Climbing can bring about many feelings within a person but predominantly nervousness of being on the wall. This does not mean climbing is not for you, however simple habits that you can bring into your climbing can make a big difference to your experience on the climbing wall.
Start on Grades Below Your Limit
By climbing routes below your limit you will develop your climbing movement and gain body confidence on the wall. Take the opportunity to climb a few routes below your normal limit and work through them smoothly before gradually increasing the grade.
Break the Route Into Single Moves
Trying to take in the whole wall can be daunting, so try to break it down to individual moves. For example, pick the next hand hold or the next foot hold and focus on reaching it. Once you have reached that hold, look for the next one to climb to.
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Much of the climbing related anxiety stems from fear of falling off. Practicing stepping down from low points on gentle problems such as routes on the lowest section of the wall, helps to remove the fear of dropping off. Remember that climbing walls are padded for your safety.
Shake Out and Find a Rest Position
When you are climbing and you are feeling anxious your arms will tighten and your footwork will become less effective. Find a solid foot hold and from there straighten your arms and drop them below your hips. Now shake your hands out for a few seconds. This will help to release the tension from your arms and give you a chance to catch your breath before carrying on climbing.
Set Small Goals Each Session
Rather than focusing on trying to climb as well as others on the wall it is so much better to set yourself some personal targets for each session. For example, for that session hold a balance position for 3 seconds or complete that problem you fell off last time Remember that confidence on the climbing wall is something that increases with each climbing session. So keep going back to the climbing wall.
