Intro to Steep Climbing on the Kilterboard: Part 2

With over 200,000 problems on the kilter app, it can be overwhelming to pick a fun problem. My last post went over my favorite setters for a variety of steep angles. But that can still be too many options for the climber short on time or new to the app. I’m going to be honest…I am not the best at distinguishing V2 from V3 or V3+ from V4. So I made a list of climbs that I thought would be enjoyable for the new steep climber and I put it to the test. I had a friend who I recently introduced to the kilterboard try my list of climbs at 55 degrees. Here are beta videos for five problems we both agreed were fun for newbies to 55 degrees.

1. Lament of the Steep

Setter: Cuckovich

Grade: V4+

2. Hello World

Setter: Willy982

Grade: V0

3. Easy A

Setter: Satiredun

Grade: V0

4. Skyy Vodka

Setter: Juligris

Grade: V2

5. Makers Mark

Setter: Juligris

Grade: V3+

Just a note: These grades are from the new kilter app and may not represent the grade I gave it. I haven’t decided if I truly believe that V0 can exist at 55 degrees. I do know that V0 doesn’t exist at 70 degrees. So if you see that grade on the app at 70 degrees, it is at least V2. I hope these are fun and helpful as you begin your journey into the wonderful world of steep climbing!

Trip Reports
Intro to Steep Climbing on the Kilterboard: Part 2
Intro to Steep Climbing on the Kilterboard: Part 2

With over 200,000 problems on the kilter app, it can be overwhelming to pick a fun problem. My last post went over my favorite setters for a variety of steep angles. But that can still be too many options for the climber short on time or new to the app. I’m going to be honest…I am not the best at distinguishing V2 from V3 or V3+ from V4. So I made a list of climbs that I thought would be enjoyable for the new steep climber and I put it to the test. I had a friend who I recently introduced to the kilterboard try my list of climbs at 55 degrees. Here are beta videos for five problems we both agreed were fun for newbies to 55 degrees.

Intro to Steep Climbing on the kilterboard
Intro to Steep Climbing on the kilterboard

I’m likely the world’s biggest Kilterboard fan! It’s great at multiple angles and for all levels of climbers. Although I jokingly call this angle “slab climbing” , 55 degrees is truly steep climbing. For climbers not familiar with climbing at steep angles, the change in technique and strength required can be quite jolting. Here are some of my favorite well-rounded setters at 55 degrees to make your transition to steep climbing easier!

4 Climbing Tips to Stop Cutting Feet!
4 Climbing Tips to Stop Cutting Feet!

After a spinal cord injury in 2019, I was unable to weight my feet while climbing (and barely while standing). With muscle weakness and no feeeling, I couldn’t tell the difference between rock and air. My spinal fusion in 2023 has improved my muscle strength greatly and has somewhat improved my feeling. Nearly every workout I’ve done for the past 2 years has been focused on being able to maintain body tension. I’m finally starting to reap the benefits of all these workouts. I thought I’d share the top four climbing exercises that have helped me avoid cutting feet.

Need a Home Climbing Gym Floor? Here's how to build it!
Need a Home Climbing Gym Floor? Here's how to build it!

Building a home gym is a monumental task! Once the climbing wall is built, you’d think the biggest hurdle is over. But a safe landing area is just as important, and can be just as overwhelming. There are many options for foam and foam coverings, making it difficult to know which is right for a climbing wall. I spent weeks reading about foam, cold-calling foam companies, and driving around to different fabric stores learning about vinyl coverings. Here is my journey of building a safe landing!

Building a Home Climbing Wall? Here's How to Paint it!
Building a Home Climbing Wall? Here's How to Paint it!

Working full time with a toddler, five cats and a dog didn’t leave me much time to learn a new skill. So I hired a painter, but when he didn’t show up and the welders were starting in three days. I quickly took a crash course on painting. This is what I learned.

Planning a Trip to Font? Don’t Miss These 6 Tips
Planning a Trip to Font? Don’t Miss These 6 Tips

I was recently lucky enough to make my first voyage to one of the top climbing destinations in the world: Fontainebleau—or Font. For most of my climbing career, I’d heard stories about the beautiful sandstone boulders and the flat, sandy landings. I knew I had to experience it for myself one day.

But planning a climbing trip to a foreign country can feel overwhelming and even a little scary, especially if it’s your first time. To help make your experience smoother and more enjoyable, here are some tips I picked up along the way.

Injured? Find a Good Chiropractor in a Few Simple Steps
Injured? Find a Good Chiropractor in a Few Simple Steps

I’ve been seeing chiros since I was 12 to help manage my Ehler-Danlos syndrome, a hypermobility disorder that makes me more susceptible to injury and joint dislocations. They have been a life saver for me and the only reason I’ve been able to maintain my athletic abilities. Since I’ve moved quite a bit over the past 25 years, I’ve had to regularly find a new chiropractor. Here are a few tips to help you find the best chiropractor for you.

My First Climbing Trip with a Toddler
My First Climbing Trip with a Toddler

Recently, there was a good weather window at Hueco Tanks- some cool weather in April. I really wanted to take advantage of this so I decided that my nearly 2 year old son, Hans Sven would join me! It would be our first mother-son trip. My husband was nervous to be separated from him, and wondered how would I keep him safe while climbing and hiking. Not afraid of a challenge, I made a plan and was excited to show Hans Sven my favorite place in the entire world!

Rained out of Hueco? 4 Day Trip Alternatives
Rained out of Hueco? 4 Day Trip Alternatives

This fall, I planned a trip to Hueco for a friend’s first outdoor climbing trip. We were all very excited. We drove to the park and at the ranger station, there was a sign out front- “NO CLIMBING TODAY.” We were devastated.

So, what were going to do?? Luckily I remembered, 8 years earlier that I climbed a cool cave in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I told everyone, No need to despair, onto Las Cruces we go!

5 Tips for Surviving Your First Solo Bouldering Trip
5 Tips for Surviving Your First Solo Bouldering Trip

A major benefit of being a boulderer is that you have the freedom to do it anytime you want. But it can be intimidating to be out in nature alone and it’s inherently risker than climbing with others. I have five tips to make it safer, so you can keep on sending!

How to Hike with a Toddler
How to Hike with a Toddler

Hiking used to be a solo activity but now, my son has started joining me and my dog Merle on our outdoor adventures! At 15 months, he can hike in the desert terrain for 30 minutes on his own! But it didn’t start out that way.

Want To Join a Climbing Gym? Here Are 4 Things You Should Know
Want To Join a Climbing Gym? Here Are 4 Things You Should Know

“What do I wear?” is the most common question I get asked by new climbers going to the gym.

Favia Dubykfavia dubykkilter board, steep climbing, gym climbingComment