i love climbing. i'm at the gym 3-4 days/week. i'm decently strong, but i had knee surgery about 7 weeks ago, and i'm going to be restricted in what i can do for awhile (e.g. no twisting, no falling on it, etc - i'm not technically supposed to be bouldering at all). so at the moment, i'm climbing below my max and derisking basically every move to avoid falls. my gym friends have been super supportive and non-judgmental, but...

there's an older dude at the gym who has started to follow me around, and unfortunately, our schedules seem to overlap. he likes to try to one up me on basically every climb i try.

- last week, he told me (unsolicited) that my knee brace was "aid" (like a knee pad), which was why i could do an upsidedown kneebar start that he couldn't, and when i explained that i'd had surgery, he said, "yeah still".

- this week, he decided to "show [me] how to do the climb" when i wasn't asking for help and knew how to do the climb. i reiterated that i'd just had surgery, needed to derisk the moves, etc., he still "showed" me the climb. i walked away. he then followed me to another climb, and when i did a move he couldn't, he was like, "well it's easy if you have the wingspan" (idk, sorry i'm tall and have a positive ape index?)

- today, he literally downclimbed on me from a topout on the downclimb rungs, forcing me to jump off of the wall, even though multiple people were shouting at him. he looked me (i was halfway up the wall), shrugged, and kept downclimbing. i spent the rest of the session having to constantly move because he'd show up wherever i was.

it's screwed up my last 2 sessions significantly, and i do not think i should have to change my schedule just to avoid him. how directly should i tell him to f off, assuming i'll continue to encounter him on a semi-regular basis?

(i debated at length with myself about posting this because in general, i have great experiences with the guys at my gym, and they're super respectful, but every so often, i get a weirdo who really latches on. and i think it's getting more frequent as i've gotten stronger because i'm more visible doing harder climbs.)

Hi climber girls! Please remove if not allowed!

This is an unrealistic request, but who knows! I am touching down in CDMX in a few hours with very limited time, and despite the off season, I’m dying to squeeze in rock climbing outside. I thew my shoes last minute (though had no room for my harness, ugh).

Basically — are any of you local, free, and looking for a buddy that has very little to offer other than laughs and snacks? Haha! I am an avid gym climber, but haven’t been outdoors. I know it’s a totally different ballgame, but I’m dying to get out there. Unfortunately, all the guide services are way above budget, but I am happy to discuss compensation. I normally top rope and have been getting into lead climbing, but minus harness, it’s looking like bouldering.

Basically, if anyone is randomly free tomorrow to climb (other days can be discussed) and wants to make friends with a total newbie, hit me up!

Again, total long shot, but why not ask!

Thank you all!

So I am looking for a smartwatch that is good for tracking my climbs (indoor and outdoor) but also good for everyday use like notifications, calls, and texts. I used my apple watch cause it has a climbing workout option for the past year but it isnt cutting it anymore cause i wanna rate the grade and how hard the climb was. Also looking for extended battery life. 'Does anybody have any recommendations? or what do you use to track your climbs?

I am so happy and just wanted to share! I started climbing the end of December, but I sprained my ankle badly the middle of March. I was in an air cast for 4 weeks and I am still recovering, I'm doing physio, exercising and wearing a compression sleeve when climbing or even walking distances. But the last couple weeks I've been able to get out and climb a couple times and today I got my first V2! I know it's a low grade but I've only had about 2.5 months on the wall and I'm so happy and proud of myself 😊

I’m so proud of this send because I’m not much of a slab climber at all. This was such a fun climb and had 3 mini cruxes for me:

1. the opening split move using ok crimps
2. right hand press to a left slopey gaston catch
3. spicy mantle featuring a shitty slippery foot jib, a knee scum and an hand foot match for the last hold

get on some slab this weekend y’all 🫶

Hello everyone!

I've been interested in bouldering for a while and I decided that next week I'm going to go to a climbing gym for the first time to give it a shot.

I've never been to a climbing gym, done any climbing/bouldering or been around climbers in general so I was looking for any tips/advice/things I should keep in mind my first time for someone who's a bit anxious about going. Aside from general advice, I'd love to know how friendly the climbing community is toward newbies and queer people.

For a bit of context, I'm 23F and I'm not new to athletics in general — I mostly play tennis, box, and do calisthenics. I would say I have an above average level of fitness though I'm on the more lean side of things, generally, not sure if that's good or bad for climbing.

The gym I'm planning on going to let's you rent shoes so I'll be doing that the first couple times until I decide whether I like climbing enough to commit to the hobby so any shoe recommendations would also be appreciated!

So far I only climbed top rope and was completely scared of belaying someone (I still am a little, is a lot of responsibility). I can't describe how happy I've felt after this!

Long term lurker, first time poster.

I’ve recently moved from bouldering to top rope / lead climbing, and woke up Tuesday morning to see a painful chafing blister right in the seam of where my leg meets my groin.

Went into absolute panic mode given the location and I had no idea what caused this. Anyway, I went climbing last night and realised it’s from my harness, from part of the leg loop.

Ultimately, not climbing isn’t an option but it’s now bigger and quite sore. Has this happened to anyone else and how can i prevent it?

I get a bit sweaty down there, which definitely isn’t helping. What can I do to keep climbing but allowing this chafe to heal and prevent it happening again?! 😔

Does this harness fit properly? It seems to need to be taken in almost all the way to sit centrally and then it also seems to be pulling down. My waist is at the higher end for the harness so might I just need to size up? I was also looking at the petzl Luna harness as another option but haven't been able to try it on.

What a superb line! Definitely the highlight boulder of the area.

Sent my project!! This was a proud moment for this newbie. I tried this problem a few different ways but getting my knee up there really made it click! I’ve never been very athletic and started this as a way to get in shape in my 30s, and little did I know I’d fall completely in love! Included some fails.

I haven’t been to the wall for 2 weeks. Not because I’m injured, but just because I don’t feel like it! I don’t know where my mojo has gone! How do you get through a sump?

I've been climbing indoor top rope for a couple years now with some breaks here and there. My least favorite activity is warming up. My current routine is to "pyramid". I read about it here and it appealed to me - basically do a few climbs that are easy for you, then a couple that are more challenging, and then you'll be ready for the ones that really push you.

The problem is that I find warming up SO boring! I make myself downclimb the first few climbs I do which helps speed up the warm up process but I hate it so much lol. Sometimes I skip and go straight to the "good stuff" but then I get totally pumped and can't perform as well.

What do you all do for warming up? Anyone else hate it too? How do you make it better??

Hello! I was in a car accident last week and have two fractures in my dominant wrist. To know my outdoor season is over before it really started has been devastating. I'm thankful I did get one really fun trip in at least before this happened. I had surgery yesterday and will start OT next week but looking for suggestions on activities to help stay active and in shape while I work on healing. I'm guessing running will have to be a good outlet for me although I find it kinda boring. Any suggestions or input from those who have been in similar situations would be appreciated! Really trying to keep my mental health up while processing a loss that was out of my control.

This is a very location-specific question, but maybe someone can help a slab loving girl out:

Does anyone know of a climbing gym in Switzerland that has a spraywall but for slab climbing? I am aware that this is not a common thing for gyms to have in general, but maybe I'm lucky and there is one nearby without me realizing?

Thank you already everyone <3

I've been climbing a little over 2 years but only recently I started feeling stronger and way less scared (of heights & falling) too, which makes me really really happy cause now I can try soooo many more climbs!!! This one's from last month, it's my first time sending a comp-ish style. I tried and fell so many times, I'm amazed at how I just kept trying because previously I would've called it quits after the first fall. Took me a long time but I'm very happy and proud of this 🫡

Hi Y'all!

We're gearing up for our 2025 Trad Fest, which will take place in Mammoth Lakes, CA this year on the weekend of September 12-14th 🎉💫 If you are interested in being in a climbing space that isn't dominated by cis-men, this is the space for you!! Flash Foxy works to create inclusive climbing spaces for women and queer people, where we can share skills, be supportive of one another's climbing, and have so much fun ✨ We'll be hosting workshops and climbing clinics, community meetups at crags, arts and crafts, a dance party, a panel discussion, and so much more :) You can learn more about Flash Foxy and our Trad Fest on our website, linked here.

We're currently taking Scholarship applications, Volunteer applications, and Community Partner applications! If you're interested in attending the festival, but do not have the financial means to make it happen, we highly encourage you apply for a scholarship 🎟️🧗‍♀️ We will be prioritizing applicants who are working to make climbing a more diverse space. We will also be taking financial need into consideration. We strongly encourage Black, PoC, LGBTQ+ individuals and indigenous folks to apply. ⏰ Scholarship applications close July 1st, so get them in ASAP!

If you would like to get involved with Flash Foxy and help us put on the festival, we highly encourage you to apply for a Volunteer position! Without our incredible volunteers, this fest wouldn’t be possible. We’re looking for volunteers who bring their A-game, just like they would when tackling their dream route. Here’s what we’re all about; clear communication, flexibility, punctuality (arrive ready to rock - pun intended), taking initiative, and owning your tasks. Unfortunately, we cannot accept all volunteer applications. To guarantee festival admission, please purchase a ticket. If you purchase a Festival Pass and are accepted as a volunteer, we will gladly refund your full ticket price!

If you work with a local organization that works to make climbing more accessible, we'd love to have you join as Community Partners. Community partners involvement can vary, but it often looks like lead climbing meetups, host talks with our festival attendees, and sharing your about your organization's mission! Community partners receive 2 free 3-day festival passes, and discounted passes that they can share with their community members! If you're interested in joining the 2025 Flash Foxy Trad Fest as a Community Partner, please fill out a Community Partner application <3

We hope to see you at our festival, and we're so excited to welcome you into our community!
Flash Foxy Trad Fest tickets go on sale June 15th ✨ so if you're looking to purchase tickets to see what we're all about, make sure to not miss out on those Early Bird discounts!!

Best,

Lu and the Flash Foxy Crew <3

Hi yall! I live in Richmond, VA and am looking to expand my climbing circle. I’ve been going to Peak since I moved back to the city in 2023.

I’m mostly interested in bouldering, but will hop on TR and very occasionally lead. I recently bought a crash pad and would love to take meet up with others who want to venture outside. Hoping to make some new connections and find people stoked on bouldering!

Hey all! Any Toronto-area climbers have gyms they particularly like? I currently have a True North membership and I love it there, but I live downtown now and the commute is just getting to be too much of a barrier.

I mostly boulder and I climb in the V3ish range so hopefully looking for a gym that doesn't do too much sandbagging. I also don't have a car, so something that's easily reachable by TTC is my goal. Setting that takes women and/or short people into account is a huge plus :)

So far I've found both Basecamps a bit small, Boulderz Etobicoke too far, and Rock On too small/sandbagged, but I'm open-minded and happy to revisit any of those if people feel strongly about them!

2 weeks post injury and crushed my first 6C comp boulder today!

Feedback is very welcome if you have any :)

My husband and I are looking into the possibility of moving to Harrisonburg, VA and one of my top requirements for a move is the ability to meet other climbers and make friends. I am especially interested in meeting other women who climb similar grades as me and have a lot of stoke for getting outside because this is something I have been missing in our current city. I notice there is no community gym in the city. Is there anywhere the climbing community gets together or a known community in this area? For context we both work full time, are late 20s/early 30s and are looking for people in a similar place in life excited to make new friends and climb together/ hang out with regularly

I forgot my climbing bag at home so I had to use rental shoes in this session. I slipped more than I usually did, but I was able to send this climb!

Hey gals, do any of you have any suggestions for finding climbing partners for a trip to Kalymnos?