French Start

A French Start in bouldering means starting a climb with one or more feet already on holds higher than the ground. Typically, climbers use a French Start to gain a better position for the initial move. This technique is beneficial when the first handholds are difficult to reach from the ground.

Examples

A climber sees a particularly tough start on the boulder problem. She decides to use a French Start, standing high on one foot while pulling with both hands. Another climber approaches a problem with a high first hold. He initiates a French Start by springing off the ground, utilizing both hands and feet to gain immediate height. She encounters a tricky opening move that requires flexibility. She uses a French Start, lifting her left leg high and pushing off with her right foot to reach the initial holds.