Ever walked into a party and immediately gravitated toward one type of person? Or been cornered by someone who felt suspiciously like a sloper in disguise? We’re here to confirm: climbing holds have very real party personalities and you’ve definitely met them.
The Jug
The overly enthusiastic friend who greets you with a bear hug, shoves a solo cup in your hand, and yells “YOU MADE IT!” across the room. Dependable. Zero drama. Definitely has the least put together outfit, but their lack of care exudes confidence.
Drink of Choice: Jungle juice or a DIY punch that definitely has more alcohol than juice. Whatever it is, it’s in a red solo cup, probably ladled out of a mixing bowl. No one knows what’s in it, including them.
You’ll cling to them all night.
The Crimp
Quietly intense. Spends the whole party debating niche topics like ethics or free will. Will corner you and ask if you’ve really examined your technique lately.
Drink of Choice: A bold, hoppy IPA or some obscure herbal liqueur they discovered during a month-long stay in Berlin. Sips slowly. Talks deeply. Judges your drink.
Their grip is terrifying, emotionally and literally.
The Sloper
You want to like them. You really do. But the more time you spend around them, the less you trust them. They sometimes look like a jug from a distance, but as you get closer you realize you've gone right over their head. They're not really listening, just waiting for their turn to talk.
Drink of Choice: A hard seltzer with a flavor that sounds fake (like "cactus breeze" or "electric mango"). You’ll try it, realize it’s kind of gross, and nod like you’re into it anyway.
"Right. Yeah. Mhm. No yeah. For sure. Uh huh."
The Volume
You saw them when you walked in. They're taking up the entire kitchen and leaning into everyone’s space. But truthfully, everyone's glad they came. As much as they can encroach a bit, they're always the one to mix things up and keep the party going in interesting ways.
Drink of Choice: Jungle juice 2.0—but they made this one. Rum, juice, soda, and chaos. It’s in a pitcher and they’re refilling everyone's cup whether they asked or not.
They brought the pong supplies.
The Undercling
Mysterious, intriguing, found lurking by the snacks. They’ll make you crawl out of your comfort zone for an awkwardly deep conversation. Not a bad one, just unique. Abuses the Irish Goodbye.
Drink of Choice: A dark red wine. They’re swirling it in a stemless glass while making intense eye contact.
You won’t understand why you’re drawn to them, you just are.
The Pinch
That person who’s always slapping people on the back too hard and flexing for no reason. Always mid-squeeze of something. Stress ball, protein bar, your bicep, their ninth drink. You hate to admit it, but they ARE impressive.
Drink of Choice: Pre-workout and vodka. Shaken. Possibly straight from a shaker bottle. No explanation offered.
Not unfun, just slightly overwhelming.
The Pocket
Mysterious and selective. They only talk to two people all night and somehow, they’re both astrophysicists. You’ll try to join the conversation but immediately feel like you weren’t invited.
Drink of Choice: A neat pour of something aged and expensive. No one saw them pour it. You're not even sure where it came from. They don’t offer you any.
They definitely know some secret they're not telling you.
The Sidepull
Very socially versatile and trustworthy, able to adapt to all different kinds of people. They’re never facing the person they’re talking to, but they’re somehow holding the conversation together. They’re the one casually leaning in doorways, pulling people into chill one-on-one convos all night.
Drink of Choice: A classic and reliable light beer. You can't tell if they've had two or twelve, their demeanor never changes. But suddenly you find yourself talking about your ex.
They never start drama, but they know all the tea.
The Baby Head
NO ONE invited them but they keep showing up. Everyone avoids eye contact as it looms in the corner, unsure if it’s even human. There’s a silent, collective agreement to leave it alone.
Drink of Choice: Unknown. The cup is there, but no one’s ever seen it lifted. No condensation. Possibly just a prop.
Once someone tried to talk to it. That person is gone now.
The Dual-Tex
They're sleek. They're shiny. They're intimidating. They’re the most stylish person in the room. Draped in black patent leather, sipping something classy, standing under the perfect lighting. You want to talk to them, you want to be close, but every time you try to connect you slip up.
Drink of Choice: A martini—dirty, dry, and perfectly chilled. They sip it slowly and methodically, silently saying they'll get to it on their terms. It glints under the party lights like a status symbol.
They look put together, but secretly they're very clumsy.
The Foothold Chip
You barely know anything about them. Hanging out in the corner by themselves, you almost didn't even notice they were there. They like to stay in their bubble of personal space. But whenever they don't show up, their absence is immediately noticeable, and you find yourself feeling like something is missing.
Drink of Choice: Water.
Probably cool if you get to know them.
The Edge
Firm handshake and great posture. Talks like the party is a networking event and inserts corporate jargon into their normal speech. Somehow already knows what you do for work and is giving career advice by 10pm. Still wears their high school class ring.
Drink of Choice: A strong whiskey with a single ice cube. No garnish, no fuss—just quality and control.
You'll leave the convo feeling weirdly motivated.
Have you met any of these characters in your partying days? Climbers know every hold has its own vibe, and that’s part of what makes each session (and each route) unique. Want to get to know them better? Plan your first visit or browse more posts on our blog to dig into climbing culture, training tips, and gym life.