Oh, the clichés of falling. “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Thank you, Confucius, for that timeless nugget of wisdom. In climbing, though, it's not just about getting back up — it's the quality with which we get up and how we try again.
Falling is inevitable. If you’re climbing, you’re going to fall. The very first time you step into our gym, it’s explained. We start with an orientation video explaining that falling is part of the deal and how to do it safely: spot your landing, tuck your arms in, legs shoulder-width apart, bend the knees, roll onto your bum and back. All the technical stuff to keep gravity from getting the best of you.
But beyond the physical technique, there’s a whole art to falling. A deeper lesson. Let’s talk about what it means to fall—and what it can teach us, both in climbing and beyond.
The Basics: Falling Smart
Let’s cover the essentials first:
When bouldering, there are some key risk factors to keep in mind. Height plays a major role—there's a big difference between popping off a four-foot problem and one that’s pushing the ceiling of the gym. Then there’s downclimbing. If you can downclimb after reaching a difficult point, it’s always worth doing rather than just dropping off from the top.
And of course, proper falling technique is essential. Trying to stick the landing like a gymnast doesn’t win you any points here. Don’t fight gravity—work with it. Stay relaxed, roll, and let the padded flooring do its job. Stubbornly trying to "stick it" is more likely to end in a tweaked ankle than triumph.
The Lessons: Falling vs. Letting Go
There’s a world of difference between falling and letting go. Falling happens when you push your limits, reach beyond what feels comfortable or familiar, and a foot pops off the wall or your palms slide off a hold you didn’t grip just the right way. Letting go is when you choose to stop trying—when you give up before you've truly hit that edge.
Falling teaches you more than letting go ever will. When you fall, you’re forced to ask: “Why did that happen?” Maybe you misread the route, maybe your foot placement was off, or maybe it was a mental game, and you hesitated when you should’ve committed. Whatever the reason, analyzing your fall helps you tweak your approach for the next attempt.
Every fall is a learning opportunity in disguise. With each slip, you’re gaining insight into what your body and mind need to succeed.
Failure is a Gift
Here's the thing—falling is a sign of progress. It means you’re trying things that push your abilities forward, stretching your comfort zone. And that should be celebrated.
If we could flip our mindset and view failure as something to celebrate rather than a mark of defeat, climbing would feel a lot more rewarding. Each fall is a step toward improvement. Every time you hit the mat; you’re getting closer to mastering something you couldn’t do before.
So next time you fall (and you will), don’t walk away frustrated. Take a moment to celebrate that you’re pushing yourself, challenging your limits, and learning with each drop. In the world of climbing, failure isn’t a setback—it’s a gift that shows you’re on the right path.
Keep climbing, keep falling, and keep growing. After all, it’s not about sticking the landing—it’s about how you rise after you fall.