You’ve heard of the two-step. But have you heard of the high step? Pretty simple in theory and tougher if you don’t have a lot of flexibility. A high step is precisely just that, stepping high onto a hold/ foot chip. The more you can work on your flexibility, the more foot chips you can reach, the better you can climb.
After having surgery on my right hip a few years ago, it has taken some time to get back in the high stepping game. I’ve created some work-arounds **see grabbing your foot with your hand and lifting/forcing it onto high foot chip/ ledge.** You too can use this patented technique (can you patent a technique?!) if you need or you can follow these tips.
Keep working on your hip flexibility, spot those high foot holds, and working on one-legged squats doesn’t hurt (this has been key in my rehab!). Get that foot up onto a hold, pebble, shelf, whatever will take it. Now that your foot is a little closer to heaven, you have to get your weight over the foot as best you can. Some people refer to this as “rocking on” to your foot. Your hip and foot should be close to being in line. Next, push down on that thing, say a prayer, and go for it.
Sometimes, I use a “mantle” to assist me (press down with a hand, like you are getting out of a swimming pool). Or if that movement is unavailable, your other foot can do this sloppy, semi-smear hop, ugly, no-name-move-because-no-one-wants-to-admit-they-did-it, move. There you have it people, now go out and try and don’t be afraid to get a little ugly if you need to. Just remember climbing is a weird, strange, funny thing we do, so no need to take it too seriously.
Recommended Devil’s Lake Climbs: You can do this move on really any climb (I might be putting my high-step in my mouth by saying **any**). Try it out on Mammalary Magic 5.10a (Old Sandstone), Zig-Zag 5.6 (D’Arcy’s Buttress), Birch Tree Crack 5.8 (Pedestal Buttress), Pantry Corner 5.4 (The Pantry).
