Projecting a Climb

Projecting a climb is the process of working out all of the moves so that you can do it cleanly.

Most commonly people project climbs that they want to lead, but it is also certainly okay to project a boulder problem, a mixed climb, an ice climb or a toprope problem. You get to decide what it means to project something. And you get to decide when you've completed your project and you're ready to go onto the next one.

There are a few things that one can do to work a project.

First, consider an appropriate route. The best route to project is one that is just out of your ability level. If you pick something that's super difficult, then it's going to take a long time to get it. 

Second, break down the project into sections. It's certainly okay to work sections separate from one another, even if you have to batman up the rope to get to them. Obviously the crux is the most important section to dial in. It's good to do every section over an over again, until it's possible to begin linking. If it's a trad route that includes gear placement, that should be included in the projecting process as well, prior to your redpoint. (A redpoint is the first time you do the route cleanly, without a toprope.)

Third, if the goal is to lead the route, dial in the entire line on toprope before you go for the lead. Climbing trainer, Eric Hörst, recommends that you do the route at least three times without without falls before you give it a lead attempt.

This video from Climbing Tech Tips has several additional ideas for projecting a climb:

Happy projecting!

--Jason D. Martin