Gaston - This is a hold where your hand pulls away from your body, requiring a twisting motion. It's often used on routes with less steep angles and requires a lot of shoulder strength.

Pinch holds are a type of hold that require a combination of finger strength, technique, and body positioning to use effectively. As a rock climber, incorporating pinch holds into your training routine can help you improve your grip strength and prepare for more challenging routes.

To use a pinch hold, you grip the hold from the sides using your thumb and fingers, similar to holding a dinner plate. Pinch holds are often used on routes with less steep angles and require a lot of finger strength. To use them effectively, you need to engage your shoulder and upper back muscles to stabilize your body as you grip the hold.

One way to train the pinch hold is to use a pinch block or hangboard, which is a training tool specifically designed to improve pinch grip strength. To use a pinch block or hangboard, place your fingers on one side of the hold and your thumb on the other, and then hang for a set amount of time.

Here are five tips to better use the pinch hold:

1. Use your body position to your advantage.

2. Engage your core.

3. Use your thumb.

4. Practice open-hand grip strength exercises.

5. Incorporate pinch holds into your training

Hand Holds: The Crimp

Get a Grip: The Jug Hold Technique for Rock Climbing Success

Warming Up for Climbing

The Red Rock Climbing crew had an epic day in Musquodoboit Harbour with a small team of three. They tried new techniques like lead belay and anchor tear down. They enjoyed their first experience with slab climbing and got to try really hard. They had a blast and stopped at Dairy Queen on the way back. If you're looking for an adventure and to learn new skills, join Red Rock Climbing for a memorable experience!

On May 20th, the Red Rock Climbing Wall crew set out on another adventure, eager to conquer some new stones.

Everyone starts somewhere...For me, it was 12 years ago in Squamish, British Columbia, when my younger brother Luke convinced me to try rock climbing.