Mantling is a fundamental technique in bouldering and rock climbing, essential for overcoming ledges and topping out boulders. It involves transitioning from a pulling motion to a pushing motion, allowing climbers to move from hanging beneath a feature to standing atop it.
Definition and Purpose
In climbing, a mantle is the act of pressing down on a hold to push oneself upward, typically used when there are no higher handholds available. This technique is crucial for topping out boulders, especially when the top lacks substantial holds.
Common Scenarios for Mantling
Mantling is frequently employed in various climbing situations:
- Bouldering Top-Outs: Outdoor bouldering often requires climbers to ascend beyond the last hold to stand on top of the boulder, necessitating a mantle.
- Indoor Climbing: While less common indoors, some gym routes feature ledges or volumes that require mantling, providing climbers with opportunities to practice this technique in a controlled environment.
- Sport Climbing: Routes with pronounced ledges or horizontal surfaces may require mantling to progress.
Steps to Perform a Mantle
Executing a mantle involves several coordinated steps:
- Hand Placement: Grip the edge or lip with both hands, preparing to push down.
- High Foot Placement: Bring a foot up to a high position, such as a heel hook or high on the wall on a small hold, to assist in pushing your body upward.
- Initial Pull: Use your arms to pull your body upward until your chest is near the edge.
- Palm Press: Rotate one hand to press the palm down on the surface, transitioning from pulling to pushing.
- Push Up: Press down with your palm and push with your high foot to lift your body over the edge.
- Top Out: Once your centre of gravity is over the edge, bring your other foot up and stand up to complete the mantle.
Types of Mantles
There are variations of the mantling technique:
- Swimming Pool Mantle: Similar to exiting a swimming pool without steps, this involves pulling up and pressing down to get over an edge.
- Beach Whaling: A less elegant method where the climber flops onto the rock, resembling a beached whale. This is often a last resort when other techniques fail.
Training and Practice
To improve mantling skills:
- Practice in a Safe Environment: Start with low boulders or indoor gyms to practice mantling without significant risk.
- Strength Training: Focus on exercises that build shoulder, triceps, and core strength, as these muscles are heavily engaged during a mantle. Exercises advised by epicTV are Revolver push-ups on a sling trainer, Muscle ups on rings, L-sit into push up position on Paralllettes.
- Flexibility and Balance: Enhance flexibility and balance to improve high foot placements and stability during the mantle.
Safety Considerations
Mantling can be physically demanding and may lead to awkward falls if not executed properly. It’s important to practice mantling techniques in a controlled environment and use appropriate safety measures, such as crash pads and spotters, to minimize injury risks.
Sources
climbinghouse.com
hardclimbs.info
climbingcodex.com
ascensuslabs.com
epicTV on training mantles
Intro youtube clip Mantles by eastern mountain sports