Board Climbing 101 - Episode 1

"Training for climbing can be as simple or complex as you’d like to make it. But the chances are, if you want to climb harder Boulder Problems outside, you need to get stronger. Board Climbing is perhaps the best specific form of training for Bouldering on rock. I’ve trained on various boards since I started climbing, and can honestly say that without them, I wouldn’t be the climber I am today. I’ve been able to set myself specific challenges, all while focussing on big elements of importance such as finger strength, body strength, and tension. Board Climbing forces developments in these three areas substantially. I’ve utilised the thousands of problems available on a Moon Board, and more recently made my own home board to tackle some weaknesses. Each board is unique, and they all have their benefits! However, it is still possible to build a tool that’s not suited for your needs, and to use a well suited tool incorrectly. So I thought it would be useful for anyone out there thinking about board climbing, to see some of the key benefits and decisions that need to be made in order to make full use of these amazing tools. Part 1 looks at the choice of angle, setup, handholds and footholds for the board. Part 2 will follow, and focus on the practical use of the board, with tips on setting warm ups, circuits of problems and focussing on specific areas. Hope it’s useful!"