Taping hands for climbing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced .

Taping hands for climbing. Beth Rodden share how to tape for crack climbing in hand jams. Elevate your performance today. If you aren't quite healed from a previous session (or just have extremely dry, cracked hands), use climbing tape to prevent issues from worsening and ruining your day. Whether you’re crack climbing or nursing an injury, climbing tape protects your hands (and feet!). And it is precisely these last four that make climbing difficult for us if Aug 18, 2023 · Here’s how to make thin, reusable tape gloves for crack climbing, using two neat tricks to make the job easier. Once you get home though, make sure you take the tape off, wash your hands thoroughly and apply some more cream if needed. Ultimately, the decision to use tape comes down to personal preference and climbing approach. Why do you want to tape off your hands are fine? I tape because i want to climb but my fingers are tweaks and I should rest them but then I wouldn’t be able to climb. metoliusclimbing. Discover the proper technique of taping fingers for climbing to prevent injuries and enhance your grip. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the Stop finger pain & save your skin. Getting stronger skin is useful, and if you maintain a little skincare your hands will still be as good as a baby climber hands. But while we strengthen muscles, it's mainly the ligamentous structures that have to withstand a lot. We'll show you how to provide support with the right tape if the worst comes to the worst. com/how-tmore Rock climber bandages his fingers with a band-aid, Hand protection from damage, yellow protection tape, Preparing to overcome the climbing route, Female hands close-up. Apr 7, 2025 · Climbing tape is an essential part of any climber’s kit for skin protection & structural support. STRONG HOLD ON THE FINGERS: The climbing tape adheres very well even under extreme stress. Feb 16, 2025 · Benefits & Taping Tips Climbing tape can be a game-changer, offering essential skin protection and structural support when issues arise. Mar 28, 2025 · Why Do Rock Climbers Tape Their Hands? Rock climbers tape their hands for a variety of crucial reasons, primarily focusing on injury prevention and performance enhancement. I like using Friction Labs Climb Skin or O'Keeffe's working hands as you need something fairly strong after drying your hands out for so long. So, go ahead, tape up, and reach for the summit with unwavering finger strength. Feb 2, 2025 · Despite being an important tool, climbers try to limit the use of climbing tape due to reduced sensitivity and grip it causes when worn. More tape is better for wider cracks, whereas thinner cracks require less. Source: Wikimedia Commons Blissfully ignorant of the decades of painstak Taping hands for climbing is a common practice when hands are getting worn or there are signs that a tare may occur. The air will help dry out the wound a lot faster, so try to not keep your fingers or palm taped up for longer than necessary. 2) Rip off three half-width strands, and pass each through the spaces between your fingers, leaving a tail at the top of your palm and hand-back. 5" thumb tape can be effortlessly adjusted to be used in any situation. Ranked and rated! Taping for Flappers on Your Palm for Rock Climbing Dr. A complete guide, with 3 effective methods. Taping can help reduce strain on delicate finger joints and pulleys by providing extra support and alignment. Your hands are one of your primary means of climbing, and trying to climb with a flapper is distracting and painful. Post climbing care A few tips to conclude: after climbing you can treat the open area for a day or two with KletterRetter hand cream. The other weakness of using tape to protect your skin is that you don’t give your skin a chance to acclimate to the demands of climbing. If you avoid the pain by taping, you get in the way of that process. For a fourth lumbrical injury, buddy tape the ring and pinky fingers together. By offloading the tissue you can help reduce stress to the healing pulley, and at the very least it will help you avoid tendinopathies from developing. Why tape your hands for climbing When it comes to climbing, the condition of your hands can make a huge difference in your performance and safety. Exactly What You Are Looking For: Our premium black athletic tape will meet your expectations, you can be sure about that. The athletic finger tape supports the tendons and joints. Unlike most other sports, climbing places unique demands on the human body, requiring constant gripping, pulling, and weight distribution through the hands and arms. Aug 25, 2019 · Ever since about 2-3 years into climbing, the back side of my middle fingers (on both hands) would get aggravated fairly easily when crimping. Feb 2, 2025 · First, the climbing tape helps protect the skin on their hands and fingers against the rough climbing surface. It can be a game-changer, offering essential skin protection and structural support when issues arise. Either technique provides support to the injured pulley and allows rock climbers to continue their meaningful activity while the pulley heals. Apr 29, 2025 · Prevent blisters & calluses with weightlifting tape! Learn how to protect your hands, improve grip, and apply KT Tape for lifting, climbing, and more. From tape specifically designed for climbing to first aid tape that climbers have adopted over the years, you have a lot of options to choose from Mar 2, 2023 · This article recommends six of the best climbing tape that any climber can use to protect their fingers, hands, or other body parts when doing any climbing activity. Mar 2, 2023 · This article recommends six of the best climbing tape that any climber can use to protect their fingers, hands, or other body parts when doing any climbing activity. Jun 2, 2025 · Additionally, use buddy taping or figure eight taping when climbing to reduce stress on the lumbricals (around 3-6 weeks for grade I injuries and 5-8 weeks for grade II). 50/count) Feb 2, 2025 · Taping Techniques: How do Climbers Use Climbing Tape? How do climbers tape their fingers? Different types of taping techniques are used depending on the needs of the climber. Aug 15, 2024 · A: Climbing tape is primarily used to protect climbers’ hands and fingers from abrasions caused by grips and holds during climbing. In crack climbing, you often jam and twist your hands inside the rock cracks to get grip, so protecting the back of your hand and knuckles is important. Jul 6, 2023 · PROTECTIVE AND PREVENTIVE: The finger tape protects your fingers from overloading, tearing the skin and prevents sports injuries when climbing, bouldering and during other sports. It's used quite exclusively for: being able to CONTINUE climbing while having splits or flappers (you don't remove the So let’s take a deeper look at each of those grading criteria so that you have a better understanding of the injury. Firstly, skin protection, secondly, tendon and squirrel protection. May 4, 2020 · Climbing is the best full-body workout. Jul 26, 2025 · Fingers are so vital, how to tape your hands for climbing appropriately. com It's the perfect Athletic Sports Tape for pain and injuries and is widely used as rock climbing tape for hands, wrestling, or lacrosse. 6-Inch x 32-feet Athletic Tape for Fingers, Hands, & Toes, Rock Climbing Tape, Skin-Friendly Sports Tape for Outdoor Sports Climbing Football (Skin Color) Taping is the BEST Way to Prevent Finger Injuries | Climbing Myths Hooper's Beta 134K subscribers 895. Any tips or ideas? Mar 23, 2017 · AJ: Tape over the cuts, splits, and other hand wounds if still climbing. Second, the tape can provide support for injured muscles and tendons or prevent future injuries. For grade II, supportive H-taping is recommended during any exercise that involves gripping, including finger recovery activities, climbing, deadlifting, pullups etc. A tiny tool that does huge things, it’s something you always want to have in your pack at the crag or the gym. This prevents them from getting worse, and keeps your blood off the holds for other climbers. Tape becomes most climbers’ first method of treatment. Nov 19, 2015 · The most extreme example of using tape to protect skin is in crack climbing, where you use tape to make a glove, almost like a boxer, to get protection from the rock. Good technique will save your mitts somewhat, but for most of us, who aren't crack masters, a decent mauling can be expected. Nov 8, 2023 · Avoiding calluses when climbing is hard! In this extensive post, we go over the best hand care tips for climbers to avoid split tips, flappers, and more. This was more apparent in full crimp than half crimp, which is why I avoided full crimp for so long. com. They might give you some for free, and they definitely sell them as well so you might as well get a roll for those future flappers. Stay injury-free and climb stronger with the right tape. Wide tape is needed for the the H taping method, thinner tape can be used but its best to use the figure of 8 or X taping method if you only have thin tape to hand. Oct 3, 2022 · The result? Taping gets talked about… a lot. Schöffl and her Aug 20, 2021 · We field tested 7 of the best climbing tape brands in 2025 from top brands like Metolius and Evolv. 6-Inch x 32-feet Athletic Tape for Fingers, Hands, & Toes, Rock Climbing Tape, Skin-Friendly Sports Tape for Outdoor Sports Climbing Football (Black) 6 50+ bought in past month $499 ($2. Protecting Skin and Calluses Over time, a climber Nov 12, 2020 · This taping method for climbers provides the most support for fingers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced Sep 9, 2023 · This article explains why climbers tape their fingers and how taping can benefit climbers by providing protection, support, and enhanced grip. Includes illustrated, step-by-step taping instructions. Less calloused skin will make them harder to burst. Why climbers tape their fingers? Climbers and boulderers tape their fingers for skin and joint protection. WORKOUT IN EVERY CLIMATE: Upgrade your active lifestyle with this use-anywhere finger tape roll. You should have some on hand as they are a climbing essential, but if you don’t you can ask the reception at your climbing hall. Correct implementation of these taping methods is essential, and a differentiation between prophylactic and therapeutic taping is necessary. If you tore off too much tape, you can easily cut or tear off the excess. In this guide, you will learn the necessary techniques for effectively taping your fingers, ensuring they remain protected while still providing the dexterity you need on challenging routes. There are many different ways to make tape gloves. Tape becomes the hallmark of climbers with finger pain, often regardless of what the actual cause is. Oct 14, 2017 · New techniques using either taping and/or a custom fabricated pulley ring are recommended by these authors to treat pulley injuries in rock climbers. Exactly What You Are Looking For: Our premium white athletic tape will meet your expectations, you can be sure about that. Q 103 subscribers Subscribed Oct 24, 2016 · It's your first day crack climbing. How can I supportively tape it, yet not restrict it too much, and also not completely cover Apr 30, 2024 · Taping for climbing gives your fingers support and helps to avoid skin issues, so this guide explains the most effective taping techniques. Then you Click to order Taping Hands Rock Climbing shirt, merch now at CleverAdventurer to save 10% of your order - Available in multiple styles T-shirt, Hoodie, Sweatshirt, Long Sleeve Keeping your hands moisturized after climbing helps too. Otherwise there really is no correct way. Cotton polyester blend athletic tape. May 31, 2024 · Rock climbing is an adrenaline-pumping sport that requires tremendous strength and dexterity. The practice serves as a preventative measure against skin abrasions, pulley injuries, and joint instability. Sep 18, 2018 · The bottom line is that if you injure your pulley, just get something on there to offload the healing tissue. If you don't mind Sep 28, 2023 · Whether you’re bouldering, sport climbing, or trad climbing, this fundamental skill will be your ally in conquering the heights and pushing your climbing limits. The Sticky Truth: Unpacking Jun 6, 2018 · Make sure that the tape ends on the top of the finger. It helps prevent injuries, enhances grip strength, and provides additional support to your wrists and fingers. While it's good to have handy, tape is not a cure-all, and overuse may delay natural hand toughening. I have a huge beard, and make my own balms from bulk ingredients, so I get that stuff all over my hands every day (mix of beeswax, lanolin, shea butter, and jojaba oil). Climbers usually minimize the amount of taping because it affects the sensitivity and grip that you may have on the climbing wall, but if you recognize that a tare/flapper is likely to happen then tape. Because once you know the grade or severity of the injury, you can then determine how best to treat it. It can also be used to wrap around climbing equipment to prevent injury and enhance grip, as well as to secure tape to gear or create makeshift repairs on climbing shoes or other equipment. Here are our in-depth reviews. So taping makes me feel less guilty for climbing even when I should be resting. While it’s good to have handy, tape is not a cure-all, and overuse may delay natural hand toughening. This sport is hard on your hands, but your skin will naturally toughen up over time. May 6, 2022 · How, why, and when (and when not!) to use h-tape for a climbing finger injury. Kristin Valdes, OTD, OT, CHT, Practice Forum Editor 2 Rolls Finger Tape, Extra Strong Adhesive 0. A buddy of mine had hands that looked like this until he got an antifungal cream from a dermatologist, then it almost completely went away. Hope to remove a bit of confusion. Our comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions and expert tips. From this point forward, you now know why H-tape is the method of choice thanks to the diligent research from Dr. Learn pro H-taping for pulley support & how to fix flappers fast with our complete guide to rock climbing finger tape. When using tape on your fingers, it’s essential to balance Feb 16, 2023 · TAPE WITH EASE: Customize your finger taping with this easy-to-tear climbing finger tape. Reply reply Bladon95 • Making Tape Gloves Crack climbing frequently involves jamming flesh eating crevices. Tape the ones that rip and if they look like they are about to rip take a nail file or some sandpaper and file it down. Allow the injury to heal before getting back to bouldering, or it can become a chronic problem. What are some good techniques for taping fingers, hands, and wrists for different types of climbing, and how does each tape job achieve it's purpose? What type of tape is recommended or not recommended? For example: I'm having intermittent wrist pain. For a third lumbrical injury, buddy tape the middle and ring fingers together. If you do decide to use climbing tape, make sure that you’ve washed your hands and your wounds. Feb 27, 2022 · It's the perfect Athletic Sports Tape for pain and injuries and is widely used as rock climbing tape for hands, wrestling, or lacrosse. However, the constant gripping and pulling can take a toll on your fingers, leading to painful blisters, cuts, and even more severe injuries. Aug 7, 2022 · Flappers happen on both the palms of your hands and the fingers, where most calluses form. (Read our blog on why and how to tape fingers for climbing. Two Taping Techniques that every Climber needs to know! We discuss the Single Loop and Figure of Eight tapping methods - How to Apply the tape, the benefits and things to look out for! Aug 16, 2024 · Over the years, you may have noticed how crucial proper finger taping is for maximizing your climbing performance and preventing injuries. On harsh granite, such as that found at , where the routes are tall and sustained, a climber might well be advised to tape up or risk drawing more than a little blood. Jul 2, 2025 · Close up shot of a rock climber's beat up, chalky hands after climbing the rough sandstone that lines the California Coast Photo: Toren Callison Oct 1, 2020 · Climbing tape is sticky business. The sun beats down on you. Jul 3, 2025 · Rock climbing can be a strenuous sport, and is especially strenuous to the muscles of our finger flexor tendons and muscles causing injuries. Recommend planning ahead and taping your hands before you trash them. How to tape flappers to your palm? Bouldering and climbing are known to cause skin injuries. apply climbing tape Finally, apply climbing tape to your finger. It’s especially common among climbers healing from small tears or other injuries. Even the use of chalk does not affect the adhesive strength Mar 16, 2023 · 5. 2 Rolls Finger Tape, Extra Strong Adhesive 0. More info http://www. Start taping like a pro today! Jul 16, 2025 · Why Rock Climbers Tape Their Hands: A Gripping Guide Rock climbers tape their hands for a multitude of reasons, all stemming from the relentless demands placed on their skin and joints. Full Hand Taping Technique Photo by – https://southsoundtherapy. These skin tears come in all sizes but will affect your climbing and daily activities, regardless. For finger protection, climbers might use the ring method, X-taping or H-taping, which provides support to the tendons while still allowing flexibility. A Band-Aid or bandage made for the purpose is best, but climbing tape will do until you get home. The method described below provides a durable glove which protects well, but it covers the palm, which may make face climbing a little more awkward. com In this comprehensive rock climbing tutorial, we dive deep into the essential techniques of finger wrapping and hand taping to elevate your climbing game while minimizing the risk of injuries How to tape hands for crack climbingPlace 3 strips of tape across the back of your hand, overlapping each strip by about ¼". Also you've only been climbing for a little so soon enough you will be climbing problems/routes where the holds aren't big enough to make it to that part of your fingers. From selecting the right tape to May 6, 2022 · How, why, and when (and when not!) to use h-tape for a climbing finger injury. Also, make sure that you don’t apply the tape over your joints as this can limit the movement of your fingers. Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. You know the jagged granite cracks around here are itching to make your hands bleed—you know you need a damn good tape glove. This led to a weakness for Try to keep your hands dry before climbing. Before taking the time to tape your fingers for climbing, be sure to have the following materials on hand: Tape - athletic tape is usually the go-to for taping a climbing. Mar 16, 2025 · As you're about to get started, assess the condition of your fingers and hands and check for any existing damage. Crack Camp Climbing Guide Sam Foreman provides tips for how to tape your hands, optimized for crack climbing, in Indian Creek. Mar 19, 2025 · Discover the best climbing tape techniques for finger injuries, wrist support, and skin protection. He demonstrates steps like stretching skin before applying tape Our list of the best climbing tape. We dive into this sticky subject and bring you our top five brands. Taping your fingers is an effective way to protect your skin, provide support, and enhance your grip. It's hot for September in Wyoming; the wind kicks up dust. Feb 24, 2025 · The traditional guidelines for splitting and taping A4 injuries are as follows: For grade I, neither is necessary, though taping can be determined by personal preference. Tape is not for preserving soft skin or for slowing the thickening. How to treat them to continue climbing? Get a better understanding of the anatomy, science, and function of fingers in relation to rock climbing. This 1. Some people are even recommending H-taping as a way to prevent pulley Tape gloves protect your hands when crack climbing. Climbing Nomads Taping up your fingers for climbing can be fiddly and tricky - and how to stop the tape edges from snagging on holds? In out tutorial we show Keeping your hands moisturized after climbing helps too. Ultimately, the decision to use tape […] Aug 7, 2021 · Choosing the wrong climbing tape could mean the difference between a good or bad day out at the crags or worse… injury to your hands or tendons! In this comprehensive rock climbing tutorial, we dive deep into the essential techniques of finger wrapping and hand taping to elevate your climbing game while minimizing the risk of injuries Jan 16, 2025 · Why Climbers Tape Their Fingers Preventing or Managing Injuries Climbing places a lot of stress on the hands—particularly the tendons in the fingers. EVOLV Magic Climbing tapes will protect your hands & fingers from scrapes & cuts || Buy online the tubular tape! Water resistant Breathable There are climbing specific ones, but I think they are all pretty overpriced versions of what you can get at a drug store. An internet search for H-taping results in 1. See below for a video walking through the two methods to determine the grade or severity of a pulley injury. I got a flapper on my palm just below a finger, and I am hopeless at figuring out an effective way to tape my hand to protect it while still climbing. May 13, 2019 · Do I really need to prepare my hands and fingers before crack climbing? Is it at all necessary? Think of taping hands and fingers for a crack climb as equally important as any other piece of gear, such as climbing shoes, chalks, rope etc. Make sure the top strip covers your knuckles. Nov 2, 2023 · 3) Let Your Skin Breathe Taping up your fingers is fine if you want to continue climbing. Apr 30, 2024 · Taping for climbing gives your fingers support and helps to avoid skin issues, so this guide explains the most effective taping techniques. Feb 26, 2025 · Protect your hands and push your limits with the top-rated climbing tape from Sportlair. May 26, 2022 · Taping of the hand and fingers is an important tool in climbing during therapy and rehabilitation of various injuries. From selecting the right tape to May 6, 2016 · Taping your hands for crack climbing is a skill that can make or break your crack climbing experience. By applying tape strategically, climbers can create a barrier against the harshness of the rock, reinforce Taping the split tightly shut will also allow you to continue climbing. Don't worry about taping at the beginning. Are you looking for The Best Climbing Tapes? My Trail Company has many best choice products to help you choose the right one for you here! I've taken to taping the fingers that already have wounds (my right hand in the photo) but then the other fingers just tear, I guess I need to pre-tape all my fingers before climbing? Is this something that will improve with time and experience? Will the skin simply get tougher over time? Any tips would be great! Dec 15, 2024 · To understand why rock climbers tape their wrists, it’s essential to first recognize how much stress the wrists endure during climbing. The only situation where this is close to normal climbing wear and tear is if your two weeks on outdoors, climbing nearly daily. (3) Otherwise, the end piece will quickly come loose again whilst climbing. 5 million articles [2]. Taping your hands is a popular technique among climbers that offers several benefits. Muscles adapt more quickly to movement than tendons, ligaments, cartilage and capsules. Solely for crack climbing, prophylactic taping of the hands and Aug 5, 2022 · To do so, follow the illustration above and 1) Wind the tape, 360 degrees, around your hand a few times. ) Apr 1, 2022 · A comprehensive treatment plan, written by a physical therapist and based on evidence-based research, to rehab your injured finger. For two great methods for taping your hands for crack climbing, check out Beth Rodden's video on how to tape your hands for crack climbing. Be sure to check out the video links above for instructions on taping for split finger tips and climbing hand cracks. It's the perfect Athletic Sports Tape for pain and injuries and is widely used as rock climbing tape for hands, wrestling, or lacrosse. See full list on thewanderingclimber. Or if I have a flapper or am about to get a flapper. Taping provides support and stability to tendons and ligaments, helps prevent and manage injuries like split skin and pulley injuries, and even improves grip in certain situations. Preparing your hands for a longer crack climbing session or a multi-pitch route makes sense. Easily tear it by hand to reach your desired length or width. qmqeb tzdld mpstg nrfve nvv xtrp wnvgz tflc zzzbpscr idyw