Why is brushing essential when climbing? 🤔

Have you ever wondered why some climbers always carry a brush in their hand or in their bag? Ever seen climbers milling around a climbing gym, desperately looking for a brush, without understanding why it's so important? Ever seen people use a brush AFTER climbing? So, if you want to understand why, climb like a pro and respect your community, stick with us. We'll explain what a climbing brush is for and why brushing is a must.

What is the purpose of a climbing brush?

Improve your grip

Imagine, you throw your hand at a big catch and just when you think you can hold it, your hand starts to slip. No matter how much you cover your hands with chalk, you can't hold on to the grip! Not good, is it?
Well, the grip is simply slippery because it's covered in chalk, sweat and even grease.

This is where brushing comes in handy: a good brush will clear away any particles that might get between the grain of your skin and the grain of the grip. And often, this happens at the microscopic level. Impurities, such as shoe rubber or chalk, get lodged in the hollows of your grip and make it smooth. That's why you need a good brush capable of scratching even the smallest nooks and crannies. 

Respect nature and other climbers

When you climb, regardless of your will, you leave impurities on the holds: mainly chalk or shoe rubber. A little is okay, but too much is too much. By brushing AFTER you've climbed, you're helping to keep the environment clean. The climber who comes after you will thank you!

Outdoors, this is all the more important if you want to respect nature and your fellow man.
By brushing, you leave as few traces of your passage as possible. Nature will thank you for not leaving big white traces of chalk everywhere.
It's also nice for future climbers: when you climb outdoors, you want to read the route and spot the holds. If climbers don't brush, chalk marks offer an extra help that isn't always asked for or appreciated. 

Our tips for effective brushing 🌟

The equipment

To brush properly, we advise you to use an efficient and appropriate brush.

YY Vertical has developed 2 brushes for this purpose:

• The Infinity Brush, specially designed for brushing indoor sockets.
• The VerticalBrush, a highly efficient upcycled brush.

These 2 brushes have a very high bristle density, making brushing easier, less tiring and more effective. Another advantage of the Infinity Brush and VerticalBrush is that you won't have to constantly replace your brush, as they're built to last. 

The technique

No need to scrub like a madman! Gentle, regular strokes are all you need.

Unlike brushing your teeth, we still advise you to go back and forth rather than round and round.

On the other hand, it's important to make sure that any impurities flown out of the sockets don't fall back onto them.
In a ventilated environment, the wind usually takes care of this. Indoors, we recommend that you blow (without spitting) on the plug once you've finished brushing.

When to brush? 🕒

Before and during the climb

To give you a better grip

After your session

Out of respect for others.

Conclusion: Brushing is loving!

There, now you know why the brush is the essential accessory for any self-respecting climber.
Be careful, though: once you've brushed a hold, there's no excuse not to hold it! 😉 

Climb high, climb clean!