| Type | Dynamic movement |
| Goal | Reach a hold beyond static range |
| Common in | Bouldering and competitions |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Short for 'dynamic', describing movement that uses momentum rather than static control.
A dyno, short for dynamic move, is a climbing move in which you spring off the wall to reach a hold too far away to grab statically. At full extension all four limbs may briefly leave the rock before your hands latch the target hold. It trades control for reach and is a signature move of modern bouldering.
How it works
You sink down to load your legs, then explode upward — legs driving, arms pulling — and aim to catch the hold at the ‘deadpoint’, the brief weightless instant at the top of the jump. Timing the catch to that moment is what makes a dyno stick.
Dyno vs. deadpoint
A dyno is the bigger sibling of the deadpoint: a deadpoint keeps contact with the wall, while a true dyno launches the whole body. See the full dyno vs. deadpoint comparison.
Common mistakes & safety
Hesitating mid-move kills the jump — dynos reward full commitment. Practice over crash pads with a spotter, and learn to fall safely, since a missed dyno means an uncontrolled drop.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a dyno and a deadpoint?
In a dyno your whole body leaves the wall to reach a far hold; in a deadpoint you move dynamically to a hold but keep at least one or two points of contact, catching it at the weightless top of the motion. A deadpoint is a smaller, more controlled cousin of the dyno.
How do you do a dyno?
Load your legs by sinking down, then drive explosively upward with your legs while pulling with your arms, aiming your hands to latch the target hold at the highest, weightless point of the jump. Spotting the target and committing fully are essential.
Are dynos dangerous?
They carry more fall risk than static moves because you can miss the hold and drop unexpectedly. Practicing over good crash pads with a spotter, and learning to fall safely, keeps the risk manageable while you build the skill.
Sources
- Climbing movement and technique — American Alpine Club