So, you’ve walked into an indoor climbing gym, with nothing but hopes and dreams, and realised you’re less like Spider-Man and more like his Uncle Ben.

The good news is: basic climbing techniques are simple to pick up (if difficult to truly master). We’re here to set you up with the basics.

Bouldering isn’t just about pulling yourself up a wall with brute force, it’s about finesse, technique, and a little creativity. If you master the basics, you’ll climb smarter, not harder…just like a pro. So here’s everything you need to know:

1. Footwork: Precision Beats Power

Strong legs are your secret weapon in climbing, and it all starts with your feet. Think of your climbing shoes as precision instruments (even if they feel a bit tight right now).

  • Toe Placement: Place the tip of your shoe on the foothold, not your arch or heel. Smaller holds? All the more reason to stay precise.
  • Silent Feet: Aim for smooth, quiet foot placements. Loud stomps usually mean wasted energy and shaky balance.

The Climbing Hangar’s Magic Moves circuit includes climbs that teach you how to shift your weight and perfect your foot placements while you’re on the wall.

A climber being precise with his footwork on a climbing wall

2. Balance: Dance with the Wall

Bouldering isn’t about fighting gravity, it’s about working with it. To stay balanced:

  • Keep Your Hips Close: Your centre of gravity is key. The closer your hips are to the wall, the easier it is to maintain balance.
  • Use Your Legs to Push: Instead of pulling yourself up with your arms, drive with your legs. Your arms will thank you later.

The Magic Moves circuit includes a climb focused on mastering the “rock over” technique, where you learn to shift your weight smoothly to maintain balance.

Two girls balancing on a climbing wall

3. Hand Holds: Grip with Intention

When it comes to handholds, it’s not just about how hard you can grip, it’s about how you grip.

  • Open Hand vs. Crimp: Use an open-hand grip (fingers slightly bent) for larger holds to protect your fingers, and save the crimp (bent knuckles) for smaller, more demanding holds.
  • Push and Pull: Think of climbing as pushing against holds with your feet and pulling yourself into the wall with your hands.

If this feels overwhelming, don’t worry. The free coach-led introduction that’s available to every newcomer at The Climbing Hangar will walk you through the basics of holds and grips, so you’ll feel confident hitting the wall.

A man pulling onto a climbing wall

4. Body Position: It’s All About Angles

Good climbing is all about using your body effectively. A few quick tips:

  • Twist Instead of Reach: Keep your body sideways to the wall when reaching for holds, this gives you more range of motion and keeps your balance in check.
  • Flagging: Need extra stability? Stick a leg out to counterbalance your weight.

New climbers at The Climbing Hangar can try the flagging technique on Magic Moves climbs designed to introduce this simple but game-changing skill.

A woman on a climbing wall, with a group of friends watching below

5. Problem Solving: Climb with Your Brain

Bouldering is like solving a puzzle, every wall is a challenge waiting to be figured out. Before you even start climbing:

  • Read the Route: Look at the holds, think about the moves, and plan your path.
  • Adapt as You Go: Things won’t always go to plan. Stay flexible and try new approaches if you get stuck.

The Magic Moves circuit is a perfect introduction to route reading and experimenting with different techniques. Plus, it’s a lot more fun to learn while climbing than standing around and thinking about it.

A woman on a climbing wall

Find Your Flow at The Climbing Hangar

Whether you’re here for your first climb or chasing your next big project, The Climbing Hangar has everything you need to grow. We love helping beginners discover the joy of climbing, which is why we offer a short induction to every new climber.

Our Magic Moves circuit makes learning accessible, fun, and hands-on, so you can master the basics while actually climbing, not just watching someone else. And if you’re ready to take it further, our climbs cater to every level, from easy and approachable to seriously challenging.

So, what are you waiting for? Get on the wall and start your climbing journey today.