How to tape hands for crack climbing. Make sure this vertical strip covers your split.

How to tape hands for crack climbing. That's how you know you're doing it right". While crack climbing, taping can prevent the risk of injury on stressed skin. Unlike most other sports, climbing places unique demands on the human body, requiring constant gripping, pulling, and weight distribution through the hands and arms. Mar 13, 2023 · Want to learn to trad climb? Take out 8-week online course: Intro to Trad Climbing. Apr 20, 2021 · Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Crack Climbing Basics: Hand Jamming Crack climbing is the one of the oldest forms of classical climbing, and in some ways a lost art. Athletic tape is the best choice if you choose to wrap up your mitts. Cup your hand with your fingers straight, tips pointing into the crack. Discover the different types of crack climbing and choose the right hand protection, such as tape gloves, crack gloves, or finger sleeves. Climber Bevan Frost shares his taping method, Learned and adapted from Brad Jackson. Follow that up by bringing a strip of tape from the top of your wrist up and around the base of your index finger tight enough for it to stay in place but not so tight it restricts movement. metoliusclimbing. I was one of Takeaways: Taping is suitable for skin protection both for fingers and the whole hand when crack climbing, but don’t overdo it – you want your fingers to harden up. Nov 20, 2015 · The most extreme example of using tape to protect skin is in crack climbing, where you use tape to make a glove, almost like a boxer, to get protection from the rock. Jul 5, 2021 · A few years ago, the first crack climbing gloves appeared in the climbing market, offering an alternative to the homemade tape climbing gloves. com/how-tmore Aug 5, 2022 · SAVE YOUR SKIN Whether scaling sandstone, granite or something else, crack climbing is brutal on your skin. It works just as well on the fingers. Every climber’s digits are a bit different, but cracks well-sized for your fingers, hands or fists are the “easiest” size, and the jams will feel natural. There are many different ways to make tape gloves. Make sure this vertical strip covers your split. The method I use starts by rolling out a decently long piece of tape and tearing it off. Nov 22, 2021 · How do you tape up your hands for climbing? Beginning at your knuckles, place three to four strips of tape across the back of your hand. Feb 8, 2018 · In a change from the Sick Send show, we are starting a mini tips series with the Wide Boyz, Tom Randall and Pete Whittaker. Learn pro H-taping for pulley support & how to fix flappers fast with our complete guide to rock climbing finger tape. People ask me all the time how I make my reusable tape gloves, so I recorded myself making them as a way to more easily share with Apr 13, 2022 · On straight-in cracks, try to oppose hands and feet in your movement sequence. Nov 2, 2023 · 3) Let Your Skin Breathe Taping up your fingers is fine if you want to continue climbing. video ---------- Although "Rock Climb" will have more than 100 videos (7 hours+ of content), the program How to tape finger tips. Jan 6, 2017 · Use tape to protect the skin on your hands from being roughed up or torn. He demonstrates steps like stretching skin before applying tape See full list on climbing. Yay more crack climbers! If you want some neat inspo- Girls Gone Wide puts out great videos, haha and a fun spotify playlist for pump Oct 18, 2024 · Learning how to crack climb is challenging, but it opens a whole new world, so it’s worth the effort! If you want to learn all about crack climbing, follow along, and I’ll show you the basics. I usually go about 16 to 18 inches and with this, I try and kind Crack climbing is an essential technique for most outdoor climbing. Aug 7, 2021 · The packaging that comes with this sticky tape from Metolius is useful in that it shows you how to tape up your hands for crack climbing in three easy-to-understand pictures. However, KT Tape is excellent for taping other injuries (such as the shoulder or knee). Jul 26, 2025 · Fingers are so vital, how to tape your hands for climbing appropriately. I've seen too many people make too many mistakes and waste too many days, taping their fingers the wrong way. Once you get home though, make sure you take the tape off, wash your hands thoroughly and apply some more cream if needed. Intermediate sizes require advanced techniques, often using several body parts in tandem as stacks, or applying leverage About this video: 4 types of hand/fist jams for crack climbing: ---------- Although "Rock Climb" will have more than 100 videos (7 hours+ of content), the program is designed to include maximum Jul 24, 2025 · Rock climbing is a fun activity for everyone, but it can be tough on your hands. Oct 12, 2019 · In this episode we go over one of the essential skills of crack climbing, taping your hands. By taping up your hands, you’ll be able to crack climb for longer. Vice versa for a right-leaning crack. If you are new to crack climbing then not taping your hands can be like climbing shoe-less but probably Tape gloves protect your hands when crack climbing. Learn climbing techniques to use on various crack sizes from hand jams to finger locks and stacking methods for wide crack climbs. More tape is better for wider cracks, whereas thinner cracks require less. Climbers when using a pulley support often tape their fingers using climbing tape for this purpose. Folks. You can use 1. Aug 20, 2021 · It’s our favorite tape with which to wrap crack climbing gloves because of its stickiness and ease of use. Climbers may use a combination of tape and gloves or specialized crack climbing tape to provide extra cushioning and prevent skin injuries. It’s among the stickier varieties in our test, which we appreciated — I wore the Metolius on one hand for a 12-pitch alpine crack climb, and at the end of the day the glove was fully intact. Whistler Core Climbing & Fitness Gym May 7, 2012 · Over six episodes the guys cover all widths of crack: Fingers, Hands, Fists and Offwidths as well as looking at the skills of gear placement and taping up. Repeat for your pinkie. Mt. When you’re crack climbing you instead wedge your hands and feet into the space in the crack to move upwards. Beth Rodden share how to tape for crack climbing in hand jams. wide athletic tape to make tape gloves. Recommend planning ahead and taping your hands before you trash them. CB: While I wouldn’t recommend KT Tape on the hands if you decide to continue training (it comes off too easily while climbing), I would suggest using climbing tape, as it is meant to be worn on the hands. Bunch the tape together where it passes around your finger. With the influx of climbing gyms and the popularity of sport climbing, original forms of climbing, like crack climbing, fall by the wayside a bit. Preparing your hands for a longer crack climbing session or a multi-pitch route makes sense. From placing/removing gear and proper belay techniques, to how to make an anchor and manage a stuck rope, Intro to Trad Climbing takes the guesswork out of exploring trad. Tear 5 full-length strips of tape, each 7-8 inches long (depending on the size of your hand). The method described below provides a durable glove which protects well, but it covers the palm, which may make face climbing a little more awkward. Without further ado, crack is back! Apr 30, 2024 · Taping for climbing gives your fingers support and helps to avoid skin issues, so this guide explains the most effective taping techniques. No matter your skill level, learning and honing the following skills will improve your chances of reaching the chains (without puking). My favorite thing A step by step how to tape your fingers, so you can keep on climbing. Dec 15, 2024 · To understand why rock climbers tape their wrists, it’s essential to first recognize how much stress the wrists endure during climbing. Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. Solely for crack climbing, prophylactic taping of the hands and The most extreme example of using tape to protect skin is in crack climbing, where you use tape to make a glove, almost like a boxer, to get protection from the rock. April 2011 Many crack climbers protect the backs of their hands with purpose-made crack gloves, or make their own from climbing tape. Choosing the right pair Taka shows Brenna how to tape hands for crack climbing. Follow these easy steps to make a pair. Today it's Tom's turn to teach us how to use finger locks and jams for How to Tape Hands for Crack Climbing: To tape your hands, wrap a strip of athletic tape around your palm and fingers. Personally, I don't tape up when climbing outside. How to use your hands, fingers and feet to ascend a crack climb. Solely for crack climbing, prophylactic taping of the hands and Sep 14, 2022 · Our Analysis of the Black Diamond Crack Gloves Say goodbye to tape gloves for good! Black Diamond’s CG are some of the best gloves we’ve seen for crack climbing to date. May 9, 2012 · Not Taping: Taping leads to sloppy crack technique. I'm a woman with small hands - not particularly sensitive skin but do bruise/cut easily. Aug 8, 2018 · Generally, I would suggest learning to crack climb without gloves at first, just to understand how your hands interact with the crack. Therefore Jun 7, 2024 · Ready to take your climbing skills to the next level? Learn the fundamentals of crack climbing in this comprehensive guide for beginners. Our climbing author Martin Hanke reveals the talent of taping. Often a good strategy on easier cracks is to use your hands to stabilize your body while you move your feet up. Excellent results guaranteed for One use only. However, a cheaper alternative for the recreational crack climber is to make your own tape gloves using a Crack Climbing Technique: Jamming Fingers in Rock Climbing and Bouldering https://rockclimb. . Making Tape Gloves Crack climbing frequently involves jamming flesh eating crevices. Luckily, healing your hands after climbing only requires some simple skincare tips, and treating wounds is easy with basic first-aid. Again. Cracks are usually protectable with traditional climbing gear. May 6, 2016 · Taping your hands for crack climbing is a skill that can make or break your crack climbing experience. In this lesson, Alex defines and demonstrates various crack climbing techniques for cracks of all shapes and sizes. In crack climbing, you often jam and twist your hands inside the rock cracks to get grip, so protecting the back of your hand and knuckles is important. The air will help dry out the wound a lot faster, so try to not keep your fingers or palm taped up for longer than necessary. Not only do they provide excellent hand protection, but they use incredibly breathable synthetic leather. Solely for crack climbing, prophylactic taping of the hands and May 13, 2019 · Do I really need to prepare my hands and fingers before crack climbing? Is it at all necessary? Think of taping hands and fingers for a crack climb as equally important as any other piece of gear, such as climbing shoes, chalks, rope etc. Although they do require elbow grease, the challenge also provides a satisfying reward. Made from the same sticky rubber as climbing shoes, they are designed to protect your hands from the harsh demands of crack climbing on coarse rock. I finally realized that it’s better to cup and twist (a good tape job helps with this). This method does How to make a reusable tape glove for crack climbing and insight on the pros and cons of pre-made gloves. Jun 27, 2016 · Tape gloves protect the outside of your hands and fingers while keeping your palms and fingertips free to grip rock. Using tape, you can make a glove, almost like a boxer, to prevent or minimize bleeding. Techniques that offer full hand protection are valuable in trad climbing. On harsh granite, such as that found at , where the routes are tall and sustained, a climber might well be advised to tape up or risk drawing more than a little blood. Jul 2, 2025 · Taping is both used both to prevent skin damage in the first place, such as when crack climbing, or (more often) to protect and heal existing damage. Use an Acupressure Ring May 13, 2019 · Do I really need to prepare my hands and fingers before crack climbing? Is it at all necessary? Think of taping hands and fingers for a crack climb as equally important as any other piece of gear, such as climbing shoes, chalks, rope etc. Over six episodes the guys cover all widths of crack: Fingers, Hands, Fists and Offwidths as well as looking at the skills of gear placement and taping up. This is a hands on class where you will have plenty of time to practice jamming cracks. T May 13, 2019 · Do I really need to prepare my hands and fingers before crack climbing? Is it at all necessary? Think of taping hands and fingers for a crack climb as equally important as any other piece of gear, such as climbing shoes, chalks, rope etc. Experiment while on top rope and enjoy the process and hopefully bleed less. They take 10 seconds to put on, I can throw them in a bag on multiptich and use them for specific pitches. A lot of crack climbing (and climbing in general) is using your feet to push you up rather than pulling only with your arms. com Aug 16, 2021 · A guide for using climbing finger tape. This means that if you lead with your left hand, you need to lead with your right foot. How to tape hands for crack climbingPlace 3 strips of tape across the back of your hand, overlapping each strip by about ¼". see title. Stop finger pain & save your skin. If you have basic crack climbing technique but are ready to go to the next level, you’re ready to learn how to climb a finger crack. These little wounds occur from excessive scraping between the skin and the rock, but the coarseness of the rock also increases the chance of injury. When you’re face climbing, you ascend the rock by pulling on holds like edges or jugs. Feb 2, 2024 · Do you seem to shred your hands crack climbing constantly? Or are you looking to get started crack climbing but don’t know what to buy to get started? Regardless, thinking about picking up a pair of crack climbing gloves is not a bad move – they prevent your hands from getting as torn up, can save you money on tape, and are way more convenient. If your hands are chapped or sore from your last climbing session, with the right care, you can be back to climbing in no Learn the concepts behind crack climbing movement. I climb on mostly rougher rock (granite) but I use them for nearly all crack climbing, even if there's only a couple of key jams. Then twist towards your pinky (clockwise for your right hand Nov 22, 2021 · Why do climbers use finger tape? The finger tape is used to stop skin tears when climbing cracks, or at the end of a bouldering session if the skin is painful or tender. Generally speaking, tape should be avoided to allow a climber to fine tune their crack technique. Mar 8, 2023 · Learn the basics of hand jamming for crack climbing in this article. Aug 18, 2023 · Here’s how to make thin, reusable tape gloves for crack climbing, using two neat tricks to make the job easier. Feb 23, 2020 · If you’ve ever left the crag at the end of a day of crack climbing with torn up hands, you understand how painful hand jams can be. These crack climbing gloves usually cover the back of your hand, have finger loops and a wrist strap, leaving the palm of your hand free. Trad climber Molly Mitchell admittedly takes a rather nonchalant approach to healing skin wounds. Aug 9, 2023 · Read More: How to Climb: Expert Advice for Mastering Finger Cracks Twister. Taping up your hands also gives you a bit of extra friction when you’re trying to jam smoother cracks. A Note about Taping Despite the mummified hands you see on climbers preparing for a three-pitch route in Yosemite Valley, taping is not Sep 12, 2023 · Crack climbing is a form of rock climbing in which the climber jams their body into cracks in the rock in order to ascend. These raised areas are particularly likely to rip. This makes them more than viable for extended use for climbers with sweaty hands looking for the best possible Subscribe to our channel for the latest training videos, climbing tutorials and more! In this video we review how to create tape gloves for crack climbing. Haha when I first learned was told, "it's supposed to hurt. May 13, 2019 · Do I really need to prepare my hands and fingers before crack climbing? Is it at all necessary? Think of taping hands and fingers for a crack climb as equally important as any other piece of gear, such as climbing shoes, chalks, rope etc. video ---------- Although "Rock Climb" will have more than 100 videos (7 hours+ of content), the program is designed to Aug 26, 2023 · Learn effective methods to protect your hands while crack climbing and prevent painful injuries. Make sure these vertical strips overlap the 3 horizontal strips from step #1 generously; there should be no gaps on the back of your hand. Starting on the back of your wrist, run a strip of tape up, around the base of your index finger, and back down to your wrist. Crack Camp Climbing Guide Sam Foreman provides tips for how to tape your hands, optimized for crack climbing, in Indian Creek. Firstly, skin protection, secondly, tendon and squirrel protection. For two great methods for taping your hands for crack climbing, check out Beth Rodden's video on how to tape your hands for crack climbing. Mar 19, 2025 · Discover the best climbing tape techniques for finger injuries, wrist support, and skin protection. Start each strip on the outside of your wrist, one inch below the bone. The bit where your fingers bend on the inside of your hand is a particularly at-risk area, since calluses are often smashed together because of pressure and movement. Oct 7, 2024 · After building a crack machine and learning that he couldn't climb it, one climber devised a step-by-step plan for improving his strength for cracks, with tips from expert crack climber Pete Whittaker. Even a light session could cause raw skin and sore muscles. Are you starting to experience a specific problem in your climbing? More pain in your fingers or finger pulleys? Wrist problems? Are you getting into crack climbing and hand jamming, where you would need a tape glove to protect the skin on the backs of your hands? Oct 24, 2016 · This technique is great for all-day crack climbing. We will show you how to make your very own tape gloves, and talk about the difference between crack climbing gloves and tape gloves. I see solid crack climbers hitting the gym crack without gloves all the time. Preventing injuries to your hands Taping helps prevent injuries whilst crack climbing May 13, 2019 · Do I really need to prepare my hands and fingers before crack climbing? Is it at all necessary? Think of taping hands and fingers for a crack climb as equally important as any other piece of gear, such as climbing shoes, chalks, rope etc. However, a cheaper alternative for the recreational crack climber is to make your own tape gloves using a May 13, 2019 · When crack climbing, taping prevents the risk of injury to stressed skin. These help protect your hands from the inevitable scrapes and let you jam a little harder in a crack. There are several really great options on the market, each one offering unique features depending on what types of cracks you climb and how frequently you might need to use the Aug 5, 2022 · A crack’s width determines the type of jam you’ll use, and gives you an approximate difficulty for the climb. Solely for crack climbing, prophylactic taping of the hands and Crack Climbing 101: Episode 1 Tape Gloves Anthony Johnson 707 subscribers Subscribed May 13, 2019 · Do I really need to prepare my hands and fingers before crack climbing? Is it at all necessary? Think of taping hands and fingers for a crack climb as equally important as any other piece of gear, such as climbing shoes, chalks, rope etc. Aug 5, 2013 · The intimidating world of wide cracks is often regarded as more work than fun. 5 in. Apr 7, 2025 · In crack climbing, you jam and twist your hands inside rock cracks to get grip, so the back of your hands and knuckles take a beating. Solely for crack climbing, prophylactic taping of the hands and In this course, we’ll cover all crack climbing techniques from fingertips to chimneys and everything in between. Fast forward to today and they are now an incredible asset for an outdoor climber whether you are training hand strength at home or sending El Cap. Here’s a handy video on how to tape your hands: Two Taping Techniques that every Climber needs to know! We discuss the Single Loop and Figure of Eight tapping methods - How to Apply the tape, the benefits and things to look out for! Aug 1, 2017 · Arc'teryx climbing athlete Nina Caprez on how she tapes her hands for crack climbing. Old-school masters taped their hands boxer-style, but today you can purchase specially designed gloves—or you can go with the Rocky Balboa look. While many crack climbers tape their hands to help protect them from the destructive forces of rock against skin, a number of different gear companies have come out with specialised crack climbing gloves to protect you on your adventures. From tape specifically designed for climbing to first aid tape that climbers have adopted over the years, you have a lot of options to choose from Jun 18, 2019 · The Wide Boyz are masters of crack climbing and this includes hand care. In this comprehensive rock climbing tutorial, we dive deep into the essential techniques of finger wrapping and hand taping to elevate your climbing game while minimizing the risk of injuries Nov 19, 2015 · The most extreme example of using tape to protect skin is in crack climbing, where you use tape to make a glove, almost like a boxer, to get protection from the rock. I’ve provided some resources to help you practice your jams, make tape gloves, and refine your techniques. Tape up and pull on a pair of canvas pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and some comfortable hightop Jun 27, 2018 · Crack climbing gloves used to be hard to find and seen as gimmicky. Start practicing and take your climbing skills to the next level! Mar 28, 2025 · Yes, crack climbing often requires specific taping techniques to protect the backs of the hands and knuckles from abrasion. It won't cover the palm of your hand, is relatively comfortable, and (with skillful application) is even reusable. To the point where I have to wait for the scabs to heal up every two weeks before I can have another go at the route. However, if the rock is sharp or overly rough, or you are climbing a very long route, tape gloves will make your experience a little better. Woodson, San Diego, CA. I use Black Diamond crack gloves and I love them. Whether you’re crack climbing or nursing an injury, climbing tape protects your hands (and feet!). Gloves Some climbing companies make rubber gloves for crack climbing. Whether you are a seasoned climber or getting ready for your first crack, protecting Feb 3, 2022 · If your skin starts to crack or bleed, stop climbing and immediately clean your hands to prevent infection. Tutorial on how I make reusable crack climbing gloves using tape. May 13, 2019 · When crack climbing, taping prevents the risk of injury to stressed skin. A tiny tool that does huge things, it’s something you always want to have in your pack at the crag or the gym. However, when I'm in the gym, the crack shreds the back of my hands up. He demonstrates steps like stretching skin before applying tape, wrapping tape two to three times around the palm, and taping past the wrists. With your finger slightly bent, starting halfway between the first two joints, run a ¼" wide strip of tape vertically, around the tip, and back down the same distance on the other side of your finger. Stay injury-free and climb stronger with the right tape. Oct 1, 2020 · Climbing tape is sticky business. You can also tape your wrists, fingers, and ankles as needed to protect them from abrasion. All things on how to use tape for climbing: fingers, hands, wrists, A2 pulleys & more! Tape your hands: Even with the best technique, if you're doing lots of crack climbing, you're going to get scraped up. Solely for crack climbing, prophylactic taping of the hands and Jun 5, 2023 · Tape gloves on hand cracks, finger tape on thinner cracks, and good technique where hands don’t thrutch inside the crack can help prevent gobies. More info http://www. Solely for crack climbing, prophylactic taping of the hands and May 13, 2019 · When crack climbing, taping prevents the risk of injury to stressed skin. Rubber gloves are useful if you plan to do a lot of crack climbing. How To Tapes Your Hands for Rock Climbing and Bouldering https://rockclimb. Make sure to apply antibiotic ointment then a band aid over the area and climbing tape over the top. Mar 2, 2022 · Ever wondered how to tape your hands for a crack climb? #rock #climbing #rockclimbing #climb #graniteclimbing #climbingpicturesofinstagram | By Golden Mountain Guides | Taping up is a good way to keep your hands safe while crack climbing. If the crack leans left, lead with your left hand (thumb-down) and follow with the right hand (thumb-up). Make sure to cover all of the exposed skin. Find out proper taping techniques, how to use crack gloves, care for them, and explore alternative options. Like most climbers, I cupped my hands in wide cracks, but this was often insecure and painful. Enjoy! Crack gloves & tape save your hands a fair bit on real rocks, but I just accept the forearm and knee/ thigh (even through thick pants) thrashing. Make sure the top strip covers your knuckles. A good crack climber should not need to tape up their hands. Find out about perfect hand jams, thumb-up or thumb-down techniques, and more. Mar 23, 2017 · Tape That Sh*t Up. eighg hvugv yxd xtmvme annmapo kdyo aelzid uhk eiunhl zvqrh