Sidepulls

Sidepulls are handholds positioned sideways relative to the climber. To use a sidepull effectively, the climber pulls on the hold using an outward or lateral motion, engaging their body to keep close to the wall. These holds require strong grip strength and body tension.

Examples

A climber uses sidepulls when they encounter holds that are oriented vertically. These holds require the climber to grip them from the side, typically with the thumb on one side and fingers on the other. For instance, Sarah approaches a sidepull on an overhanging problem. She positions her body to the opposing side of the hold and pulls inward to create tension and stability, allowing her to advance to the next move. Another scenario involves Alex facing a route with a combination of sidepulls and footholds. He strategically uses his right hand to grip the sidepull while his left hand reaches out for balance, enabling him to maintain control and progress upward.