How to Do a Lieback in Crack Climbing

There are different techniques for crack climbing, but this one is probably the most painless, although it does require a bit of strength and coordination.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rope, harness, 'biners, a helmet and other standard safety equipment
• A nice crack in the corner of a big rock

1. Climb to a point on a crack where footholds and handholds are scarce.

2. Lean sideways and insert your hands into the crack with your palms facing you.

3. Insert your feet into the crack with the balls of your feet facing away from you.

4. Pull with your hands and push with your feet. The pressure you exert with your hands is going in the opposite direction as your feet, which will hold you to the rock.

5. Walk your bottom hand upward, then your feet, then hands again.

6. Continue like this until the crack runs out, or you see a better way to ascend the cliff.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow your arms to stay loose during a lieback. All you really need for this technique is a good grip and the leverage you create by leaning back away from the hold. Leg strength, as in most climbing techniques, is your primary force.