Quote Originally Posted by Pound View Post
"I climb 2-3 times a week over the winter, really keeps me in shape, best workout and fun!."

There are definitely a lot of super fit people in there, that's for sure.

I'm good for 12'ish clean, dead hang pull ups at my body weight (198 as of this morning). I'd definitely like to do more and weighted pull ups will help that. but what kills me currently is the friggin finger tip stuff. That's just not something i'm used to for typical gym work. so that's why i'm trying to focus on pulling motions w/my fingers only and also calves from my toes. I was doing sets of 6-8 pull ups using the rock grips... pretty proud of that Totally different feel that's for sure.
I think climbing fitness can translate to the water sports pretty directly. grip strength, leg strength, pulling strength, endurance, balance, etc. seems like a great off season (and on season) activity.
Us dudes all start climbing the same way, with strength and power, the real secret is technique and climbing slow. My girlfriend can out climb me all day long, she's uses her legs for 90% of the work. I've spent the last few months re-learning how to climb more efficiently, you just need to watch better climbers(women, fun to watch too..lol) and really start using your legs and not pulling up with your arms. For the fingers, don't hold on for dear life with a death grip, just learn to hook your finger tips, you just want to be able to hold on with the least amount of effort and use your feet. Next time you grab a jug are you holding tight like a baseball bat or loose? Just curl your fingers and hook them instead, climb often and the fingers will get really strong pretty quick.