Crack climbing is one of those styles that looks completely unhinged from the outside. You watch someone willingly get their hands and feet stuck, grimace, and somehow move upward, and you think, “How in the world does that even work?”
And yet… once it clicks, crack climbing becomes incredibly satisfying. It’s technical. physical. It’s mental. Plus, it opens the door to some of the most classic outdoor climbs in the world.
What Is Crack Climbing, Anyway?
At its core, all climbing is exploiting the natural features in rock faces to move upward, and crack climbing is no different. However, most climbers look for holds that allow them to pull down; that’s the tricky part of crack climbing. How to pull down on something that is essentially two parallel vertical planes. The answer is in wedging parts of your body into them, known as "jams". The most common is a hand jam (as demonstrated here by Coach Jeremy), But theres a ton more depending on the size of the crack. Were talking, fists, stacked hands, feet, elbows (aka the chicken wing), knees — basically, if it fits, it’s fair game.
Solid jams rely on using body mechanics to create friction and tension inside the crack itself. However, all that wedging and twisting in the crack does a number on the skin. That's why you often see climbers with crack gloves or tape, just to add a layer of protection between the back of their hands and the inside of a crack.
Why Crack Climbing Is Worth Learning
The nice part about learning crack climbing is that it’s less about raw pulling power and more about technique, body position, and trusting that the jam will hold (even when your brain is screaming otherwise). Once you learn the basics, crack climbing can actually feel more secure than face climbing.
Crack climbing teaches skills that translate everywhere:
- Improved body awareness
- Stronger core tension
- Better footwork
- Mental resilience when moves feel… uncomfortable
It also unlocks a huge portion of outdoor climbing. Many classic routes (especially trad climbs) rely heavily on crack systems. Learning to jam well means more options and way more fun outside.
Learn Crack Skills in the Gym First
One of the best ways to get into crack climbing is to start indoors. Gym cracks let you practice technique in a controlled environment, where you can find specific sizes of cracks you are working on.
Many Movement Gyms also offer crack-specific classes or technique clinics, which are highly recommended if you want to learn efficiently and avoid developing bad habits. These classes break down hand jams, foot jams, body positioning, and how to stay relaxed when everything feels awkward.
Check out your gym’s class calendar to see what’s coming up.
Take It Outside (With the Right Support)
Once you’ve got some basics under your belt, crack climbing really shines outdoors. Natural cracks are varied and deeply satisfying to climb, but they also come with new considerations like gear placement, route finding, and environmental awareness.
That’s where guided experiences come in. Our outdoor guiding partners are incredible resources for learning crack climbing in real rock settings while staying safe and supported. Whether it’s your first outdoor jam or your first multi-pitch crack route, going out with a guide can fast-track your skills and boost your confidence.
Crack Climbing Is a Journey (A Fun One, We Promise)
No one is good at crack climbing right away. Every climber looks a little lost the first time they try to jam, and that’s part of the charm. With time, coaching, and a willingness to embrace the weirdness, cracks start to feel less like obstacles and more like invitations.
So whether you’re training indoors, taking a class, or heading out with a guide, crack climbing is a skill worth adding to your climbing toolbox.