How to climb without a partner

At Climb Fit, one of the most common questions we are asked is; "Can I come climbing if I'm on my own?"

We know it can be tough to coordinate your schedule with your mates, or maybe climbing just isn't their scene. That doesn't mean that YOU can't get your climbing fix!

In this article, we share our top 10 ways you can keep the climbing stoke high.

Yes and No.

If you can bring a friend along, then you will be able to climb a bigger range of things when you come to visit. This is because you will have someone to belay (hold the ropes) for you and you will be able to climb our top rope routes in addition to our bouldering (which can be done solo). If you're new, we teach you to belay on your first visit and then you will be able to climb all of the things.

However, if you don't have a belay buddy or they're busy and you want to climb NOW, you just need to get a little creative.

Think of running on a treadmill at the gym - this is the climber's equivalent. 

An auto-belay is a mechanical device used in climbing gyms to provide a controlled descent for climbers during top-rope climbing without a human belayer. Auto-belays are a fantastic option, especially for solo climbers or those looking to get some climbing practice in when a belaying partner isn't available. They offer independence, convenience, and the opportunity to challenge oneself without relying on a belay partner, making climbing accessible to climbers of all skill levels and schedules.

Learn more about the technology behind our TRUBLUE Auto-belays here. 

Traversing is a climbing technique that's a true endurance game-changer. It's also an excellent way to refine your footwork and improve your overall climbing technique. Plus, if you're not great with heights, this is the perfect option for you.

Instead of heading straight up a vertical wall, you'll move horizontally. As long as you stay low, you will just need your climbing shoes. Traversing is a great option if you come during off-peak times as it can get a little tricky when our top rope walls are busy. Set yourself a challenge by starting at one end of the gym and seeing how far you can get before you need to step down. 

Meet the Kilter board and Moon board - gamification of climbing at its best. Simply download the app, select your climb and watch the holds light up before you. Climbers from all around the world can share problems, plus you can even create your own.

With a grid of holds that can be rearranged and customised, you have access to a limitless array of boulder problems to solve. It's like having a climbing puzzle that's always changing and adapting to your skill level.

For solo climbers, the Kilter board and Moon board are a dream come true.

At Climb Fit St Leonards, we have a Moon board. Download the Moon Board app here.
At Climb Fit Kirrawee we have a 12 x 12 Kilter board.
At Climb Fit Macquarie we have a fully adjustable, 12 x 12 Kilter board. Download the Kilter Board app here.

Bouldering involves tackling shorter routes, or "problems," on a wall that is usually 3 - 5m tall, without the need for ropes or harnesses. There are mats underneath you for safety and it's suitable for all levels of climber - plus, it's very Instagramable.

If you're looking to make new friends, the bouldering area in a gym is always a buzzing hub of camaraderie and support. Even if you arrive alone, you'll find yourself trading tips, sharing beta, and high-5 ing fellow climbers. There's something special about the bouldering community that makes everyone feel like part of the family.

Just grab your climbing shoes and chalk, and our staff can run you through some safety basics if it's your first visit.

If you're keen to dive deeper, we have a huge range of resources available online. Check out our Bouldering for Beginners video on YouTube with over 300k views. Or flick through our other blogs about bouldering from how to tackle overhangs, to how to conquer your fears and gain confidence in bouldering.

Our gym is one of the things that sets us apart from other climbing facilities. We're #notjustaclimbinggym.

Strength and conditioning workouts can significantly improve your climbing performance by building core strength, finger strength, and endurance.
Whilst a cardio-based session will help with stamina, cardiovascular health and energy levels.
Adding in a mobility and flexibility element - such as a yoga class or spending some time with a foam roller, will significantly improve your movement on the wall and help reduce your chance of injury.

If you don't feel confident about putting together your own workout or need some more motivation, join one of our group fitness classes.

Hang boarding is a secret weapon in the arsenal of climbers aiming to level up their game. If you have a few months of climbing experience under your belt, now might be the time to level up. It's like a climbing-specific gym for your fingers, wrists, and forearms. The concept is simple but potent: hang from a small edge or hold on a hang board for short intervals, targeting finger strength and grip endurance. This kind of training can be intense, but it is incredibly effective for climbers of moderate to advanced levels.

Don’t be fooled - even a short hang board session can be a huge workout, especially relative to the size of the muscles you’re training, and especially relative to the complexity of the hands, wrists, forearms, and the connective tissue that holds it all together.

Here’s a good mantra to remember:

‘We want to do the least amount of work needed to stimulate the adaptations that make us stronger’.

In other words - don’t overdo it.

For those new to the hang board, read here.

For those who want to go deeper into the science 🤓, check out this article

For climbers looking to elevate their skills, booking a private coaching session or joining one of our group clinics can be a game-changer. 

Private coaching sessions are all about you. You'll work one-on-one with a climbing coach who will assess your strengths, pinpoint areas for improvement, and design a custom training plan to help you reach your climbing goals. This is our suggestion if you want to fast-track your progress. You can find the instructor who suits you best - just check out our private coaching page.

Group sessions are great for solo climbers who are looking to connect with others, and learn new skills in a fun and dynamic environment. We cover classes from the basics to learning how to lead climb. Check out What's On at your nearest Climb Fit location.

Put your name down on our climbing partners list. This can be found at each Climb Fit location on the notice board.

We're a friendly bunch here at Climb Fit - so come say hi! Our staff are your first point of contact if you're coming in on your own. We always have stories to tell, tips to share and we make a mean coffee. We can introduce you to other awesome humans who might also want to buddy up. 

Just get yourself in here - we'll help you get started.