Help with the rock climbing wall

[aunursa]

Last year I tried to climb the rock wall three times, but my hands got too slippery and I kept losing my grip. Any suggestions?

[Rich10782]

climb faster

[thtalks]

A pair of gloves may help.

[aunursa]

Originally Posted by thtalks

A pair of gloves may help.

Is there a particular type or brand of gloves that you would recommend?

[dirtgirl]

They should have chalk there - ask them.

[thtalks]

I'd try a sporting goods store. Tell them what you intend to do & I'm certain someone will try and assist you. Happy cruising!

[mamacat3]

Use your legs to climb - not your arms. It is much easier. Good luck!!

[mamasue]

Rubber gloves???

[SB9]

Originally Posted by mamacat3

Use your legs to climb - not your arms. It is much easier. Good luck!!

This.
I missed trying the rock wall on my last cruise and will not miss it the next time around (less then 3 weeks). You always want 3 points (hands / feet) touching the wall at all times. Use your legs to push up rather then your hands to pull up. Don't rush it but at the same time don't stay in one spot to long as you will fatigue faster. Try and have a plan of attack when going up as well, but most of all have fun!

[carhirer]

Unfortunately the "grips" are covered in suncream and sweat!

The key is to flatten yourself against the wall and push with your legs and rely on The Man taking up the slack with the rope immediately. So you do not rely on your hands.

Easier said than done! (i failed miserably)

[Jods00]

you may want to bring a small bottle of baby powder, in case they dont have chalk there. The baby power may help a little.

[Mingus]

Originally Posted by dirtgirl

They should have chalk there - ask them.

The Mariner had a chalk bag at the middle of the landing.....nobody mentioned it was there and I didn't notice until after climbing

[aunursa]

Thanks for all the tips.

Last time I did remember to use my legs and keep three points touching the wall. I was able to make it up the first time with great effort, but my sweaty palms didn't allow me a chance in subsequent attempts.

[tmann4]

Last week I was on the FOS and they had a chalk bag you could use. helps when you first start, but when you are half way up, it doesn't help. Most climbers have a small bag they hang on their belt. I climbed last week and it was about 90 degrees and I was sweating. Didn't help. I used the chalk and it helped a lot. Good luck. It is fun.

[Rancher Dave]

Ask where the chalk is, chalk hands liberally. Keep close to the wall and climb steady...lots of start and stop seems to make it harder...when I go faster I can keep the momentum going to make it easier to ring that bell.

The other hazard I have run into, the hand grips can get really hot at times. The time I noticed it worst, without getting to ship and date, wall was closed, manager of that area opened it for me to climb and give feedback on if they were still too hot to climb...when I got back down, I said keep it closed...had a blister on one hand and honestly it was one of my fastest climbs because it was hot on that wall...no need to dwell on the view.

[dcassese]

5.11 climber here.

Do NOT use gloves...they will not help at all.

The above posters nailed it with the chalk idea. Last time I was on the RCCL wall I brought my own chalk...but I noticed that they did have a chalk bag strapped to the rails by the belayers (guys holding the ropes). If you ask nicely they'll even let you strap the bag to your back and take it up with you in case you get sweaty and need to chalk up on the wall.

Hope this helped!

-Derek

[ztacruisnmommy]

anu, ill be trying the wall too so we can look like fools together

[BLAMBKY]

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DONE THIS- Do they have age limitations? My 14 year old loves to climb. Wouldn't find to find out age problem AFTER the fact.

[csteinhauser]

Originally Posted by BLAMBKY

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DONE THIS- Do they have age limitations? My 14 year old loves to climb. Wouldn't find to find out age problem AFTER the fact.

Not sure what the age limit is but my son did it when he was 8.

[billiebob]

I just got returned from the AOS and had an amazing time. I manged to climb the rock wall all the way to the top and ring the bell. What a rush! But I couldn't wait to get back down. It was a little slippery but I never lost my grip. You may want to try to be one of the first people to climb--it gets slippery because everyone is sweating so much. It really was awesome but my legs were shaking like a leaf once I got back on the ground. There was a chalk bag available for anyone if they wanted to use some.