Fun Climbing Games

The sport of rock climbing has been launched into the mainstream the past two decades with the advent of indoor climbing gyms. Now, people of all ages and locations --- you don't to live near a national park anymore --- can enjoy the activity rain or shine. And organizing games on the climbing wall not only strengthens your ability, but adds an element of fun and interest. Below are some games that you can play at your local climbing gym.

  1. Climbing War

    • Two players battle one another on the bouldering wall. All foot- and handholds are fair game, and if you have to beat your opponent to a hold, then you may have the advantage. The first person to remain climbing wins.

    Blind Climb

    • This is a fun game that improves special awareness and sense of touch. First, blindfold a climber and have him or her begin climbing a route. See how far that person gets, and then blindfold their opponent. The person who makes it the farthest wins.

    Get Dressed!

    • This is a good game to test endurance. Hang different items of clothing on the climbing wall, such as shorts, shirts, hats, gloves. As the climbers traverse the wall, they must put on each article of clothing as they pass.

    Memory

    • This is a great beginner game that teaches you sequences of moves. Have one climber pick out a sequence of four to 10 moves. Without marking the moves, the second player must climb the sequence from memory, using each hand- and foothold correctly.

    Wimbledon

    • For a good footwork exercise, try holding a tennis ball in each hand while climbing a slab or corner. This game emphasizes the use of the thighs as the main balancing muscles since you can't use your fingertips. The tennis balls provide some stability and can be used like jug holds. This game can be played by yourself or as a competition with another climber.

    Lucky Draw

    • A good game to practice technique is Lucky Draw. You can play it with a group of climbers or by yourself. First, write down on different pieces of paper as many moves or techniques as you can, such as a mantle, crimp, smear, dyno, layback, bump, drop-knee, high-step, stem, etc. Drop the pieces of paper into a hat and draw three. Now, incorporate the three moves that you draw into a boulder sequence.

    Tag

    • A good endurance climbing game for youth teams is Tag. It can be played with several players climbing on the bouldering wall. The first person who is "it" must climb to another person, touch them, and tag them as "it." Once you tag someone, you can climb down for a rest until the next person is tagged.