I'm a warm blooded Queenslander and recently moved to the Blue Mountains right before Winter. I've very quickly learnt a lot in how to warm up and actually get some good climbing days in despite the freezy and windy temps. Here are some tips to remember:
Clothing:
Gloves, beanie, neck scarf, fluffy socks, layyyyers (thermal, tshirt, fleece, down jacket).
To Pack:
Hot water bottle
I like to put it in my bag with my climbing shoes on top so for my first climb my shoes are nice and toasty warm.
Thermos
Big thermos for tea or coffee or refilling hot water bottle.
Disposable hand warmers and toe warmers
The timing of these is essential. Try to crack them open before leaving for the crag so they have time to warm up properly. Put one in your chalkbag!
Warm up tools:
Theraband, donut, portable handboard
Choosing crags:
Try find a winter projy that is in the sun a lot and is not something you'd usually want or be able to climb in summer. Check wind direction and crag orientation. Climb in the sun, keep your belayer happy, don't forget sunscreen.
Before leaving:
Where possible and if your crag is 30 mins away or less, get a warm up in at home or at the gym first. A bit of a stretch, some physio exercises or any rehab necessary. Especially focus on shoulders and fingers. Because your fingys are an extremity they'll be the first thing to lose blood flow circulation when things get icy so try to get those tendons warmed up before you get down there.
Before tying in:
Raise your Heartrate
If the hike in doesn't get your heartrate up, start with some star jumps or sprints along the base of the wall if it's safe. Raise the heart rate to warm your whole body up before we focus on specific areas.
Theraband
If you're not familiar with how to use a theraband, YouTube the beta before you leave. Try to focus on big muscle groups first, your shoulders and rotator cuffs are really important ones. I also use the theraband wrapped around my fingers to do some finger extensions. This warms up the extensors in the back of my forearms.
Squishy donut
Squishing this with one hand over and over until your forearm is a bit pumped and then swap hands.
Hangboard
There are many ways to use the portable hangboard. You can clip it to a low bolt and hang off it and focus on fingers and pull-ups. Or you can attach a stretchy band to the cord of the hangboard and loop it around your foot and push to apply force while one hand grips the board pulling in the opposite direction. Ease into it and switch up the grip types. I usually hold each crimp position for 15-30 sec so my tendons feel warm and ready.
Tying in:
- If there's a good warm up route there, chuck a lap up that. Try to focus on keeping the blood in your fingers. If you feel yourself numbing out try shaking out and making fist grips over and over, breathing hot air onto your fingers, holding your hands against your neck for warmth or between legs if your in a rest position.
- If you want to save on skin, or there's nothing easier than the projy route, go bolt to bolt on your projy making sure your fingers rewarm up before pulling back onto the wall. A good chance to relearn the moves and put draws on.
Between routes:
You might have warmed up on the wall but don't wait until your cold again to put a jumper back on. Untie, fluffy socks and shoes, layer up again and find some sun to sit and snack on a banana. Don't forget to drink water... It's surprisingly difficult to remember.
Finish the day with a warm bath, stretch and my favourite wholesome meal of Spaghetti Bolognese.
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