In bouldering and climbing, the cross-through is a technique where a climber reaches one arm over or under the other arm to grasp a hold. The rose move is similar, yet it more specific as this move moves an arm underneath the arm holding to the wall and reaches way further than with a cross-through. It additionally requires a drop knee to facilitate the far reach. This move was first applied by French sport climber le Menestrel.
This manoeuvre is particularly useful when two consecutive holds are aligned and a bump of the hand closest is not an option, making a direct reach with the nearest hand awkward or inefficient. By crossing through, climbers can maintain balance and fluidity, especially on traverses or routes with lateral movements.
What is a Cross-Through Move?
In bouldering and climbing, the cross-through move is a body technique where a climber crosses one arm over or under the other to reach the next handhold. This allows the climber to extend their reach beyond normal arm span while maintaining body tension and balance.
What is a Rose Move?
A rose move is a variation of the cross-through that emphasizes an extended reach by combining the arm cross with a drop knee and a slight hip shift toward the target hold. This refined movement helps climbers maintain stability during long reaches, especially on steep or overhanging sections.
Execution of a Cross-through and rose move:
- Stabilize Your Position: Secure your body using available footholds and a handhold with one hand.
- Release and Reach: Release the opposite hand, cross it over or under the stationary arm, and extend it to the next hold.
- For the rose movement: Move your hips and drop your knee towards the hold you are reaching for.
- Maintain Balance: Engage your core and adjust your hips to stay close to the wall, ensuring stability during the movement.
This technique is an efficient movement on routes that require lateral progression or when holds are spaced in a way that necessitates crossing over.
Benefits of the Cross-through and rose move:
- Enhanced Reach: Allows access to holds that are otherwise difficult to reach with a direct approach.
- Improved Balance: Helps maintain body tension and balance during complex sequences.
- Energy Conservation: Promotes smoother movements, reducing unnecessary energy expenditure.
Sources
Friction labs – how it works: the rose move
elevatedadventurer.com
99boulders.com