Psatt!

Who uses loud noises as technique?  Is training it useful?

Specifically, is it useful for latching holds? Sometimes I blow off hard moves and as I’m falling I yell something.  I wonder if my timing is off.  The height of the yell should be latching the hold, no?

That’s what “they” say but I find yelling can also help me stay on after latching.

Make a sound of your choice while going for a move. Screaming helps with strength when you scream at the peak of muscle contraction so during a hard move should be good.

Caleb wrote:

Who uses loud noises as technique?  Is training it useful?

Specifically, is it useful for latching holds? Sometimes I blow off hard moves and as I’m falling I yell something.  I wonder if my timing is off.  The height of the yell should be latching the hold, no?

Not sure if this thread is ironic or not but as a yeller, I personally I think yelling has been more of an involuntary thing from how I manage breathing and engage muscles, plus a psychological aspect to it. Probably carry over from martial arts/boxing where it's pretty emphasized (at least some sort of exhaling to engage the core and tighten the body). If anything, id treat it more as a sign of proper engagement, but wouldnt go out of my way to make sure to yell/scream when putting effort. 

It’s serious, but there’s room for humor.

I’ve chatted with several folks about this recently and the rough consensus is most noise where you want the most power.  That could be at the latch, during the setup on bad holds, or holding position after the latch.  That seems right to me.

I’m not sure if it’s something to train, but practice and intention would probably show improvements.  Breathing is an integral part of climbing and definitely worth training.  I think I know how I plan to proceed but I’m open to how others improve accuracy and output with sound and breath.  Anyone out there who really fixates on this?

I’m sure some people would consider this a “toxic trait” but breath can be used for more than maximizing power. I find it also useful for increasing my mental stimulation and engagement. I rope solo often, and being my own cheering squad actually works pretty well. “Come On!” Is the verbal cue that I use most often.   Sometimes as I feel myself fizzling off good holds, a good shout makes all the difference. 

I occasionally do something similar when I get to a rest stance, but more for a catharsis or something.  Giving a little yell lets me reset mentally after a tough section of climbing and let go of a little bit of the stress that builds during a hard redpoint.  I don't do it all the time but once in a while it really helps me to calm down and concentrate on relaxing and recovering.

Kevin Stricker wrote:

I’m sure some people would consider this a “toxic trait” but breath can be used for more than maximizing power. I find it also useful for increasing my mental stimulation and engagement. I rope solo often, and being my own cheering squad actually works pretty well. “Come On!” Is the verbal cue that I use most often.   Sometimes as I feel myself fizzling off good holds, a good shout makes all the difference. 

Heh my verbal cue is "FAAAAK" or "I HATE CLIMBING" for when I'm scared