tips and tricks
Transitioning From Indoor to Outdoor Climbing
If you are looking for a trusted partner to share outdoor rock climbing with this season, we are here for you. The step from gym to outdoor climbing is both significant and consequential. One notable challenge is navigation: Choosing an appropriate crag to climb at, finding your way to it, locating the route you…
Read more...How To: Dyno!
By Tino Fiumara A dyno is a large dynamic movement between holds and is an essential movement in climbing. Dyno-ing is often the only option when the hold is too far away to do statically or because trying to do a large move statically, especially in steeper terrain, is a waste of energy. So, how…
Read more...Avalanche Awareness Course Registration Now Open
We are pleased to share that registration is now open for a new two part Avalanche Awareness course taught by Blake Keogh. Part 1 will take place on Thursday March 2 from 6:30-8:30 at Salt Pump and cover how to reach advisory reports issued by NOAA and the Mt. Washington Avalanche Center, and other important back country…
Read more...Five Phases to Maximize Your Potential!
To normal people, when they think of climbing training, phrases like “feel the burn”, “train to failure”, “P90X” or, even better, “no pain, no gain” seem to jump to the front of their minds. While this may be the case for many sports, it couldn’t’t be more different for climbing. Abide by those phrases…
Read more...A Number-Free Environment : Boulder Problem Grading
At Salt Pump, we are deeply invested in the climber’s experience. Whether you are a first time climber or a grizzled veteran of the vertical, we want your experience at Salt pump to be exceptional. We do not want grades to get in the way of this experience. Normally after a new ‘set’ goes up…
Read more...Bouldering 4×4’s: Tips & Tricks
For the pebble wrestlers (aka boulderers) of the Salt Pump scene, it can sometimes be challenging to work anaerobic / power endurance. We have the most fun, after all, when we work our projects and climb at our max, so spending the time building fitness can seem boring or uninspiring. One interesting way to do so…
Read more...Taki and Tino on ‘Love Maine Radio’
What does ‘Salt Pump’ mean? Can climbing help make the world a better place? Where are Tino and Taki’s favorite climbing areas? How does Salt Pump staff work with someone who has a fear of heights? Taki (our General Manager) and Tino (our Head Routesetter and Assistant Program Director) were recently in studio at…
Read more...The Real Yoga Lies Off the Mat
By Nichole Crandall, SaltPump Yoga Teacher The weather this week in Maine is a sure sign Spring is on it’s way. A time where we come out of hibernation and resume a more active and outdoor lifestyle. Consider taking a Vinyasa yoga class to help prepare your mind and body for the increased activity and challenge…
Read more...Can I Make Gains In My Climbing With More Overall Strength, Fitness and Endurance?
“I have really enjoyed Melissa’s HIIT classes. Every time the workout is different, with new moves and challenges. I love having a surprise each session. She also doesn’t let you “cheat” – she makes me work HARD! I have been feeling stronger. Where I notice it most is my running….I have run for years ,…
Read more...Four Ways Yoga Helps with Climbing
By Nichole Crandall, Salt Pump Yoga Instructor “If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try” –Seth Godin Yoga and climbing are an odd match – with one mostly limiting the participant to the 2’x6′ mat space and encouraging ‘looking in’, while the other is inherently more social and more exploratory (at least in…
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