Cris Fontano, an enthusiastic climber and Deputy General Manager at TCH Bristol, recently embarked on a tour of America’s stunning bouldering destinations. Here, he shares his top five tips for planning an unforgettable outdoor bouldering trip. 1. Conduct Thorough Research Start by diving into local bouldering guidebooks specific to your chosen destination. These guides provide […]
How to Choose the Right Climbing Shoes for Kids
Buying climbing shoes for children is very different from buying them for adults. Many parents face the same dilemma: should the shoes be tight for better performance, or should they leave extra space because kids grow quickly? In most cases, the right choice is clear. For young climbers, comfort and a secure fit matter far […]
The Intelligent Training Week: Structure Over Suffering
Most climbers stack hard sessions consecutively, then puzzle over stagnation. The alternative: deliberate session architecture with clear intent. The Three-Session Framework Technique and Volume: Easy to moderate grades, emphasizing footwork precision, pacing discipline, and route reading development. Exit with remaining energy—this is practice, not exhaustion. Strength and Power: Compressed duration, high-quality attempts, extended inter-effort recovery. […]
The Advantages of Shorter Climbers in Dynamic Movement
While it may sound provocative to claim that shorter climbers excel in dynamic climbing compared to their taller counterparts, there are valid reasons behind this belief. Longer limbs may physically reach farther, but they often require greater effort to perform dynamic moves. On the other hand, climbers like me, who stands at **5’3”**, may struggle […]
National Climbing Center: A New Hub for Climbers in Nieuwegein, Netherlands
The Dutch National Climbing Center (NCC), part of the Climbing Network chain, is currently under construction in Nieuwegein and is set to open in phases throughout 2026. Owned by Johan Cave, Leopold Roessingh, and Frederick Houtenbos—active directors involved in the center’s operations—the NCC aims to establish itself as a premier climbing destination. Originally founded as […]
The Chalk Strategy That Actually Works for Sweaty Hands
Sweaty palms don’t limit climbing progress—poor chalk management does. Most slick-handed climbers pursue two ineffective paths: compulsive rechalking until holds turn white while friction remains inadequate, or purchasing premium products without behavioral modification. Neither addresses the underlying issue. The High-Probability Setup For significant perspiration, prioritize: liquid chalk base layer at session initiation, minimal loose chalk […]
Rock Revolution Opens Its Doors in Charlottesville, Virginia
Rock Revolution, Charlottesville’s newest bouldering gym, celebrated its grand opening on August 30. Owners Jessica and Mike Kinnick moved to the area in 2020 and quickly fell in love with the region’s access to outdoor adventures. “We spent many weekends hiking, camping, and biking, often visiting the New River Gorge with our daughters,” Mike shared. […]
The Art of Belaying: From Tubes to Assisted Braking
Tubular belay devices revolutionized climbing in 1983—Jeff Lowe credited with the original design—transforming how climbers managed rope and caught falls. Black Diamond’s 1991 ATC (Air Traffic Control) refined the concept into the industry standard: simple, reliable, ubiquitous. Today’s assisted-braking devices—Grigri, Pilot, Smart 2.0—advance safety priorities further. Yet technology never substitutes for skill. Every gym demands […]