indoor vs. outdoor climbing

With the temps cooling down here in Chattanooga, I've begun my transition to outdoor climbing.

After 4 months in the gym, there were some things I forgot about outdoor climbing. Here's what I remembered after a couple of sessions outside:

1. Worse footholds

Instead of the larger, protruding footholds we often get in the gym, outdoor footholds involve more smears or smaller edges that demand more technical footwork.

I needed to focus much more on driving through my feet to hold the necessary tension than I was used to indoors.

2. Increased rest times

During my first sessions back outside, I noticed myself rapid firing: trying to figure out the moves quickly, hopping back on without resting. But I ended up getting tired very quickly.

I needed to slow down and take much longer rests. In the gym it's much easier to try again and again and again, but outdoor climbing requires some more patience. 10, 15, even 30 minute rests may be required.

3. More commitment

The landings outside are rarely the super flat, perfectly padded landings of the gym.

Being aware of my fall zones while also trying hard was a mental shift I had to make.

Some additional outdoor considerations include skin management, fueling (crag snacks), and conditions tactics.

Where are you at with your outdoor climbing? Whether you're transitioning from the gym for the first time of the season or first time ever, it's important to think about these differences.