Slab climbing vs overhanging. movementforclimbers.
Slab climbing vs overhanging. If an overhung route is so angled that it juts out over your head and forces you to climb nearly horizontally, it is called a roof. Follow @bouldershite for more! vid cred: @fran. It feels like I'm starting to plateau in my sport grade with a significant gap between vert and overhanging terrain. good for smearing on slabby routes, heel hooking on overhangs/roofs etc. Slab Climbing Techniques Slab climbing is a challenging aspect of indoor climbing that requires a different set of techniques compared to overhangs. When you climb a slab, the general rule is that you keep your weight on your feet. As a coach, I recommend dedicating at least one or two sessions per week specifically to overhanging problems. Unlike overhanging walls that demand upper-body strength, slab climbing relies on balance, precise foot placements, and efficient body positioning to maintain control. Climbers boulder outdoors, on natural boulders and cliffs, and inside on artificial walls at climbing gyms. Share Add a Comment Sort by: Best Open comment sort options Best Top New Controversial Old Q&A soupyhands • For example, on slabs you will use your legs more than on an overhang. This article focusses on the art of climbing overhangs. Slab Walls Slab walls are angled less than vertical, meaning they lean away from the climber. Vertical walls provide a neutral starting point ideal for beginners while maintaining technical challenge through hold placement. I sprained my pulley lately, and therefore have been working on slabs and flexibility more, so the gap has closed a little. Roof – Terrain that is extremely overhung or close to parallel to flat ground. This unique environment Mar 17, 2022 · When I first heard about slab climbing, I was shocked to hear how many climbers are hesitant to try it out. One of my favorite climbing wisdom (I forgot from whom…) is that instead of thinking of progression as moving from In a commercial gym it makes sense as a way to cater to brand-new climbers, tricky slab-climbing, and specific holds, but a home gym is for training and personal enjoyment and a big vertical wall will become uninteresting way too fast. Upgrade your climbing gear with the best climbing shoes for slab to conquer those intricate slab routes with confidence and precision. No idea about the outdoors though; never climbed on real rock. I can make a 5. The climbs typically having fixed protection like bolts (usually equipped top down with a power drill). When you’re tackling a bouldering problem on a slab, it’s a whole different game compared to steep overhangs or vertical walls. Overhang: An overhang is a section of rock or wall that leans outwards from the vertical. It might not seem like it because “slab is rad” and the angle is inclined, but it is for that reason that it is so scary. Each type presents unique challenges and requires different techniques, especially in speed climbing I’ve read pieces of information that soft shoes are good for overhang because the shoe conforms to the foothold shape, and the forces are “spread more evenly” all around. Jul 10, 2021 · Slab rock climbing, what is it exactly? Check out our slab climbing tips, gear recommendations and the best slab climbing in the world! Aug 30, 2025 · Discover what is a slab in rock climbing and learn how this unique technique challenges your balance and precision on less-than-vertical rock faces. #boulderinggym #bouldering #climbing #rockclimbing”. #climbing_pictures_of_instagram #ボルダリング #クライミング #climbingmemes #bouldering #indoorclimbing #boulderinggym #comedy #운동하는여자 #스포츠 #운동소통". Think, more than 90 degrees of verticality. See full list on rockclimbingcentral. jlngns on October 3, 2024: "slab and overhang should be different sports 🤷♂️ Not even sure how to compare the two. 11 on slab walls, but then I have a ton of difficulty on some 5. I've asked some setters and gymgoers about their thoughts on the grading of the slab vs overhang, and they think it's pretty accurate. I’m able to climb V4-V6 on slab without too much difficulty, but can do V2-V4 overhang using quite a bit of effort. Sep 29, 2023 · Slab vs Overhang: What’s The Difference? Overhangs are the complete opposite of slabs, just like dihedrals are the complete opposites to aretes. #bouldering #climbingmeme #climbingmemes #climbing_is_my_passion #climbinglife #climbinginspiration #climbingtraining #climbingrocks #climbinglovers #climbingwall #climbingdad #rungneaffiliates #bouldering #bouldeeinglife #boulderingmemes #bouldering_videos_of_instagram #boulderingtraining". Choose the right climbing wall angle, from 10-degree slabs for beginners to 45-degree overhangs for pros, to enhance training effectiveness and enjoyment. Jun 23, 2024 · Practice these techniques to improve your overhang climbing skills and tackle even the steepest routes with confidence. Sep 29, 2025 · Discover the unique styles of rock climbing, from delicate slab climbs to powerful overhangs. Bouldering routes, also known as problems, are often steeply overhanging with powerful moves. I find slab climbing a very patient art that requires balance, and (usually) very little strength. The crux of my current project at Rifle Mountain Park hangs on an intricate heel-toe cam wedged between two horizontal slabs of rock. Typically, slab is considered ‘easier’ to climb than overhangs, but Adam Ondra ’s Disbelief 5. g. From google: Slabs are rock faces that are angled at less than 90 degrees or less than vertical. This implies that a vertical slab is a 90* wall. As per title, I'm awful at climbing anything on an overhang (V4-6 on slab/vert, V3-4 on overhang). The routes described here are amongst the finest in the country. Jun 5, 2024 · As a rock climber, you may encounter three major types of walls: Slab, Vertical, and Overhang. The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Feb 25, 2025 · 3. Overlaps are generally passed by climbing over/past them An overhang overhangs for starters and is of significant These are Dave's three best overhang climbing technique tips for beginners. I've realized lately that I can climb significantly harder grades on a slab wall compared to overhangs. Slab and vertical climbs tend to require more technique and footwork than overhang climbing, which Virtually everything in the Artificial wall world revolves around gym climbing; holds, wall materials, advice, etc is generally created to help gym owners, professional route-setters, climbing hold companies, and climbing wall companies work together better. Mar 10, 2025 · The best climbing shoes just keep getting better. Watch below. Drop your vote below! ⬇️ #SlabMaster or #OverhangBeast ? . But if your heart is set on them, by all means go for it! Aug 27, 2024 · Climbing, regardless of the style (slab, overhang, vertical, bouldering, sports climbing) is, more or less, in different doses about balance, footwork, mind game, and ultimately muscles. . In climbing, a 45* wall is an overhanging wall. How to Use Body Tension & Core Strength to Improve Climbing Overhangs When you look at slab climbing, body tension and core strength isn’t used as much as overhang climbing. 🇫🇷 French Overhang VS British Slab 🇬🇧 We see so much of the first one on social media that I love to highlight how techy slabs can be deceptively hard even if not as impressive as big dyno/jumps 🫀 #climbing #climbingtiktok #climbinglife #bouldering #boulder #boulderingtiktok #bloc #escalade #route #set #slab #overhang #devers #balance #strengh #fyp #foryoupage #devinelapersonne Jun 3, 2025 · Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. 15d route in Alberta might prove you wrong. I'm still only a V0-V2 climber but I'm good slabs, I just can barely do overhangs, I find them so much more tiring and much more intense, is this just a style thing? Good Technique = Advanced Climbing Skills Many of the same refinements that advanced climbers need to master slab climbing translate directly to vertical and slightly overhanging. Understanding wall types, grading systems, and key climbing techniques will help new climbers progress faster and enjoy the sport more. As an experienced boulderer or slab technician, I can tell you that the key to success lies in your technique and body positioning more than sheer strength. For slabs, you’re essentially climbing a Overhang rock climbing presents a unique set of challenges that are not solely dependent on sheer strength, but also on mastering body positioning and using the power of your core muscles. Jun 17, 2021 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Overhang (and roof) climbs have existed throughout climbing, originally in aid climbing where mechanical devices were used to first scale them. Many people have made the wrong choice over the years. Match your climbing shoes to the terrain you’re on so that you can make the most of your efforts. When falling on slab, the climber gets to appreciate “the cheese-grater-effect”. Since I know most of climbing is technique (and have seen that for myself with my improvements on slab and vertical), I’m hoping there’s a similar “beginner” resource to make overhang feel a bit less strenuous by using better technique. tmz . They are usually also specified as being good for a particular ability - shoes for novices are usually less Sep 22, 2023 · Slab climbing can be intimidating: it requires subtle technique, and the falls can be scary. 10as. In the climbing world, there are vertical walls, overhang walls, and slab walls. movementforclimbers. In a commercial gym it makes sense as a way to cater to brand-new climbers, tricky slab-climbing, and specific holds, but a home gym is for training and personal enjoyment and a big vertical wall will become uninteresting way too fast. Nov 8, 2023 · Climbing overhang can be exhausting. Dec 13, 2022 · The opposite of a slab is an overhang. Jun 12, 2023 · I’ll also list types of climbing holds as well. Jul 4, 2023 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. The podium slab is poured, and some of the exterior walls layout so that their outside flange is overhanging the slab edge (1/2" to 3/4" typical, but up to 2" in one isolated extreme case). Dec 11, 2017 · The 2 questions that are relevant here are ‘What proportion of your climbing is indoor vs. #ClimbingTechnique #OverhangVsSlab #BalanceClimbing. You can get overlaps on slabs (think onion skin granite), on walls (think little 18" grit roofs) and on overhangs (again, little roofs/steps on overhanging walls or in a cave). Slab – Which one challenges you more? 樂 輪♂️ . Nov 12, 2022 · A question that most climbers arrive at eventually (usually the threat of slab climbing initiates it) is how much time should they spend becoming more well rounded vs. Much like the slab wall, once you reach an intermediate level, you will likely wish that you had some kind of overhang to challenge you as a climber. A slab route is a climb on a wall that leans away from you when facing it. Dec 4, 2024 · Introduction to Overhang Climbing: Definition and Challenges Faced Overhang climbing is an exhilarating and demanding facet of the climbing world that presents unique challenges unlike those encountered on vertical or slab surfaces. In this video, Dave shares his best tips for beginner, intermediate and even advanced climbers who want to learn how to climb better on overhanging walls. Haha yes, the grade difference between my preferred style (anything overhang, powerful, dyno, compression) and anything slabby/balancey is embarrassing. . But boulder problems can also involve slab climbing on thin holds and smears that require Oct 15, 2024 · Choosing the right climbing shoes can significantly impact your performance and comfort, regardless of whether you're tackling boulders or scaling multi-pitch routes. Some of the earliest forms of rock climbing were on large easy-angled slabs encountered by climbers while Nov 2, 2020 · The first in a 3-part article series, written with the aim of helping improve your rock climbing technique. Here's everything you need to know about slab climbing shoes. Nov 4, 2023 · Slabs are often called technical, but climbers rarely say it about overhangs. Feb 16, 2022 · Smear To smear is to apply your entire forefoot (and not just toe) to the rock, often while slab climbing, stemming, or on large, sloping features. It’s a humbling experience every time To effectively incorporate overhang bouldering into your regular climbing routine, it’s important to focus on building overhang endurance and grip strength. Slabs may not look as intimidating as other types of climbing terrain, but don’t be fooled – they’ll Jan 11, 2022 · Their weak midsole will make you tired of slab climbing, so stay on overhanging to vertical terrain (read our Scarpa Drago review). Slabs though? That’s a whole other story… balance, mobility, flexibility—none of which I have. Jun 27, 2017 · Performing best on overhanging terrain, the Instinct VS also has the ability to handle slab and vertical climbing well, making it reliable in almost any situation Now with the introduction of the lace-up version, which provides stability and strength on vertical terrain, the Instinct line may simply be unstoppable. Personally there’s an inverse correlation between the danger of the fall (slab vs overhang, decking height vs safe height) and the fall’s pucker factor. What Is Slab Climbing? What are the bouldering wall types? Bouldering walls come in all shapes and sizes, and each type of wall presents unique challenges and opportunities for climbers to hone their skills. There's 8 specific climbing techniques that you'll need if you want to excel in this form of climbing. Overhangs, as you know, are slopes with an angle of more than 90°. In this post, we detail the best intermediate and advanced techniques for climbing overhangs. If you’re mostly climbing vertical/slab and the occasional overhang and want a soft shoe, solutions don’t really fit the bill as well as other shoes do. Jun 15, 2023 · The shoe doesn’t make the climber…but shoe choice still matters. Overhang routes often require movement that focuses on pulling (and pushing) to stay on the wall. Slab – Slab terrain is at an angle less than 90 degrees. To Jun 23, 2024 · Climbing on overhangs also requires climbers to develop advanced techniques such as heel hooks, toe hooks, and drop knees, which can be useful in a variety of climbing situations. Dyno: A dyno is a dynamic move where a climber jumps or lunges for a hold that is out of reach. Jul 18, 2024 · Whether you're eyeing that next climb or seeking new challenges, strap in for an exhilarating overhang climb with help from these overhang rock climbing tips. My smaller-than-average foot barely spans the gap, which adds even more challenge to the move Climbing wall geometry centers on three primary angles: vertical (90 degrees), slab (less than 90 degrees) and overhang (more than 90 degrees). Gravity affects the feel of climbing even though the mechanics may still be the same. Gain insights for safer bouldering practices. May 30, 2024 · The featured reviews and insightful buying suggestions will equip you with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision, ensuring your climbing experience is both successful and enjoyable. What they lack in height, they more than make up for in character and history. Slab routes are characterized by low-angle terrain, typically vertical or slightly less than vertical, often featuring smooth rock faces with sparse, sometimes imperceptible, holds. Recently new to consistent climbing, but I’ve found progressing on slab has been way easier than progressing on overhang. Vertical climbing is perpendicular within a few degrees and an overhang is much steeper. Unlike vertical or slab climbing, where friction and balance are primary concerns, overhangs present an entirely different set of challenges. Would this be a 110* wall? What about a steep hill or even a gentle slope? How do hikers refer to gradient of slope? Is it the opposite to climbers? Wouldn't it make sense for flat ground to be 0*, a steep Nov 1, 2022 · Your descriptions of the first three angles are pretty spot on. Aug 21, 2007 · I have a Podium slab with steel stud bearing walls coming down and bearing on the slab. Trying to glue your hips (or face) to the wall like you might on a vertical wall or standing tall and stretched out as you might on a slab, won’t serve you any good on an overhang (while resting anyway). The nature of the climbing often leads to a "should I place a runner, and run out of strength, or just go for it?" decision. An overhang is any section of a wall that is more than vertical. Sep 23, 2025 · Discover the different climbing styles, from slab to overhang, to better understand what it takes to climb each. If you learn a few tricks, you’ll find yourself much better equipped to take on big days out on friction slab or that weird slopey problem at the gym. Are aggressive shoes necessary for modern bouldering setting and comp climbing? I referenced a list of the best climbing shoes and thanks to the comments below figured that aggressive shoes will help keep my body close to the wall on overhangs. Mar 24, 2025 · Mar 24, 2025 Click to view all topics I follow Hiking Outdoor Adventures Travel Dougal Tavener, who has travelled the world doing this most exciting style of climbing, shares his knowledge and tips for climbing overhangs What are common climbing techniques for strongly overhanging walls and roofs? In order to avoid a strength oriented climbing style and focus on technique. Nov 3, 2020 · The second in a 3-part article series, written with the aim of helping improve your rock climbing technique. Oct 10, 2023 · In the diverse world of rock climbing, where vertical walls and overhanging roofs often grab the spotlight, slab climbing stands apart as a subtle yet immensely challenging discipline. #climbingfails #fail #climbingfail #climbing #climbing_lovers #climbinglovers #climbingnation #climbinglife #rockclimbing #climbinggym #rockclimber #rockclimb #climber #iloveclimbing #climbers #climbon #climberlife #climbing_worldwide #indoorclimbing # Overhang vs. Learn what makes each style challenging and addictive, and find out how to become a well-rounded climber. Nov 30, 2022 · Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that involves short, difficult routes, climbed without a rope. Climbing Terminology Slab: A slab is a section of rock or wall that is on an angle usually less than 90 degrees. What would you call a slab that is less steep than vertical. Climbing slab requires good technique, precision, and trust in your abilities. There's no brute forcing this type of climbing, just awesome footwork and god-level balance. Less injurious = more scary. Ive been climbing for a bit over a year now and i love slabs to the point where im a good 3 grades above on slab vs overhangs. At the same time, stiff shoes provide more power and edging capability which definitely helps when I need that extra boost when doing an overhang. In rock climbing a slab climb (or friction climb) is a type of climbing route where the rock face is 'off-angle' and not fully vertical. Routes less than 90 degrees would usually be described as a slab. The key differences are feel and how forgiving the problem is of poor technique. I've (24m) been climbing for 5 years, almost exclusively sport climbing for 2. Overhangs? I’m mostly relying on grip strength and pulling power to get through, compensating for my complete lack of technique. Be warned. Climbing Slab v Overhang The age-old debate! Most climbers will have a preference for climbing wall angle but it's important to climb both to become a good all-round climber. I find overhang bouldering problems fairy challenging, and my technique through the roof could do with some improvement. Additionally, climbing on overhangs and steep routes can help build mental resilience and problem-solving skills as climbers work to figure out the best path up the wall. A study has shown that climbing is as good at affecting the heart rate and energy expenditure (cardio exercise) of an individual similar to that of running at 8-11 minutes per mile. While the softer angle enables climbers to place more of their body weight on their feet, slab climbs maintain the challenge by having smaller holds. improving their strengths. I get by primarily with passable technique and footwork and okay finger strength, none of which I seem to be able to transfer to climbing on anything worse than a shallow overhang. Climbing terrains vary significantly, each presenting unique challenges that require specific features in your footwear for optimal traction and support. Sport Climbing Sport climbing refers to the type of gymnastic face and overhang free climbing. outdoor?’ (scale from 1 = all indoor to 5 = all outdoor) and ‘What are your preferred styles of climbing?’ (slab, vert, gently overhanging, steep and roof). com Apr 14, 2019 · Explore the 3 rock face types you'll encounter while climbing, including the characteristics of each and the best areas of the country for each type. com/free-ebo In rock climbing, an overhang is a type of route that leans back at an angle of over 90 degrees for part or all of the climb, and at its most severe can be a horizontal roof. Climbing shoes are usually described as being good for a particular technique, e. Head coach at TCH London, Cris, gives his super quick tips on how to best climb different wall angles. Nov 16, 2020 · Slab climbing is a fun and important skill set, but only encompasses a small fraction of the movements that rock climbing requires. Overhung walls tend to be a little more challenging because they require more strength to stay on the wall. This article focusses on the art of rock climbing slabs. Download Your Free e-book: "How to Maximize Your First Year of Climbing" - the guide I wish I had when I started:https://www. Here are 5 drills for instant progress. For example, I can climb a v5 on slab, but I struggle with some V1s and v2s on overhanging routes and even some vertical ones. Defined as the technique employed to ascend a rock face that protrudes horizontally, creating an angle that often begins around 10 degrees to more than 90 degrees 891 likes, 19 comments - kimborey. I took a big-ish fall were my foot slipped unexpectedly and i scraped against the wall a lil bit. Slabs are the opposite of overhangs. Climbing a slab requires a good sense of your feet and how to use them as well as balance and rock shoes with lots of friction. Is it justified and which rock angle is really harder to master? Dec 5, 2022 · Most climbers will have a preference for climbing wall angle but it's important to climb both to become a good all-round climber 🧗 Head coach at TCH London, Cris, gives his super quick tips on Sep 22, 2021 · Slab climbing is hated by many but loved by the dedicated. 255 likes, 2 comments - bouldershite on March 1, 2023: "Overhang vs slab . It’s the shoe I wear most because, in my opinion, it’s the perfect bouldering shoe! Don’t get me wrong, there are Mar 7, 2025 · Final Thoughts Indoor climbing walls provide a variety of challenges, from technical slab routes to steep overhangs that test strength and endurance. Nov 11, 2023 · Slab climbing; loved by some, hated by many. #1 Overhang – Overhang terrain is at an angle greater than 90 degrees. So, slabs are the slopes with an angle less than 90°. On an overhang, you use your core, fingers, and toes to hold onto the rock holds. Mar 24, 2025 · Mar 24, 2025 Click to view all topics I follow Hiking Outdoor Adventures Travel Dougal Tavener, who has travelled the world doing this most exciting style of climbing, shares his knowledge and tips for climbing overhangs Lastly, both walls will offer a good compromise for space vs climbing area, although a 25 board will have a smaller footprint and a 40-degree wall will require more room, but will also utilise a larger panel for climbing on. While a 60* wall is less steep. Shoe Type: Aggressive Upper: Synthetic leather Rubber: Vibram XS Edge rubber Good for: Bouldering, comfort, slabs, overhangs, heel hooking Bad for: Heat, breaking in period, thick rand As an all round climbing shoe, the Scarpa Instinct VS is good alternative to the Muira. Nov 2, 2022 · Over the years I've learned a lot of climbing tactics from climbing with him. They will not only help you become a better climbing on overhangs, but will also be useful for helping you solve many 77 Likes, TikTok video from xcelclimbing (@xcelclimbing): “Explore why slab climbing poses more injury risks than overhang climbing. Nov 13, 2009 · An overlap is a small step, it needn't be overhanging. Oct 11, 2019 · Slab Effectively a super steep, super difficult hike, slab climbing is the scariest form of lead climbing. All About Indoor Climbing Walls In the climbing world, there are vertical walls, overhang walls, and slab walls. lam on December 5, 2024: "Me climbing on Overhang vs slab. There are three main bouldering wall types: slab, vertical, and overhang. Anatomy of a Rock Climbing Shoe Hips ‘n’ Toes Before trying to make wicked moves on a steep overhang, let’s look at getting comfortable just ‘hanging’. Scarpa Instinct VS and Lace-up Overhang vs. Read on for our 2025 picks from La Sportiva, Scarpa, and more! To effectively incorporate overhang bouldering into your regular climbing routine, it’s important to focus on building overhang endurance and grip strength. kc0ngjs ia fujwga 4egp wo6 wdqjml cywcu1 ib lfoype3cm8 9b
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