Climber's Handcare | HCC Journal 21

Welcome to the 21st edition of the HCC Journal!

In this edition we'll be taking a look at the all-important handcare for climbers, especially as colder, wetter weather has set in.

Handcare for climbers

Your hands are one of two main points of contact when climbing. But unlike your feet, where shoes offer a degree of protection, your hands are exposed to the rigours of rough surfaces, awkward grips and the elements. Here are a few tips for top-notch hand care to get the most from your hands and keep them healthy and primed for climbing.

Washing

Clean hands are happy hands. It's important to wash your hands thoroughly after a climb. All that chalk, sweat and grit can dry and irritate your skin, so ensure it's washed off with soap and cool water.

Moisturise

As good practice, you should moisturise your hands once they've been washed. But it's also a good idea to moisturise your hands a few hours before a climb. This helps hydrate and nourish the skin, making it more supple and less prone to cracking under tension.

Nails

Long nails scratching against the wall is not a pleasant feeling, and it reduces your grip ability. Similarly, cutting your nails too short can lead to discomfort on the fingertips. When cutting your nails, keep them short with filed with just a slither of white remaining.

Calluses

Calluses are the rough and hard bits of skin that form on our hands. If they catch and tear, they can be really painful and get irritated quickly. Filing down your calluses so they are level with your skin helps to reduce flappy bits of skin while being more comfortable for climbing.

Balms

Adding a soothing balm to your hand care routine can do wonders for your skin. The HCC CBD Coconut Climber's Balm not only helps nourish the skin but also hastens the recovery process. Formulated with organic coconut oil, beeswax and 300mg broad-spectrum cannabis extract, our balm will help you get back on the wall in no time.