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If you’ve ever watched climbers at the crag or gym, you’ve probably noticed many of them with their fingers wrapped in white tape. It might seem like an odd accessory at first, but for those in the know, climbing tape is an indispensable part of the sport. So, why do climbers use climbing tape? Let’s dive into the sticky details.

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Protection For Your Skin:

• One of the most common reasons climbers use tape is to protect their skin, especially on their fingers and hands. Climbing can be tough on the skin—sharp holds, rough rock, and constant friction can lead to cuts, blisters, and flappers (when a layer of skin tears off). By taping up, climbers can create a barrier between their skin and the harsh surfaces they’re gripping, which helps prevent injuries and keeps them climbing longer.

Supports Injured Fingers:

• Climbing puts a lot of stress on the tendons and joints in your fingers, especially when pulling on small holds or cranking on crimps. For those recovering from finger injuries like pulley tears or strains, tape provides extra support. By wrapping tape around the injured area, climbers can stabilize the joint, reducing the risk of further injury while still being able to climb.

Enhancing Grip on Slippery Holds:

• Sometimes, chalk isn’t enough to keep your hands dry and grippy. When the holds get greasy or your hands are extra sweaty, tape can come to the rescue. Climbers often tape their fingers or hands to increase friction, which can make a big difference on tricky, sloper-heavy routes. The tape acts like a second skin, giving you that extra bit of grip when you need it most.

Crack Climbing Saviour:

• Crack climbing, where you jam your hands and fingers into cracks in the rock, is notoriously tough on your skin. The sharp edges of the rock can cause painful cuts and abrasions. To protect their hands, many crack climbers make “tape gloves” by wrapping tape around their hands and knuckles. This DIY gear not only shields the skin but also gives climbers more confidence to dig into those cracks without fear of tearing up their hands.

Preventing Flappers:

• For boulderers and sport climbers who love dynamic moves and big holds, flappers are a common enemy. A flapper occurs when a layer of skin tears away from your hand, leaving a painful, exposed area. Climbers use tape to cover any areas prone to flappers or to protect existing ones, allowing them to keep climbing without making the injury worse.

Customising Your Climbing Experience:

• Climbing tape is versatile—climbers use it in all sorts of creative ways to suit their needs. Some use it to pad areas that take a lot of pressure, like the back of their hands during crack climbs. Others use tape to reinforce their gear, repair torn clothing, or even mark holds during route setting. It’s one of those multipurpose tools that’s only limited by your imagination.

Mental Confidence Boost:

• Sometimes, the benefit of climbing tape is more mental than physical. For many climbers, taping up is part of their pre-climb ritual. The act of wrapping your fingers can be a way of mentally preparing for the challenge ahead, giving you a boost of confidence. It’s a reminder that you’re ready, protected, and focused—like a warrior donning armuor before a battle.

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While tape can be incredibly helpful, it’s important to know how to use it correctly. Over-taping can restrict movement, and improper taping can do more harm than good. Here are a few tips:

• For Finger Support: Wrap the tape snugly around the joint, avoiding the knuckle itself to maintain flexibility. Some climbers use a figure-eight pattern for added stability.
• For Skin Protection: Tape areas prone to cuts or blisters before you start climbing. Make sure the tape is secure but not so tight that it cuts off circulation.
• For Crack Climbing: Create tape gloves by covering the backs of your hands and securing the tape with strips around your fingers and wrists. Make sure the tape isn’t too bulky, so you can still jam comfortably.

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Final Thoughts

Climbing tape is more than just a roll of sticky fabric—it’s a climber’s secret weapon. Whether you’re protecting your skin, supporting an injury, or just trying to get a better grip, tape can make a world of difference. So, next time you see a climber with their fingers wrapped up, you’ll know they’re not just making a fashion statement—they’re gearing up for their next adventure.

Happy climbing, and remember to tape up wisely!