How to Flag When Rock Climbing
Go to any climbing gym or visit any outdoor climbing area, and you will likely see that the more experienced climbers occasionally stretch a leg out to touch the rock face with their toes. This maneuver is called flagging, and these climbers are not actually putting any weight on that foot. The move is used to add balance, and although some people do it naturally, it is a teachable technique.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Practice moving on the wall. You want to be warmed up before you try new techniques.
-
2
Find a position where your primary weight point is a foot at your center of balance.
-
-
3
Look for a hold that is above you and off to one side.
-
4
Reach for the hold. You should feel off balance. Use your free leg as a counter weight, either by stretching it out to the side or, if you are leaning far away from your free leg to get the new hold, by crossing it behind your weight leg to touch the wall on the other side.
-
5
Practice close to the ground until it feels natural to flag, then try it on a run.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
A partner is not strictly necessary if you are practicing close to the ground, but an experienced climber can still be of lots of help.
Do not climb alone, particularly outside.
