If you're an avid indoor climber, you may have heard the term "brush your holds" before. But what does it mean and why is it important? In this article, we will discuss the importance of brushing your holds when climbing indoors.
Reasons to brush your holds
First and foremost, brushing your holds helps to maintain the integrity of the climbing surface. Over time, chalk, sweat, and dirt can accumulate on holds, making them slippery and reducing their friction. This can make it more difficult to grip the hold, increasing the risk of slipping off and falling. By regularly brushing holds, you help to remove these contaminants, restoring the friction to the hold and making it easier to grip.
In addition to improving friction, brushing your holds can also help to increase the lifespan of the holds themselves. When holds are dirty and full of debris, it can cause wear and tear, leading to chips and other damage. Brushing helps to minimize this wear and tear, ensuring that your holds last longer and maintain their shape.
Increasing Safety in Bouldering
Another reason to brush your holds is for safety reasons. Climbing holds can often be made of plastic or other materials that can become brittle over time. When holds are dirty and covered in chalk, they can degrade even faster, increasing the risk of holds breaking or cracking. By brushing your holds and keeping them clean, you help to ensure that they remain strong and safe to use.
Good Bouldering Etiquette
Lastly, brushing your holds is simply good etiquette. When you climb at a gym or indoor facility, you're sharing the space with other climbers. By keeping your holds clean, you help to ensure that others are able to enjoy the same high-quality climbing experience that you do. It's important to be considerate of others and do your part to maintain the facilities you use.
In conclusion, brushing your holds is an essential part of indoor bouldering. By maintaining the integrity of the climbing surface and increasing the lifespan of your holds, brushing helps to improve both safety and enjoyment while climbing. So, the next time you head to the gym, be sure to bring a brush and make brushing your holds a regular part of your routine.
