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Climbing with friends can make each session more exciting, motivating, and memorable. Whether you’re at the gym or at an outdoor crag, adding a bit of friendly competition can help you all push your limits while having fun. Here are some of the best climbing challenges to try with friends that will build skills, test endurance, and bring out your adventurous spirit.
1. Blindfold Climbing Challenge
Take turns climbing while blindfolded, relying on verbal guidance from your friends. This challenge is excellent for building trust and focusing on body awareness, balance, and route-reading memory. It can also help you learn to trust your instincts on the wall without relying solely on sight.
Tips:
- Choose a route you’re already familiar with.
- Have a spotter or belayer to assist with safety.
- Use simple, clear commands to guide each other.
Skills Developed:
- Spatial awareness
- Trust in your partner
- Improved balance and body control
2. One-Handed Climb Challenge
In this challenge, climbers can only use one hand throughout the entire route. This fun yet tough challenge forces climbers to think about footwork, balance, and the efficiency of their body positioning.
Tips:
- Start with an easier route or boulder problem, and gradually increase difficulty.
- Switch hands halfway up for an extra challenge.
Skills Developed:
- Enhanced footwork
- Improved core strength
- Strategic body positioning
3. Add-On Challenge
In this game, each climber adds one move to a bouldering route, with the next climber repeating the previous moves and adding one more. Keep going until someone can’t remember or complete the sequence, and they’re “out.”
Tips:
- Make the first few moves easy to warm up.
- Challenge each other by adding unique or tricky moves.
- Keep track of the sequence to help others if they forget!
Skills Developed:
- Route memory and visualization
- Creativity with moves
- Improved movement precision
4. Speed Climbing Challenge
Compete to see who can climb a specific route the fastest! Choose routes that everyone is comfortable with, and use a timer to keep track of each attempt. Speed climbing adds a new layer of excitement and encourages climbers to build efficiency.
Tips:
- Focus on moves that maximize efficiency rather than pure speed.
- Set up a “head-to-head” race format for extra excitement.
- Time each person and track improvements over multiple attempts.
Skills Developed:
- Route efficiency
- Quick decision-making
- Enhanced grip endurance
5. Silent Climbing Challenge
This challenge requires climbers to climb an entire route without making a sound. It’s harder than it seems! Silent climbing improves control, smoothness, and balance as you work to avoid loud footsteps or hard impacts against the wall.
Tips:
- Start with a route that has good footholds and balance points.
- Try using deliberate, slower movements.
- Focus on breathing to stay calm and steady.
Skills Developed:
- Precision and smoothness
- Enhanced control and awareness
- Reduced over-gripping and improved flow
6. Downclimb Challenge
Pick a route and challenge each other to climb up and then down without resting. Downclimbing builds endurance and helps with overall climbing technique. It’s especially useful for improving footwork, as coming down forces you to carefully select each move.
Tips:
- Start with routes that are well within your comfort zone.
- Focus on placing your feet precisely.
- Take your time; it’s better to go slowly than rush and slip.
Skills Developed:
- Foot placement precision
- Endurance and stamina
- Strengthened mental and physical control
7. Dyno Challenge
See who can complete the biggest, most dynamic “dyno” move. Dyno moves require you to launch from one hold to another, often leaving both hands and feet off the wall. This challenge is especially fun in a bouldering setting, where you can safely attempt powerful, high-energy moves.
Tips:
- Choose safe, padded areas to attempt this challenge.
- Start small and work up to bigger dynos.
- Remember to have a spotter, especially if you’re a beginner.
Skills Developed:
- Explosive power and agility
- Body coordination
- Improved control over dynamic movements
8. No-Feet Challenge
Climb an entire route using only your hands, with feet off the wall as much as possible. This is an upper-body workout like no other and will give you a whole new appreciation for your lower body!
Tips:
- Start with shorter routes to avoid exhaustion.
- Use routes with bigger holds for a safe grip.
- Take turns to keep things fair—this one can be tough!
Skills Developed:
- Upper body strength
- Grip endurance
- Mental focus and determination
9. Lowest Holds Challenge
Pick a wall and challenge each other to reach the highest point possible by using only the lowest holds. This drill helps climbers work on finding leverage, body positioning, and creative techniques to reach new heights.
Tips:
- Work in teams to spot and assist each other if needed.
- Use holds just off the ground to push flexibility and body positioning.
- Take turns or keep track of the highest hold reached.
Skills Developed:
- Creative problem-solving
- Flexibility and body tension
- Adaptability and endurance
10. Circuit Challenge
Set a route “circuit” of 3–5 routes that climbers have to complete in a row without resting. The circuit can include routes of varying difficulty or styles, such as balance-intensive, power-focused, and endurance-based climbs. This challenge will build stamina, grip strength, and mental resilience.
Tips:
- Choose routes that differ in style for a varied workout.
- Pace yourself—finishing the circuit is more important than rushing.
- Track everyone’s circuit time and see who improves the most.
Skills Developed:
- Endurance and stamina
- Adaptability across different climbing styles
- Mental resilience and route management
11. Elimination Challenge
Pick a route that everyone can comfortably climb and begin removing holds after each attempt. With every round, climbers can only use the remaining holds, making it increasingly challenging to complete the route.
Tips:
- Remove one hold per round, making it harder but not impossible.
- Start with a well-balanced route with a variety of holds.
- Take turns to level the playing field and make it more engaging.
Skills Developed:
- Problem-solving and adaptability
- Grip strength as holds are removed
- Confidence in making challenging moves
Final Thoughts
Climbing challenges like these are a fantastic way to improve skills, build camaraderie, and make climbing sessions more fun and memorable. They’re perfect for helping each climber expand their comfort zone, enhance technique, and make the most of their time on the wall. Next time you and your friends hit the gym, try a few of these challenges and see how much fun you can have while leveling up your climbing game!