The ability to climb cracks is at the core of a climber's craft and Crack Climbing by Pete Whittaker provides a single point of reference for all crack climbing techniques, regardless of the grade you climb.
Whittaker is widely regarded as one of the best crack climbers in the world, having made dozens of cutting-edge first ascents and hard repeats, including the first ascent of Century Crack (5.14b) in Canyonlands, Utah. In this book, Pete has drawn on years of experience to demonstrate the many different techniques and to give you an understanding of when, why and how to use them. Develop these skills with confidence and your climbing standard will improve.
The book is split into easily accessible sections on techniques for different widths of cracks, including finger cracks, hand and fist cracks, offwidth cracks and chimneys. Pete looks at the basics, including the hand jam - the essential technique in any crack climber's repertoire - right through to advanced techniques such as the sidewinder and the trout tickler. Additional chapters cover how to tape up, as well as essential gear and equipment. Step-by-step practical information and how-tos are supplemented with tips and tricks and insights from the likes of Lynn Hill, Alex Honnold, Barbara Zangerl, Peter Croft and others.
Illustrated with clear line drawings and alongside illustrations by Alex Poyzer and superb (if slightly disturbing!) photographs.
By Pete Whitaker.
Card cover, 25cm x 19cm, 288 pages.
Published 2019.
ISBN: 9781911342762.