This morning I was browsing the internet reading various articles on training for climbing, and I quickly came to realize that no one out there is stressing the importance of training technically for climbing. All the emphasis is on the physical side of training. I am included in that group! I always write about physical training, but rarely do I stress the importance of technical training. While it is a routine part of my weekly schedule, I always forget to teach that principle to others. So I wanted to write this morning to suggest adding the following things to your weekly routine:

1. Choose the top 3 things that you need to work on when it comes to technical aspects of climbing (knots, anchor building, rescuing, etc)
2. Buy a book or two that will teach you these specific skills
3. Study the books, and practice at least twice a week so that you could perform these tasks “with your eyes closed.”
4. Take the opportunity to teach someone else something about what you learned. Teaching others helps you to retain what you learn.

I have found it to be so true that if I let a skill I once had go un-practiced, that I will quickly become rusty and forget it. So make sure you stay on top of your technical game as well!

While I am on the topic of training, take some time to check out the updates we’ve made to our rock climbing guide training program.