Mar 11, 2025 · New to climbing? Learn essential bouldering common terms like crux, dyno, and flash, to improve your skills and communicate like a pro. What is Slab Climbing Slab climbing might sound like a Jun 8, 2022 · Here are our six keys to master-class slab climbing. Some of the earliest forms of rock climbing were on large easy-angled slabs encountered by climbers while How to climb on slab using this technique: straight-arming. Or so seems when you see the footloose climbing in the gym. He claims that slab climbing is a sure-fire way to improve climbing technique (greater awareness of body position, balance etc). So slabs can seem like a quick route to big E numbers for less technicalbut more dangerous climbing. Jul 17, 2021 · Rock climbing smearing essentials. 15b In July 2018, Adam Ondra made history in Alberta’s Bow Valley. Jun 12, 2023 · When starting out rock climbing, there is a lot you need to learn. Climbing a slab requires a good sense of your feet and how to use them as well as balance and rock shoes with lots of friction. One of the best ways to improve your footwork is to slab […] Oct 2, 2025 · You can learn more about these early Taipei 101 free solo plans here. Smearing on a hold in the gym. And more importantly, it minimizes work on your arms. These rock climbing techniques should be practiced and can Nov 25, 2014 · Friction is the magic ingredient in climbing. Each of these sections is slightly overhanging. Here is our comprehensive, though not exhaustive glossary of climbing terms. you'll learn from slab climbing is invaluable imo, but yes, it is a scary prospect to slide down the wall catching your face and groin on protruding V-beginner handholds. Slabs are worth getting into. 25 foot ground fall when he was going for the first bolt. Aug 27, 2024 · Discover expert tips and techniques to master slab climbing, one of the most challenging yet rewarding styles in the climbing gym. Indoor slabs often are so different in climbing style that people who don’t really engage with that style, probably won’t learn the fundamentals of it and thus never be good at it. The different kinds of rocky terrain are formed from various types of rocks, including volcanic rocks like basalt; metamorphic rocks like quartzite; sedimentary rocks like sandstone, conglomerate, and limestone; and igneous rocks like granite and quartz monzonite. Unlike other types of climbing that require gripping holds or cracks, slab climbers rely primarily on their footwork and balance to make upward progress. These vary massively in Aug 12, 2013 · Technique is for the weak. Once mastered, it can significantly enhance a climber’s progression, especially on slab-like surfaces and competition problems. Here are 22 techniques with a brief explanation of what it is, when to do it and how to do it. Rich Guest 17 Nov 2010 In reply to sjc: > lower grade climbers fancying there chances on much harder routes, which always seem to Jun 24, 2024 · If you’re curious about the origins of rock climbing, check out our article on who invented rock climbing. Dec 13, 2022 · Types of Walls Face and Slab While a perfectly vertical wall, sometimes called a face, is the easiest to climb, many walls are not so simple. Feb 9, 2023 · Smearing is a common climbing technique utilized in both indoor and outdoor rock climbing. Climbing styles on each Well, slab climbing involves ascending virtually blank rock faces that have a less than vertical incline (watch the Nalle Hukkataival video above). This video highlights key slab climbing techniques that can be used in trad climbing or sport climbing or any rock climbing outside. Some climbers dislike slabs due to the uncertainty during fall. Check our 5 best slab climbing shoes to find yours! Nov 1, 2022 · Requires slab climbing”. 15a slab was recently established on UK slate, and 5. Looking for some tips on how to feel safer when climbing on slab. It is often not leadable, or climbable from the ground up, unless it has pre-drilled bolts to protect the climb, making most slab climbs either top rope climbing or sport climbing. Climbers rely on balance, footwork, and friction rather than handholds. 13c which might be why it's been unrepeated for 23 years. Extreme onsight slab climbing requires quick thinking to unravel puzzling move combinations. Would this be a 110* wall? What about a steep hill or even a gentle slope? How do hikers refer to gradient of slope? Is it the opposite to climbers? Wouldn't it make sense for flat ground to be 0*, a steep Choose the right climbing wall angle, from 10-degree slabs for beginners to 45-degree overhangs for pros, to enhance training effectiveness and enjoyment. What’s slab? What does it mean to top-rope? (For a comprehensive, though not exhaustive list, see our glossary). What defines slab climbing compared to other styles? A slab is a section of wall that is less steep than vertical. In this article, we’ll learn all about indoor climbing walls and their angles. Focus on distributing your weight uniformly throughout the climbing shoe's sole to make the most amount of contact with the rock. Many areas in the world have developed different systems. is graded just 5. Strength plays no role; there’s nothing to pull on. Dec 7, 2023 · A 5. There are three main bouldering wall types: slab, vertical, and overhang. Jun 8, 2022 · Toe strength isn’t just handy for slab climbing—we need it and calf strength for holding kneebars, molding to dishes, and more. Sep 22, 2023 · Slab Climbing Techniques Climbers who excel at slab climbing focus on technique. Jun 15, 2012 · Friction climbing—holdless slab climbing—can be effortless or desperate, or both at the same time. If the rock has features like edges or knobs, these can make great footholds. Slab routes are characterized by low-angle terrain, typically vertical or slightly less than vertical, often featuring smooth rock faces with sparse, sometimes imperceptible, holds. not sure how hard that gets but this v13 looks pretty much just friction, although video quality sucks Sep 29, 2025 · Discover the unique styles of rock climbing, from delicate slab climbs to powerful overhangs. A wall that tilts back away from you, and is thus less steep than vertical, is called a slab. Aug 10, 2010 · The Empress is one of two five-star climbing routes on Chapel Pond Slab—a route first ascended in 1933 by the legendary Fritz Wiessner. Oct 15, 2021 · Slab climbing is a form of rock climbing in which the rock face is a slab that is at less than a 90-degree angle from the ground. Slab climbing is a type of rock climbing where the rock face is at an angle less steep than vertical. 5 on the Yosemite decimal scale. To successfully navigate slabs, climbers must focus on weight distribution, balance, core strength, and smearing techniques. mw6xyd1 2ka 6dkxe 8i 7bkzh rpwhoya geyx wtpac t0si jlmf
