It's that time of year again to pull out your chalk-covered notepad, reflect on how you did with your 2024 climbing goals, and start planning your 2025 ones. Whether you're a seasoned climber or just getting into the sport, setting goals is a great way to stay motivated, push yourself physically and mentally, and keep making progress. Here are some goal ideas to add to your list for 2025, along with tips on how to achieve them.
Think Big, But Start Small
As with any goal setting, it's important to start small and break down big goals into manageable steps when setting climbing goals. This approach will help you stay motivated and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed when things don't go as planned. Set realistic goals that are a bit outside of your comfort zone so you can push yourself without getting discouraged.
Goal Ideas for All Climbing Levels
Here are some goal ideas regardless of what stage you are in your climbing journey.
The Newcomer
For those just getting started.
To finally break in your climbing shoes: Ditch the old rental pair you bought off the used bin and break in a new pair that actually fits. Trust us, you'll notice a massive difference in your footwork.
Learn to lead climb: If you haven't already, make it a goal to learn how to lead climb so your partner won't leave you behind for the next crew. Plus, you'll be unlocking a whole new area of the climbing gym and crag.
Add strength and flexibility to your routine: Incorporate yoga and weight training into your weekly routine to build both flexibility and strength. This combo will help you build endurance and prevent injuries.
Get outdoors: Maybe you aim to send your first outdoor climb this year. There's nothing like the experience of climbing in nature and getting a sweet view at the end of the route!
The Regular
For the climbers who have been at it for a while and are looking to level up.
Master your grip: Work on not over-gripping every hold, even the pesky "crimps" the pros like to call jugs. A relaxed, open-handed grip helps your forearms relax, maintain energy, and improve your climbing technique.
Take the word "take" out of your vocabulary: Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Keep climbing until you fall—no more calling for a "take" when you are way past your last draw. Instead, try to train with victory whips to get used to the sensation of falling.
Train on the campus board or hangboard: You've probably been eyeing this equipment on the other side of the gym for a while. Pull up some quick YouTube tutorials to learn some training tips that will take your climbing game to the next level.
Save enough money to buy your own set of quick draws: Your friends are probably tired of always bringing all the gear. Make it a goal to snag some fresh new draws you can finally contribute to the climbing crew.
The Veteran
For the seasoned climber who wants to push the limits.
Plan that dream trip: Start planning that climbing trip to Patagonia you've always dreamt about. After all these years, you deserve an epic adventure with your long-term belaytionship.
Actually take a rest day: Make rest days a priority this year. That pully injury will finally get time to heal and catch up for the sends in the coming year. If you can't stay off the wall, make sure to stretch before and after to keep those muscles happy and healthy!
Use your trad gear: Stop bragging about that fancy trad rack, and actually go put it to use. Theres no better time than now to dust it off and start placing it in some glorious cracks.
Whether your goals are big or small, serious or a bit silly, 2025 is the year to push your limits. Take your climbing to a new grade, try a different style, and most importantly, focus on staying healthy and consistent in your training.
Featured Climbing Training Gear
Maverick: The on-the-go, bring it anywhere hangboard. On a family road trip to keep your fingers in shape. We like to bring this to the crag with us to keep our fingers warm—without losing skin on mediocre warm-ups—at that steep, thuggy sport crag.
Pinch Blocks: Don't let pinch strength stop you from sending! Use it while hanging, lifting, and even for one arm hangs; featuring various widths for pinching, a 20 mm edge, and a jug.
The Rock-Stah: Our handcrafted version of a traditional hangboard, with curving crimp rails to help alleviate unnecessary strain on your pulleys. Because ain’t no one got time for a finger injury…
The Rocket Wall: Available in 6’ and 8’ widths, it’s been tough for us to keep up with the demand for this innovative home climbing wall solution. Slightly overhanging, the Rocket Wall is big enough to set routes on, or to build a systems board.