Common Climbing Wall Holds Misconceptions To Be Aware Of

Climbing is an exhilarating sport that requires physical strength, mental acuity, and precise technique. The holds you use are integral to your climbing experience, yet several misconceptions about them can mislead climbers, especially beginners.

Whether you’re a beginner, an expert wanting to build a home climbing wall, or a gym owner adding to their fitness facilities, knowing about wall climbing holds is essential. Below, we dispel some of the most common climbing wall holds misconceptions to be aware of to help you get the most out of your favorite sport.

Bigger Holds Are Easier

Many believe that larger holds are inherently easier to grip. It seems to make common sense—the larger the hold, the more to grab onto. However, while bigger holds provide more surface area, they can also have an awkward shape or smoother, more slippery surfaces that make them difficult to hold onto.

For example, slopers are large holds without distinct edges and require advanced gripping techniques and a heightened sense of balance. Climbing on larger holds can challenge your ability to maintain body tension and improve your overall technique. Don’t underestimate the challenges posed by large holds—they’re excellent opportunities to institute diversity in a climbing wall that challenges climbers in a litany of ways.

Color Indicates Difficulty

It’s a widespread belief that the color of climbing holds directly indicates their difficulty level. While some climbing gyms may color-code their holds for this purpose, it’s not a universal standard. Different gyms use varying grading systems.

A blue climbing hold at one rock-climbing gym might represent a beginner route but an advanced route in another. Always check the specific grading system used in your local gym. Never assume the difficulty of the route by the color of the holds—especially if it’s your first climb on the wall.

Only Handholds Matter

Perhaps the most common climbing wall hold misconception to be aware of, especially for beginners, is that handholds are all that matter. Any seasoned climber can tell you that successful climbing relies equally on foot placement as it does hand placement. Precise, strategic footwork can make or break a climb.

Proper foot placement conserves energy and provides the balance needed to complete challenging routes. Therefore, footholds are equally as important in the design of the wall and route-setting as handholds. Whether you’re a climber or building a climbing wall, don’t underestimate the importance of foot placement.

Static Holds Are Most Important

Static holds are crucial. You must maintain three points of contact while moving a limb to the next hold. However, dynamic moves are also essential in any climber’s repertoire. They involve jumping or lunging to a hold. Dynamic movements add a different layer of skill and excitement to climbing.

They require timing, coordination, and a burst of power. Incorporating dynamic moves into your training can significantly improve your climbing versatility and help you tackle routes that feature static and dynamic elements. Incorporate dynamic holds to test your skill and diversify your climbing talents when planning a climbing wall route.

The More Expensive the Holds, the Better

There’s a myth that the more expensive the climbing holds, the better they are. This a common misconception for many things, not just climbing holds, and like always, cost does not correlate with quality. Some of the most challenging and creative routes use basic and affordable climbing wall holds.

What matters most is how you incorporate the holds into a route. Creative route setting can make even the simplest holds into tough challenges. Focus on your route’s diversity and the climbing experience rather than a hold’s price tag.

Common Myths Regarding Building Climbing Walls

You may hear but can safely ignore the various myths about rock-climbing wall construction, whether you’re designing a climbing wall for your home and recreational use or are a gym owner expanding your facilities.

Building an Indoor Climbing Wall Is Expensive

The perceived excessive cost of building an indoor climbing wall can deter enthusiasts. However, with careful planning and resourcefulness, creating a budget-friendly climbing wall is entirely feasible.

Many climbers opt for DIY projects using affordable materials and second-hand holds. Start small and expand your wall over time as your budget allows. The investment in a personal climbing wall can provide endless hours of training and fun, making it worthwhile overall.

You Need a Huge Space To Build a Climbing Wall

While large walls are impressive, you can create an effective training area in a surprisingly small space. Focus on vertical walls or compact bouldering setups that fit within your available area. Utilize your creativity to design a space-efficient climbing wall. Even a small home wall can offer a variety of climbing challenges and help you develop your skills.

Climbing Walls Are Dangerous

Safety is paramount for climbers, and the misconception that climbing walls are inherently dangerous can be discouraging. Climbing walls can be very safe when designed and used correctly. Ensure you build the wall to robust standards, and always use appropriate safety gear such as crash pads, harnesses, and helmets.

Regularly inspect your setup for wear and tear, and follow best practices to minimize risks. Like any sport, climbing involves some risk, but with proper precautions, it can be a safe and rewarding activity.

Only Professionals Can Build a Home Climbing Wall

You don’t need to be a professional to build a home climbing wall. Many resources, guides, and communities can help you through the process. A wealth of information is available to support amateur builders, from selecting materials to designing routes.

Start with a clear plan, gather the necessary tools, and seek advice from experienced climbers. If you consider yourself handy and want to save money on labor costs, you can complete the project yourself!

Indoor Rock Climbing Is Just a Trend

There’s no doubt that the popularity of indoor rock climbing and climbing gyms has exploded in recent years, which has caused some to think the whole sport is a flash in the pan. But there’s strong reason to believe that the sport is here to stay and continues to grow in popularity as more people try it.

Indoor rock climbing is a rare sport that combines physical fitness, mental exercise, social engagement, and fun into one activity. Indoor climbing provides an excellent platform for growth and community building, whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber. Don’t expect rock climbing to be a sport that will stop growing anytime soon!

Ignore the Myths and Get Started on Your Climbing Wall With Atomik Climbing Holds

Understanding and debunking these common myths will ensure you have a more enjoyable climbing experience and can better design and create your indoor rock-climbing wall. If you’re ready to build and elevate your climbing game, you can find high-quality indoor climbing holds at Atomik Climbing Holds today. Explore our diverse selection and start building your dream wall!