Newsletter from BK 3.6.

Indoor climbing "rules"

As outdoor climbing, indoor climbing also has some "rules" for correctly climbing a problem. Different gyms have different grading (difficulty level) systems and different instructions in other parts too. These below apply specifically to the gyms of Boulderkeskus, but some can be generalized to indoor climbing everywhere.

• In the Boulderkeskus gyms, the difficulty level of the problem is determined by grade on the note next to the starting holds. One problem has single-colored holds. "Completing" a certain problem therefore requires that you only climb climbs of a certain color. There are some exceptions: sometimes competition problems or other special problems, which can have several different colors.
  
  
• The starting holds are marked for the hands and in competition climbing also for the feet with tapes. The top hold is the last hold, and for you to properly climb a problem you need to bring both hands in a controlled manner to the last hold (just a slight touch before the position fails you and you fall down does not count ;) ). You don't have to use all the holds, and if you can get to the top by dynoing, i.e. jumping directly to the top, it's just as well done as any other way.
  
  
• At Boulderkeskus, volumes, i.e. boxes, are not actual holds and therefore can be used for multiple problems. Volumes can be used for hands and feet. Today, there are some holds that are very similar to boxes in shape. If you are unsure whether it is a hold for a specific problem or a box that belongs to all problems, you can always ask the cashier for advice!
  
  
• In practice, the bolt holes of the grips can be used when climbing, if they are not blocked by a plug separately, but usually it is not appropriate - routesetters usually do not use plugs in the everyday setting, but the purpose is still that the holes would not be used for help.
  
  
• Black tape on the edge of the wall means that the edge or the wall behind it is not in use. Tape is often seen in competitions.
  
  

As the most important reminders of the rules of good behavior:

• If someone else has started their own problem first and that one crosses your own problem, you are obliged to give way!
  
  
• Use a brush: the more the holds are brushed, the better they stay! If you have cleaned the problem and go to get some chalk, others must wait for their turn.

However, at the gym you can climb with exactly the holds you want and how you feel like - these rules mainly only apply to the correct execution of the problem. When coming down, you can always use all the holds to make the descent as safe as possible.

This was the last part of the climbing etiquette series! Was there an area left unaddressed? Is there a topic you would like us to write about? Feedback can be sent here or via email info@boulderkeskus.com