How to Use Climbing Chalk
The demanding sport of rock climbing, depends on physical and mental endurance. To succeed and reach the summit, you need dry hands. Chalks made of magnesium carbonate, will help you keep a strong grip as you struggle to reach the top of your climb.
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Instructions
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Whether you use climbing chalk in the form of a ball, block or powder, you will need a bag. The bag should be lightweight, and able to make your chalk accessible, without spilling.
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The chalk filled bag should be tied on the waist, and located on your back. You should be able to reach either hand inside comfortably.
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When climbing, it is not necessary to take an entire handful of chalk. You only need to apply a small amount to the area that you need to grip, and dry out your fingers.
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Repeat the application to your hands, as necessary. Always remember to close the bag each time you reach for your chalk.
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Tips & Warnings
Carrying a small brush with you on your climb, can be helpful to remove the chalk residue left on holds from past climbers.
There is an alternative to chalk for climbing. This type of hand drying agent goes on like an antiperspirant, and the great thing is, it doesn't cause any damage to the environment. It also doesn't leave a chalk residue all over the rocks.
It is important to use climbing chalk sparingly. Extra chalk residue that remains on holds that are both 'footholds' and 'handholds', can actually end up becoming slippery to the next climber.
Excess use of climbing chalk also leads to the breakdown of rock. This scenario can become dangerous if the weak spot happens to be in the area of a hold.
Be careful not to get chalk dust in your eyes! Magnesium carbonate will burn your eyes and cause them to tear. Not a good thing while climbing!
