Climbing can be rough on your hands, and the more battered they are the harder it is to crush. With autumn kicking in and winter hot on its heels, keep your climber’s hands clean and cared for - without loosing those calluses. 

Wash your hands

At the start and end of every session, wash your hands. Not only does it prevent sickness from spreading (and let’s face it, this is the season of sniffles and raging coughs) but it’ll make your chalk more effective and keep your skin in better nick. 

Ever wondered how to make the most of your climbing chalk? Here are our top tips for ensuring you’re getting the most out of your chalk. 

1. You need less than you think 

The temptation is always to grab as much chalk as you can, and certainly you do see some climbers wandering about with hands like a French mime. But in reality, a little goes a long way. Like all things with climbing, efficiency is what you’re looking for here. By only using exactly what you need, you’ll find your chalk will last longer.

We've all been there, comparing self worth or ability against a climbing grade. Anoushé Husain explores these thoughts and motivations in her latest article. 

What do you feel when you look at the grade of a wall? How much do you assess yourself against that number?
 

When you start a new sport and have an endless stream of motivation, it’s hard to imagine the psyche will ever run out. Down the line, most climbers will recognise it’s common to have the odd motivational slump. Fear not, in this instalment, Anoushé provides us with her top tips to tackle the times when motivation runs low. 

Photo: Ben Grubb