| Hold type | Rounded, no edge |
| Grip | Open hand, full palm friction |
| Key to it | Body position + skin contact |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
A sloper is a smooth, rounded hold with no positive edge to grab, gripped instead through friction from an open hand and careful body positioning. Climbers maximise skin contact and keep their weight below the hold, making slopers as much about technique and tension as raw strength.
How to grip one
Open your hand wide, get maximum palm and finger contact, and hang your weight straight down from the hold with a fairly straight arm. Engage your core to keep tension; the moment you pull outward, friction fails.
Where you meet them
Slopers are common on rounded boulders and gym volumes. They sit at the opposite end of the spectrum from crimps — see all hold types.
Conditions matter
Friction is everything: chalk up, brush the hold, and expect slopers to feel far better in cool, dry conditions.
Frequently asked questions
How do you hold a sloper?
Spread your fingers, get as much palm and skin onto the hold as possible, and keep your arm fairly straight with your weight hanging directly below the hold. Body tension and low hips matter more than crushing grip — pulling outward off a sloper makes it useless.
Why are slopers so hard?
They give no edge to pull on, so all the force comes from friction, which depends on body position and skin contact. Poor positioning, sweaty or cold conditions, and pulling in the wrong direction all break the grip, making slopers feel insecure.
Does chalk help on slopers?
Yes — dry skin is critical for friction, so chalk and brushing the hold help a lot. Cooler temperatures also improve grip, which is why hard sloper problems often feel easier in cold, dry conditions.
Sources
- Climbing grip techniques — American Alpine Club