Rise Up Climbing

Q: “What are all those oddly shaped and colored things attached to the climbing wall and how do I use them properly?”

A: Those “things” are called holds and their efficient and proper use is the first step in learning to climb. In our Wall Contact and Sequencing you’ll learn the correct methods for placing and using your feet with some additional emphasis on the appropriate use of your hands.

Q: “All those colored holds are confusing, and why are some of these people climbing without a rope and harness?”

A: The colored holds denote different “routes” up the climbing wall each of which is graded for difficulty, and those folks climbing without rope or harness are engaged in “bouldering”. You’ll explore the different ways for assessing a route and deriving an efficient strategy before even stepping off the ground. Bouldering methods, safety, and protocol are covered as well.

Q: “Why do so many of the better climbers turn back and forth with first one hip and then the other turned into the climbing wall?”

A: “Turning” is a critical movement skill that provides powerful leverage to perform climbing moves with much less effort. This skill is so important to learn correctly and thoroughly that we devote three full sessions to ensuring you become proficient in its use.

Q: “Why do good climbers look like graceful dancers and why do they appear to exert so little effort?”

A: Good climbers have developed a refined sense of movement in which they are constantly evaluating the quality of their balance and making adjustments to improve it. In our Balance course you’ll learn the basics of balance as well as how to evaluate and improve it to benefit your climbing.

Q: “I see some climbers who appear to begin their movements from the arms while others seem to derive movement from the hips. Is there any difference?”

A: Movement can originate in many parts of the body and produce remarkably different results. Learning to generate upward progress from all the parts of the body and where to apply each can be a valuable tool for improving your performance.

Q: “I’d really like to be able to ascend the steeper walls, but every time I try I find the climbing very difficult.”

A: For many climbers, ascending steep, overhanging walls is the ultimate challenge. In this three week course learn the movement skills of advanced climbers in the sheltered arena of the Rise Up bouldering area. Included are powerful movements such as twist locks, drop knees, heel hooks, heel/toe cams, knee bars and more.

Q: “I’d like to improve quickly. Can you help me with a training plan?”

A: In our Personalized Training Plan class your current abilities will be assessed and achievable goals set. In addition a training schedule based on your availability to train will be developed. We'll be happy to put together a fitness training plan for you as well. Use climbing as your fitness and workout regimen; we can be your new fitness center or health club!

Learn the games climbers play! On-sighting, or sending a route with no prior information, is the purest form of ascent but requires different observational and climbing skills. Alternatively, to send the hardest routes possible a climber will need to “work” a route, again requiring a unique set of skills. We’ll teach you how to become proficient at both.

Sport climbing IS leading. Leading allows you to attempt the steepest of climbs which cannot be top roped and is the truest type of ascent. In this three week class we’ll teach you how to clip anchors properly, minimize the risks associated with lead falls, and belay for a leader.