AOKWIT Climbing Lecture for Beginners – Basic Rock Climbing Footwork and Manipulation

I. Treading on the footing point

Front-Pointing and Edging：Where one uses the edge of the climbing shoe to stand on small footholds. It has inside edging, outside edging, and fronting pointing.

Note: A larger contact area is not necessarily advantageous (as it may create friction points) – the key is to locate flat, stable surfaces that allow effective force application. Oversized shoes should be avoided, as they hinder precise force concentration on small footholds.

Smearing：Foot technique where a big part of the climbing shoe is used to pressed against a rock surface to generate as much friction as possible. This is a technique to stand on rounded holds.

Note: This technique proves significantly more challenging than the previous method. Successful execution requires confident weight transfer to your lower body – paradoxically, applying more force increases friction and enhances overall stability. Developing this skill reduces reliance on your hands through proper footwork mechanics.

Hooking

Hook with heel

Hook it with your toes

II. Handle Point Grip

Crimp Grip / Open Hand Grip / Wrap Grip / Pinch Grip

Note: Open hand grip is less likely to hurt your fingers and is better for difficult points, so try to get used to this grip.

open-hand grip on a shelf、sloper、pocket

From left to right, crimp grip、open-handed grip、wrap grip、the pinch grip

Side Pull

Opposing side pull

Undercling

Left is a side pull, right is an undercling pull

Gaston

Use left and right reverse forces to hold up your body

Note: This movement is more labor intensive and there is no need not to do it.