It might look simple when others do it but if you want to top out in style while mantling, there are a few things to know!
Not only classy but also mandatory to send boulder problems, a climbing mantle done right can save a lot of energy. And sometimes bones. 😂
Is there more to climbing mantles?
There is. A mantle is a widely used technique when exiting a boulder problem. To do it right and safely all you have to do is press and push. Simple, right?!
While to some it might come naturally, to most of us, a bouldering mantle is a learned and perfected skill essential in climbing.
It involves placing one foot as high as you can to be able to push on it while pressing your hands down against a hold.
Depending on the features of the boulder you can either place your heel hook, the tip of your shoe, or smear.
The idea is to get as close as possible to the wall so you can move your center of gravity toward the active leg.
If you can efficiently place heel hooks – do it! It is usually more efficient strength-wise because it helps you stay closer to the wall.
To get a better picture of what I am saying here’s a video that explains it perfectly.
Where does the word “mantle” come from?
All roads lead to Rome indeed! Strange enough, the origins of the word “mantle” date back to when climbing wasn’t even an official sport.
To be more exact, the word “mantle”, initially “mantel” derives from the Latin “mantellum” and refers “both to a cloak and to a beam or stone supporting the masonry above a fireplace” that can be found in homes.
Because of the resemblance with rock formations such as narrow edges and ledges we often see while rock climbing, mountaineers started calling this exit a mantle.
Reasons for mastering the climbing mantle
Whether you are bouldering on rock, indoors, or both, this bouldering technique is an ace up your sleeve. Here are three reasons why this bouldering skill is best used when:
- You see no holds on the horizon
- You are so pumped that no jug is big enough AND there is the option for a mantle
- You want to take a no-hand rest
How to mantle like a boss
The climbing mantle is a relatively simple bouldering technique to learn but it can easily get complicated when you don’t know how to do it. Here are your tips for mantling like a boss.
Work on your flexibility
How much you can open your hips will dictate how much you be able to get closer to the wall and shift your weight from one leg to another.
If this video convinced you of how flexibility plays a huge role in mantling you can read our boulderflash guide on how to train your climbing flexibility.
Work on your muscles
Doing front squats regularly will help you with pressing off high feet feel easier. Apart from that, it will allow your hips to engage their mobility and will also help with certain climbing rests.
Glute activation will also help in maintaining a correct posture. Learn how to squat correctly and get the max out of it!
Don’t get so worked up: the more you climb the easier it will get to better understand all these bouldering techniques such as the mantle. From my experience, muscular engagement will naturally grow at the same time as your climbing level.
Nevertheless, if you are interested in perfecting it and really working those mantling muscles, you can! In this Kafe Craft video, you can clearly see how to train yourself to dominate mantles by using rings.
However, keep in mind Christoph Hanke is a World Cup German competitor! Therefore if you are a beginner climber I advise you to always make sure your shoulders are in the right position.
So maybe start easier, with floor exercises such as plank.
Through warm-up
Not only linked to perfecting your climbing mantles but also generally to your climbing wellness, warm-up is still an important part of it.
Mantling mainly involves a lot of force applied on your heel, hips, and wrists.
Therefore make sure you always get a thorough warm-up before you go out bouldering.
Visualise your move before going for it
Visualisation plays an important role in climbing, and mantling is no exception.
Before you go try your boulder problem try looking at the holds and imagine yourself moving.
- Which holds are you going to take?
- Where are you going to place your feet?
- How are you going to reach that next hold?
- Do you see yourself rocking over that boulder?
Mental preparation can help you build skills and also trust yourself and what you can do. Do this often enough and the climbing mantle will become a habit in no time.
If you’d like to know more on the subject do check the guide we wrote on everything there is to know on visualisation and how to improve route reading.
Own it and rock over
Ok, your hips are as high as they can get but now what? Because mantling requires quite a high level of muscular engagement, commitment to it is imperative.
When I am finding it hard to commit to climbing I find that what helps me is taking a deep breath.
And, in this case, rock over. Something like in this lovely video with Anna Hazelnutt showing you two ways to climb the Beach mantle in Magic Wood.
Learn how to mantle by…watching mantling!
Learning takes time, practice, and observation. As far as I am concerned learn from watching myself climb on a project, the same way I learn from watching others.
So don’t be hesitant when it comes to watching videos of more experienced climbers and even ask for advice at your local climbing gym!
Watch, dream, execute!
For example, watch closely how this climber pulls and pushes his way out of Gravitron 7A/V6 or how Lynn Hill masterfully tops out on Midnight Lightning where the mantle is the actual crux.
Have you given it a try to mantling yet? What is your take on it?
And, more important, do you have any special tricks to share with us?
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