TOP 13 places to watch climbing

Inspiration, Lezecký život

We like to watch climbing, or at least we would like to watch it. Unfortunately, staying in the center of the climbing world is a bit difficult, and many times we also get lost in where to watch climbing. That's why we've put together a short list of places to watch climbing on the Internet, because let's face it, that's where everything moves these days. 

VARP climbing, Trad, Divoká Šárka
VARP Trad climbing

YouTube

Today, YouTube is the main place where many of us interact with the international side of our sport. Not only that, but there are also tips on climbing, fitness, diet and god knows what.

1. Adam Ondra

Everyone knew that this channel cannot and must not be missed here! Ondra, the world's best climber (yes we're going to argue) has his own YouTube (and associated Facebook and Instagram). Here he uploads videos of his races, climbing projects and training. 

Why follow Ondra? More than often it happens that this particular climber is at the center of the biggest sports and bouldering projects, either as a climber or as support. His YouTube channel features climbers such as Magnus Midtbo, Stefano Ghisolfi or Seb Boubin - i.e. climbers you want to watch.

2. Stefano Ghisolfi

Ghisolfi is the "new" star of the climbing world. He currently has Ondra's Silence (9c) route in progress, and it was he who repeated Megos' Bibliographie route (9b+). Along with that, he is a multiple gold medalist and generally a person who lives the idyllic life of a climber.

Stefano Ghisolfi - Game On - Silence

3. EpicTV Climbing Daily

If you really want to be drawn into the climbing world on a daily basis, there is no better place than EpicTV Climbing Daily. Matt and Tereza (guest show) will show you the sides of the climbing life that are likely to engulf you. From behind-the-scenes shots at the championships to reviews of climbing material to climbing with famous climbers in the most beautiful, but also strangest places in Europe (and sometimes in the world).

4. IFSC

They would probably beat us if we didn't tell you that you can watch climbing for free on YouTube. And yes, we mean IFSC climbing events. These can be found very easily, often live, directly on the YouTube channel of the International Climbing Federation. It is therefore not necessary to pay Eurosport or other Pay-per-View sites. Just find their channel and watch your favorite professionals there.

Instagram

Yes, of course you can follow the accounts of those we named above. But that would be neglecting many others that are worth it!

1. Seb Bouin 

Seb is the next (after Ondro) who is currently claiming route 9c, with his ascent to DNA. This Frenchman is a relatively new star on the sports road and someone you want to keep an eye on.

2. Pete Whittaker

King of joint climbing and one of the Wide Boyz. Pete is the go-to resource for rock climbing techniques. Along with that, you can find the occasional free solo or bridge climbing with him.

3. matthew_paraclimbing

Paralympian and one-handed climber. Matthew still climbs better than us. That's why we look to it for innovative beta and ways to tackle cruxes a little… differently. At the same time, looking at his dynamos is very fascinating.

4. Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell

This inseparable duo is something very famous among climbers. They are traditional climbers who have become famous for their ascents with and without a rope. Those who know them know what they are here for and those who don't have to set aside some time to try Reel Rock.

5. Natalia Climbs + Brooke Climbs

    Natalia Grossman and Brooke Raboutou are two climbers from the USA who are practically impossible to separate (that's why we don't separate them either). Their Instagrams are often full of racing stuff, but also really interesting outputs and betas that often quietly fascinate us.

Other media

But not all of us like social media, so the list of where to watch climbing can be quite narrow. But don't despair, there are a few options here too that will hopefully help you (besides news and blogs).

1. Reel Rock

Reel Rock is a series funded by RedBull dedicated to adrenaline sports. Specifically, climbing, ice climbing, bouldering and sometimes slacklining. He will find everything here, from parts about Ondra and the speed record on El Cap to a mission to create new roads in Mongolia. The only sad thing about this show is that after you watch it you have nothing to do for a year.

2. Montana

Montana (and its e-version) is a Czech climbing magazine that is published every two months. As proud subscribers, we can tell you it's worth it! There you will find stories of Czech climbers, funny articles and even tips for new places to climb in the Czech Republic and Europe. A subscription to a physical copy can be purchased on the CHS website. We recommend setting it up together with union membership

3. Jimmy Chin

Jimmy Chin, Academy Award winner and partner of Honold and Caldwell, is a cinematographer and documentary filmmaker of the climbing life. If you're more into movies, then we warmly recommend China, whose movies are really top-notch. For starters, you can check out his Free Solo, which should get you excited enough!

4. By climbing among people

The standard and best way to stay updated is to walk among people. Climbers are, as you know, a very inclusive community that likes to share their experiences and news in the world. So if you are not a super introvert from the smallest village in Bohemia, run to the rock when it's nice or to the hall when it's not and take out your headphones. You'd be surprised what you find out. And God knows, maybe you'll be unlucky enough to hear us!