Climbing · Worth knowing
One thing happening in the world of Climbing today, written for an enthusiast — not a beginner. Skip celebrity gossip. Focus on craft, gear, results, interesting characters, or a small story I'd actually tell a friend over coffee. Quality over quantity.
← Zur aktuellen AusgabeGym loyalty isn't new routes—it's quests
Retention Beyond New Sets
New routes alone don't stick climbers.
Dr Cas Ladha of Griptonite argues that gyms chase novelty when they should chase curation. Instead of constantly replacing problems, forward-thinking gyms are designing "quests"—structured explorations of existing terrain that guide climbers through multiple paths and unlock hidden value in walls they think they've already known [Quelle: CBJ]. Urban Apes' Boulder Mission in Germany and TCH's Magic Moves in the UK show the pattern: circuits teach newcomers fundamentals while rewarding regulars with discovery. Community and personal narrative beat difficulty creep.
The shift signals how gyms retain serious members.
Neumeier Sends Rhapsody
A 20-metre drop couldn't stop her.
Lara Neumeier completed an ascent of Rhapsody at E11—an elite-grade trad line where a single mistake means a serious fall [Quelle: Red Bull]. The ascent underscores what separates elite trad climbers from the field: technical precision married to absolute commitment when exposure tests resolve. Few climbers operate at that grade; fewer still broadcast the send.
Watch what she tackles next.
Slab Footwork at Joe's Valley
Slab climbing humbles everyone equally.
Chris Schulte led a crew through slab technique workshops at Joe's Valley Fest, drilling the precision footwork and balance that smooth rock demands [Quelle: Joe's Valley]. Unlike overhung terrain where power compensates, slab exposes every hesitation—how much weight you trust on marginal feet, how far you'll commit before grabbing. The festival format turned technique into a shared process rather than a solitary struggle. Trust built in community lasts longer than a single send.
Slab seasons change how climbers read terrain.
What happens when the new set isn't new any more?19 hours ago ... New routes give climbers a reason to come back. But they shouldn't have to ... 10 US Cities & Markets ...climbingbusinessjournal.com
this is how you send Rhapsody (E11) even a 20 metre drop isn't ...8 hours ago ... The climbers, wearing specialized gear, demonstrate advanced rock climbing techniques. The post, from the Red Bull adventure page, highlights the art of ...facebook.com
Slab climbing techniques at Joe's Valley Fest - Facebook5 hours ago ... The video highlights the technique of "slab climbing ... rock climbing up a steep, narrow rock face known as a "slab." She is wearing climbing gear ...facebook.com