Franklin Handholds

Vary your starting points

cfisher — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:39:35 +0000

Routesetting can be a very fun way to be creative with different problems for your rock wall. I find the best way to keep consistently challenging routes is to ensure you vary each of your starting points, including the intital hand and foot positioning.

The difference between beginning with pockets, crimps, and other offsetting starts really helps in training your strength in each of your holds. Make sure the variation of difficulty is prominent, as easy holds are needed moreso than difficultly rated routes. Starting with routes placing your hands in different holds and good positioning from first footies to the next is also very important.

Remember, feet placement and control is one of the most important aspects of a good and effective climber. Also, remember to focus on the open-hand grip moreso than the crimp grip during training. Don’t be afraid to mix up your route problems often and really challenge yourself as you improve. Most im portantly, let your body rest in between and have fun!

Tip from Josh Stephens

Map it out

cfisher — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:34:39 +0000

Before putting the holds up on the wall, I lay out all of the holds on the floor to get an idea for what the route will look like. After a route is built I will record someone completing the route (for the easiest routes, to the hardest routes) and upload them to the sign-in computer so if someone has a questions on how to start a route or how to attack a route, they will have a video they can watch to help them out.

Tip from Patrick Edwards, Ashland University

Franklin Supports The Recreation Project

cfisher — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:27:18 +0000

Franklin Handholds recently donated our climbing holds to The Recreation Project, a non-profit whose mission is to inspire Ugandan youth to overcome fear and patterns of war.

The experiential learning model of The Recreation Project is one the most powerful and effective methods for teaching trust, self-belief, and hope. TRP uses a guided ropes course and outdoor adventure excursions as tools for learning.

Young people in northern Uganda were born into a conflict zone. Since 1986, the Lord’s Resistance Army has abducted and killed tens of thousands of young people and displaced nearly 90% of the population in northern Uganda. Relative peace has finally come to the region and the youth who have endured this conflict are now in charge of rebuilding a hopeful future.

While young people in northern Uganda remain extremely resilient in overcoming adversity, the conflict has caused significant psychosocial and economic hardship. Lack of opportunity for education and employment are widespread, yet the youth are working tirelessly to consolidate energy and resources to press forward. This is rare opportunity to motivate youth to build a society of peace and stability.

Click here to find out more.

If the shoe fits…

cfisher — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:28:52 +0000

Don’t be afraid to go for the tighter shoe. A snug fit will only help your climbing in the end.

Tip from University at Buffalo Climbing Club Member

Keep your symmetry

cfisher — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:19:48 +0000

Try and keep your center of gravity close to the rock, and use both left and right limbs. Keeping symmetry is very important.

Tip from Pankaj Yadav, University at Buffalo

Share your climbing or routesetting tip

Know how to fall

cfisher — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:51:37 +0000

Knowing how to fall is key. You can’t just drop down, that’s a good way to break a leg, you need to push away from the wall slightly, and also don’t try to fall flat on your back, try and fall on your butt so you don’t hurt yourself. Believe me I know, I’ve fallen many many times.

Tip from Jennifer Bassik

Share your climbing or routesetting tip