Building Trust and Teamwork: Qualities of a Great Climbing Partner

Winter climbing season is in full swing and love is in the air! 

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, what better time to reflect on one of the most important aspects behind a fulfilling experience on the rock wall — our belaytionships.

To help us out, we asked the Dynamite Starfish community to chime in with their thoughts on the qualities of a great climbing partner.

Scroll on to see what these climbers had to say!

Positivity, reliability, experience, and soft catches!

You're staring at the last bolt under your feet, and you begin to get the dreaded Elvis leg as you desperately try to find a way to make the next clip. It's no use.

"TAAAKKKEEEEEEEEEE," you scream to your belayer as your fingers unravel in slow-motion from that jug. 

As kind-hearted as your belayer is, they take in too much slack and BAM. Your fall feels like a train slamming into the side of a mountain.

If you've ever been lead climbing, you know the feeling. A soft catch goes a long way toward maintaining a healthy belaytionship. Now where are my Rope Guns at?

(Photo and quote from @carolenabird)

I’ll only climb with people who know how to hold their own on the routes we are climbing.

Slow down there Romeo. We totally understand how badly you want to take that cutie on a romantic adventure to the climbing crag, but it's time to take off those rose-colored belay glasses. 

The special skills required in trad climbing and multi-pitch make these disciplines much more committing than sport climbing or bouldering. Throwing a climber in over their head on trad routes or big walls can quickly turn Type 2 Fun into a dangerous situation. 

Trust us, one terrible day on the wall can really spoil a climbing partnership. 

(Quote from @halletreks photo by @say.adventures_ @say.sydney)

Know when to help versus support and let you figure it out on your own.

Hey, beta sprayers! This one's for you.

The problem-solving aspect of climbing is a creative process that requires grit, determination, and persistence. Seeing a climb transform from impossible, to improbable, to possible, to success is incredibly fulfilling. 

Stepping in too soon can really ruin this experience for your climbing partner. So how can you figure out when to support versus when to help?

In the early stages of a belaytionship, talk about how you would like your partner to support you when they see you struggling on a climb. Not everyone is good at communicating in the heat of the moment, so have these conversations outside of a climbing session.  

And when in doubt, a simple "Would you like some help/a power spot/beta?" goes a long way.

(Photo and quote from @lkasmer)

Communication and trust ❤️

Whether on the climbing wall or in life, communication and trust are the two main pillars of any strong relationship.

In climbing, a healthy dialogue with our partner goes far beyond checking safety systems. It's about creating a safe space to let your fears and ambitions be known. It's about discussing what your next move will be and what to do when things don't go as planned.

When you trust your partner, your mind can relax and concentrate on the task ahead — getting ready to CLIMB ON! 

(Photo and quote from @flossinjen)

Be as unhinged, if not more than myself.

Who in their right mind would want to go out in the freezing cold and climb hundreds of feet from the ground dangling from 9mm of rope? Uhh —  me!

Rock climbers are known for their "Take the Adventure" attitude. Some say we're missing a few nuts and bolts, but we prefer to call ourselves Misfits. 

(Photo and quote from @steve_the_climber)

Sarcastic, trustworthy, and cautious

Them: Please, knot another climbing pun...

Me: But they crack me up! 

We spend A LOT of time with our climbing partners, so might as well hit the rock wall with a solid sense of sarcasm. 

Not sure what we mean? Take our Passive Aggressive Tricam Tee. Depending on its placement, it can be passive, active, or passive-aggressive — kind of like our humor.

(Photo and quote from @emmie_jean95)

A healthy regard for their own safety and STOKE for just being outside together!

Dynamite Starfish knows a thing or two about being STOKED. Climbing outside (or inside) with friends is plain fun!

The last thing you want to be worrying about on a climbing trip is having to constantly remind your partner about safety. Just think...checking crash pad placement, keeping their hands on the break end of the rope at all times, watching their climber while on belay, knowing when a spot is needed, etc...

If your climbing partner does these things, they're a keeper!

(Photo and quote from @kopelsrf)

Snacks

Some of us Climb For Snacks, while others take pride in being a tasty Crag Snack. However you like your treats, we've got you covered. 

Psst...we did a round-up including 14 ideas for Crag Snacks for your next climbing day which you can find here.

(Photo and quote from @shortpeoplebeta)

Good vibes

Hey, Mr. Grumpy Gills! Leave that negative attitude at home 'cause we've got some climbing to do! 

Sure, we get it that you might get bummed when you don't send your project — and that's OK — but there's a HUGE difference between feeling upset and making sure the whole crag is listening to you complain about everything under the sun! 

Remember that the best climbers are the ones having the most fun. Now let the Good Climbs, Good Vibes roll!

(Photo and quote from @erin.m.o)

How about you? What qualities do you look for in a climbing partner?

Share your thoughts in the comments below. We'd love to hear from you!

Psst…Our tees are a great conversation starter!

With so many styles, we know you’ll be the climber having the most fun at the crag. 

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