The Art of Route Setting: An Exercise in Empathy

Learn about the most important skill needed to become a great route setter.

SettingDavid MurrayApril 29, 2023The Hangout Climbing CentreSetting, empathyComment

Mental Training, Coaching, CompetitionDavid MurrayMay 1, 2022Grande Prairie Regional College, Edmonton, Calgary, Alberta Climbing Association, Competition, Coaching, Sports Psychology, Fear, Failure, Hangout Open, Tour de BlocComment

Climbing's Best Kept Secret Tip

This is the most important skill Dave has ever learned. Master it and you will be an overhang climbing expert!

TechniqueDavid MurrayMarch 24, 2022The Hangout Climbing Centreoverhanging walls, Dave MacLeod, FootworkComment

Warm-Up The Mind For Better Performance

An effective warm-up can help prime your mind and nervous system for better performance. Check out these tips that, if practiced enough, are guaranteed to help you improve over time.

TechniqueDavid MurrayMarch 8, 2022The Hangout Climbing CentreWarm-up, focus, techniqueComment

Fear of Failure: What’s Really Holding You Back

Many climbers try to train themselves to get stronger fingers so that they don’t have to work on getting a stronger mind. However, it is in fact our mental outlook towards failure that is most likely responsible for our lack of progress in climbing. In this article, Coach Dave looks at different strategies to get over a Fear of Failure.

Coaching, Mental TrainingDavid MurrayFebruary 20, 2022Competition, Fear, Failure, Confidence, BeliefComment

Solving The Problem Is Half The Problem

If you want to help your friends become better climbers, make sure you give them every possible chance to figure out the problem of how to complete the climb. Give as little beta as possible, since conquering the route represents only a fleeting moment of success. Actually becoming a good climber who can figure out any problem on their own is the true reward of learning how to figure out the problems for themselves. Your friends will thank you later if you let them struggle now.

CoachingDavid MurrayFebruary 7, 2022Beta, Spotting, Problem Solving, Motor LearningComment

A Magical Secret For A Stronger Grip

By imagining that the hold you’re holding is better than it is, you will change the pressure you apply and actually create better grip. It’s a magic trick that really works!

TechniqueDavid MurrayFebruary 1, 2022crimps, slopers, muscle fibre recruitment, tips Comment

Desensitize Yourself To Impact

Learn how to desensitize your mind to impact (of the wall, holds, ground) so that you can overcome a fear of falling and reach new heights.

CoachingDavid MurrayJanuary 25, 2022The Hangout Climbing CentreFear, FallingComment

Start Any Climb Easily With This Trick

TechniqueDavid MurrayJanuary 18, 2022Barndoor, Starting ClimbsComment

A Better Way To Grab The Climbing Holds

Learn how to grip climbing holds better by changing the position of your body. Think of your forearms as indicators for the direction you are applying your force. Try to have the force of your arms pulling straight through the climbing hold to increase friction.