Hand Jam Basics
2 weeksLearn thumb-up and thumb-down hand jams in parallel cracks with foot stacks and knee scums.
Field context
This workflow is part of 1 niche field
Learn crack climbing technique from scratch with a clear step-by-step workflow, recommended tools, safety guidelines, and expert tips.
Learn thumb-up and thumb-down hand jams in parallel cracks with foot stacks and knee scums.
Add finger locks, ring locks, fist jams, and off-width techniques as crack size increases.
Practice foot jams, outside edges in corners, and stemming where crack opens to chimney.
Apply crack skills on sustained crack pitches reading rest stances and gear placements.
Finger < 1 in; hand 1–3 in; fist 3–4 in; off-width > 4 in — techniques differ each range.
Crack climbing abrasions and sprains common — know when to tape vs stop.
Walk cams out before loading wrong direction — stuck gear causes epics.
Wide cracks — fall awkwardly; protect frequently.