ROCK CLIMBING IN SINGAPORE: WHY CLIMBING IS RIGHT UP YOUR ALLEY
Climbing gyms have been popping up both in the heartland and CBD areas – it is now a popular alternative to usual routines at the gym and fitness studios. Since climbing works both your mind and body and is a social sport, many have realized its benefits and incorporated this sport into their fitness lifestyles.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CLIMBING?
Climbing works every part of your body – it builds your arms, finger strength, core muscles, and even your leg muscles! With various routes that require you to employ different techniques and work on different muscle groups, climbing also pushes you to work on your body coordination.
Guess which is the biggest muscle your body is exercising when you’re climbing? It’s your brain! Climbing requires you to problem-solve your way up to the top and be present on the wall. It’s a sport that will challenge you mentally and physically and that is what makes it so addictive!
Climbing is for everyone, and climbers are known to be an open and friendly bunch. It is common to share advice and techniques on solving the climbing routes, and because climbers are so ready to help one another get better, it’s really an uplifting sport.
Climbing works every part of your body – it builds your arms, finger strength, core muscles, and even your leg muscles! With various routes that require you to employ different techniques and work on different muscle groups, climbing also pushes you to work on your body coordination.
Guess which is the biggest muscle your body is exercising when you’re climbing? It’s your brain! Climbing requires you to problem-solve your way up to the top and be present on the wall. It’s a sport that will challenge you mentally and physically and that is what makes it so addictive!
Climbing is for everyone, and climbers are known to be an open and friendly bunch. It is common to share advice and techniques on solving the climbing routes, and because climbers are so ready to help one another get better, it’s really an uplifting sport.
TYPES OF CLIMBING
Bouldering is rock climbing without the use of ropes or harnesses, so it typically takes place on short walls (between 4-5 metres). Most bouldering is done indoors, and a safety mattress is placed at the base of the wall to support and soften the landing of a climber. As bouldering doesn’t require additional equipment and is highly accessible to new climbers, it is one of most popular climbing activities in Singapore.
Pro tip: The trick to bouldering is knowing how fall safely. Master your falling technique during your foundation training to prevent any serious injuries.
Top-rope climbing is a form of rock climbing where climbers are supported by a rope that runs up and down an anchor system at the top of the wall and back down to their partner (belayer). The belayer ensures that the rope is always firmly attached to the climber to
prevent the climber from taking large falls. Top-rope climbing is safer and less physically demanding compared to other forms of rope-climbing as the distance in a fall is minimized.
Pro tip: Beginners can first try out auto belay climbs, where routes are generally easier. You’ll also be able to climb solo with the support of the auto belay device and gym staff.
Lead climbing is more advanced than top-rope climbing, as the climber needs to ascend the route and clip the rope into each bolt or quickdraw to prevent a large fall – unlike having a rope fixed to a top anchor. With greater freedom of movement, lead climbing is naturally more demanding and thrilling.
Pro tip: Lead climbing is only recommended when climbers can comfortably top rope somewhere in the 5.10 climbing grade. You need a reasonable degree of endurance for this climb.
Bouldering is rock climbing without the use of ropes or harnesses, so it typically takes place on short walls (between 4-5 metres). Most bouldering is done indoors, and a safety mattress is placed at the base of the wall to support and soften the landing of a climber. As bouldering doesn’t require additional equipment and is highly accessible to new climbers, it is one of most popular climbing activities in Singapore.
Pro tip: The trick to bouldering is knowing how fall safely. Master your falling technique during your foundation training to prevent any serious injuries.
Top-rope climbing is a form of rock climbing where climbers are supported by a rope that runs up and down an anchor system at the top of the wall and back down to their partner (belayer). The belayer ensures that the rope is always firmly attached to the climber to
prevent the climber from taking large falls. Top-rope climbing is safer and less physically demanding compared to other forms of rope-climbing as the distance in a fall is minimized.
Pro tip: Beginners can first try out auto belay climbs, where routes are generally easier. You’ll also be able to climb solo with the support of the auto belay device and gym staff.
Lead climbing is more advanced than top-rope climbing, as the climber needs to ascend the route and clip the rope into each bolt or quickdraw to prevent a large fall – unlike having a rope fixed to a top anchor. With greater freedom of movement, lead climbing is naturally more demanding and thrilling.
Pro tip: Lead climbing is only recommended when climbers can comfortably top rope somewhere in the 5.10 climbing grade. You need a reasonable degree of endurance for this climb.
CLIMBING GEAR
For bouldering, you would need a pair of rock-climbing shoes and a chalk bag with chalk ball or liquid chalk.
For top-rope climbing, you will need an additional safety harness, carabiner, and belay device. All climbing gyms in Singapore will have climbing shoes and equipment available for rent – so make sure you bring along an extra pair of socks to wear with the rental shoes.
On what to wear for your next climb, we recommend the Elevate 6" Lined Shorts which has increased mobility with side slits and muscular support with its inner tights. Made with Kyro Lite, the inner tights will also wrap comfortably around your thighs and offer sweat wicking properties. For your top, we recommend the Apex Curved Hem Tee which provides increased mobility with its curved hem. The Resurge Muscle Tee II is also a great option – a slim fitting tee to ensure climbing safety.
HOW DO I CHOOSE A CLIMBING GYM?
Climbing gyms are created differently – some have different wall features such as a lead wall, a bouldering cave, and several top-rope lanes, while others are a simple indoor gym with a small number of walls. Consider your needs and climbing goals.
If you want to specialize in bouldering, choose a gym that has a large bouldering cave that is spacious and fitted with routes of various difficulty levels. If you are thinking of venturing into lead climbing, then a gym with the equipment and capabilities to support such a climb would be more suitable.
Pro tip for advanced climbers: look out for varied features, holds, and textures on the wall. Features like overhangs, slopes, and chimneys provide a more challenging climb.
CLIMBING GYMS IN SINGAPORE
This indoor bouldering gym is the largest of its kind in Singapore! With more than 7,000 sq ft of floor space, Boulder World has over 100 routes with difficulty levels ranging from beginner to expert!
Price: Day passes are offered at $25 for adults (18 years and above) and $18 for youths. They also have 10 passes worth $200, and a season pass costing $90 per month.
Location: 10 Eunos Road 8, SingPost Centre, #01-205, BoulderWorld, Singapore 408600
IMAGE CREDITS: BOULDER WORLD
Fitted with wacky climbing walls that look like strands of DNA and our favorite Tetris game, this indoor gym is perfect for unleashing your creativity!
Price: Starts from $18 for HometeamNS members, while non-members pay $25 for a 90-minute session. They also offer 10 passes at a discounted rate ($126 for Hometeam NS members and $175 for non-members).
Location: HomeTeamNS Tampines 1 Tampines Walk, #03-03, Our Tampines Hub, Singapore 528523
IMAGE CREDITS: CLIP N' CLIMB
Climb Central is known to be a friendly training ground for beginners just starting out. Each climbing lane has grips that are color coded according to difficulty level, and instructors will give a 15-minute crash course before the session.
Price: Day passes start from $22 for adults (18 years and above) and $18 for youths. There are also multi-passes like 10 passes at $160 and a monthly pass at $130.
Location: 1 Stadium Place, #B1-01 Singapore 397628 (Kallang Outlet) / 238 Thomson Road, #03-23/25 Singapore 307683 (Novena Outlet)
IMAGE CREDITS: CLIMB CENTRAL
With options to do bouldering, top-rope climbing, and outdoor lead climbing, Ground Up offers a variety of routes for those who are looking for a challenge. There are also guided classes provided that will teach you proper climbing techniques and body conditioning exercises.
Price: An entry pass costs $22 for adults (18 years and above) and $15 for youths without equipment. There is also a monthly subscription pegged at $80 and a 10-class pack for $180.
Location: 60 Tessensohn Road, Level 2, Singapore 217664
IMAGE CREDITS: GROUND UP
This indoor bouldering gym is the largest of its kind in Singapore! With more than 7,000 sq ft of floor space, Boulder World has over 100 routes with difficulty levels ranging from beginner to expert!
Price: Day passes are offered at $25 for adults (18 years and above) and $18 for youths. They also have 10 passes worth $200, and a season pass costing $90 per month.
Location: 10 Eunos Road 8, SingPost Centre, #01-205, BoulderWorld, Singapore 408600
IMAGE CREDITS: BOULDER WORLD
Fitted with wacky climbing walls that look like strands of DNA and our favorite Tetris game, this indoor gym is perfect for unleashing your creativity!
Price: Starts from $18 for HometeamNS members, while non-members pay $25 for a 90-minute session. They also offer 10 passes at a discounted rate ($126 for Hometeam NS members and $175 for non-members).
Location: HomeTeamNS Tampines 1 Tampines Walk, #03-03, Our Tampines Hub, Singapore 528523
IMAGE CREDITS: CLIP N' CLIMB
Climb Central is known to be a friendly training ground for beginners just starting out. Each climbing lane has grips that are color coded according to difficulty level, and instructors will give a 15-minute crash course before the session.
Price: Day passes start from $22 for adults (18 years and above) and $18 for youths. There are also multi-passes like 10 passes at $160 and a monthly pass at $130.
Location: 1 Stadium Place, #B1-01 Singapore 397628 (Kallang Outlet) / 238 Thomson Road, #03-23/25 Singapore 307683 (Novena Outlet)
IMAGE CREDITS: CLIMB CENTRAL
With options to do bouldering, top-rope climbing, and outdoor lead climbing, Ground Up offers a variety of routes for those who are looking for a challenge. There are also guided classes provided that will teach you proper climbing techniques and body conditioning exercises.
Price: An entry pass costs $22 for adults (18 years and above) and $15 for youths without equipment. There is also a monthly subscription pegged at $80 and a 10-class pack for $180.
Location: 60 Tessensohn Road, Level 2, Singapore 217664
IMAGE CREDITS: GROUND UP
Scaling to the top and conquering a wall is a feeling like no other. And it’s safer and more fun to share that ecstatic feeling with your friends – head on now to the climbing gyms with your #KydraSquad!
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