Do you believe that climbing rocks is only about getting to the top? Rethink your assumptions! Incorporating games into your routine is a great way to develop skills, push yourself in new ways, and create a sense of community, regardless of your level of experience. With these 21 entertaining and captivating climbing games, get ready to turn your climbing sessions from a workout into an exciting adventure!
Solo Shenanigans: Games to Challenge Yourself
Even when you’re flying solo, you can turn your climb into a game:
- Silent Ninja: Focus on your footwork and body awareness by trying to climb a route or traverse as quietly as possible. The quieter your movements, the better your technique!
- Foot-First: Challenge your balance and core strength by touching each hold with your foot before you grab it with your hand on easier routes.
- One Limb Wonders: Pick a route well within your ability and try climbing it using only one arm or one leg. This drastically increases the difficulty and highlights any imbalances.
- Color Collector: Assign yourself a color of hold and try to touch as many of those holds as possible on a traverse or easy climb without falling.
- Timed Ascents: Choose a route you know well and try to climb it faster each time. This adds a speed and efficiency element to your practice.
- Blindfolded Climb (Advanced): If you’re very familiar with a route, try climbing it blindfolded, relying on memory and tactile feedback. Only attempt this with a trusted belayer on a top-rope and after thorough communication.
Partner Power-Ups: Games for Two Climbers
Grab a buddy and inject some friendly competition and collaborative fun into your session:
- Add-On: One climber starts a sequence of 3-5 moves. The second climber repeats the sequence and adds one more move. Continue alternating, each person adding a move to the end. The game ends when someone falls or can’t remember the sequence.
- Eliminator (Take-Away): Choose a route you both can climb. One person climbs it and then “eliminates” one hold that the other person cannot use on their attempt. Continue alternating, eliminating one hold each time, until someone can no longer complete the climb.
- Pointer: One person climbs while the other uses a pointer (or just their finger) to indicate the next hold the climber must use. This tests on-sight ability and the climber’s trust in their partner’s beta.
- Mirror Image: One climber leads a traverse or short climb, making deliberate movements. The second climber follows, trying to mirror the exact hand and foot placements and timing.
- “I Went to the Wall and Used…”: The first climber starts on the wall and calls out a move they made (e.g., “I went to the wall and used a crimp with my right hand”). The second climber has to replicate that move and add their own. Continue taking turns, building a sequence of moves.
- Forced Fall: On a top-rope, both climbers pick a route they are comfortable on. While one climbs, the belayer can randomly yell “Fall!”, and the climber must let go immediately, practicing trust in their belayer.
Group Grooves: Games for Three or More Climbers
Get the whole crew involved for some chaotic and hilarious climbing fun:
- Shark Attack (Hot Lava): Everyone starts sitting or standing facing away from the climbing wall. When someone yells “Shark Attack!” (or “Hot Lava!”), everyone must get onto the wall as quickly as possible and stay off the ground. The last person to get on the wall is “out.” Variations include using only certain colored holds or specific limbs.
- Twister Climb: Similar to the classic board game, one person calls out a color and a limb (“Right hand on blue!”). Climbers on the wall have to move the specified limb to a hold of that color. If someone falls or can’t make the move, they’re out. The last climber on the wall wins.
- Tag on the Wall: Like regular tag, but on the climbing wall! One person is “it” and has to try and tag the other climbers. The person who was just tagged becomes “it.” Climbers who are off the ground are safe for a short period.
- Climbing Limbo: Set a low traverse and gradually lower a stick or rope. Climbers have to traverse underneath without touching it or the ground.
- Puzzle Piece Hunt: Hide puzzle pieces on various holds on a route or bouldering area. Climbers have to find all the pieces and then assemble the puzzle on the ground.
- Get Dressed Climb: Place various items of clothing (hats, gloves, scarves) on holds. Climbers have to ascend and put on each item they reach before continuing.
- Relay Races: Divide into teams. Each team member has to climb a designated route. The next team member can only start when the previous one has tagged them or reached the ground. The first team to have all members complete the climb wins.
- Climbing Scrabble: Assign point values to different colored holds. Climbers have to traverse and touch holds to spell out words, earning points based on the letters they use.
- Make-Up Route: Have one person climb a route and then try to describe the exact sequence of holds they used. The other climbers then have to try and replicate that beta (sequence).
The Ultimate Goal: Fun and Improvement
Remember that the primary goal of these climbing games is to add an element of fun and engagement to your climbing sessions. While you’re laughing and competing, you’ll also be:
- Improving Endurance: Many games involve longer times on the wall.
- Enhancing Technique: Focusing on specific movements or limitations can refine your climbing style.
- Boosting Problem-Solving Skills: Figuring out sequences and navigating challenges in a game format.
- Building Camaraderie: Games are a great way to connect with fellow climbers.
- Breaking Up Routine: Keeping your training fresh and exciting.
So, next time you hit the climbing gym or the crag, don’t be afraid to inject some playfulness into your session. These 21 fun climbing games are just the starting point – get creative and invent your own! Happy climbing and happy gaming!