Climbers talk about grades the way runners talk about times. The first V2 that finally went, the 5.10 that took a whole summer, the project still marked with tape on the wall. Progress in climbing comes in steps, and each step usually has a date, a place and a story. Good rock climbing gifts honor that.
The Climb, every grade they've sent
The Climb lays out every grade they've sent, rising up the print from their first V0 (or 5.8) to the latest send. Each grade is a step up, moving in color from green to brass, with the date and the wall or crag. It works for bouldering or ropes, in the gym or outside. From $45.
A climber who started in a gym two years ago will see the whole run on one sheet: the quick early grades, the long plateau, the breakthrough. A longtime climber can mark first sends at the crags that meant the most.
A short glossary for gift givers
- Send: climbing a route or problem from start to finish without falling.
- V grades: the common bouldering scale in the US, starting at V0 and going up.
- 5.x grades: the US scale for roped climbs, like 5.8, 5.10a or 5.11c.
- Project: the climb they're working on and haven't sent yet.
- Flash and onsight: sending on the first try. A flash comes with advice from others; an onsight comes with none.
Knowing these words helps when you ask what belongs on the print.
What to gather for The Climb
Many climbers log sends in an app or a notebook. If yours does, you're most of the way there. For each grade, note:
- The grade itself, on the scale they use.
- The date of the first send at that grade.
- Where it happened: the gym or the crag, as you want it printed.
If they don't keep a log, ask casually over dinner. Climbers rarely forget their first send at a new grade. Gym grades vary from place to place, so use the grade the climber counts.
A Milestone Certificate for a first outdoor send
Moving from plastic holds to real rock is a big step. The Milestone Certificate records the climber's name, the date, the place, the details and the witnesses. For a first outdoor send, name the crag, the route and grade, and the belayer or spotters who were there. It also fits a first lead climb or a first competition. From $24.
Team gear for youth climbing teams
Youth and school climbing teams have grown in many towns, and the team pieces work well for them. Team Stickers can carry your own team logo with the climber's name; they end up on chalk buckets, helmets and water bottles. The Team Water Bottle carries a number and name on both sides, and the Team Drawstring Bag is a handy size for shoes and a chalk bag. Teams ordering for every climber get 30% off. Stickers from $11, bottles from $42, bags from $34.
Gift ideas climbers actually use
- A month of gym membership or a punch card. Climbers go through visits fast.
- A guided day outside with a certified guide, especially for a gym climber ready to try rock.
- A guidebook for a nearby area they keep mentioning.
- Gift cards rather than shoes or harnesses. Fit is personal, and most climbers want to try gear on.
- Climbing tape, chalk and a good brush. Small, and always welcome.
Remember the climbing partner
Climbing is a partner sport. Someone held the rope or spotted every fall on the way to that grade. Consider a second copy of The Climb for the partner, or a Milestone Certificate that names them as a witness on the day it went. It's a thoughtful way to say thanks for all the catches.
When to give it
The week after a breakthrough send is ideal. So is the end of an outdoor season, when the climber has a full year of sends to show. Birthdays and holidays work just as well. If they're close to sending a project, it's fine to wait a few weeks so the newest grade makes the print.
Shop this guide
The ClimbFrom $45
Milestone CertificateFrom $24
Team StickersFrom $11
Team Water BottleFrom $54
Team Drawstring BagFrom $36
Ordering
List the grades, dates and walls on the product page exactly as you want them. Every order is checked by hand, and we send a proof before it prints. Allow about two weeks.
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