| Hold type | Vertical, pulled sideways |
| Technique | Lean away to oppose it |
| Opposite of | Gaston |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
A sidepull is a vertically oriented hold that you pull on sideways, toward your body, leaning away from it to create the opposing force that keeps you on. Sidepulls reward good body positioning — getting your weight on the opposite side of the hold — and are the natural counterpart to the outward-pushing gaston.
How to use one
Pull the vertical edge toward you and lean your hips and weight to the opposite side so your body counterbalances the pull.
Sidepull vs gaston
A gaston pushes outward; a sidepull pulls inward. See gaston vs sidepull and all hold types.
Frequently asked questions
What is a sidepull?
A sidepull is a hold whose useful edge faces sideways, so you pull it toward your body rather than straight down. To make it work you lean your weight away from the hold, creating the counter-tension that keeps your hand on it.
What's the difference between a sidepull and a gaston?
Both use a sideways-facing hold, but you pull a sidepull toward your body and push a gaston away from it (thumb down, elbow out). A sidepull is the more natural, less shoulder-intensive of the two.
How do you use a sidepull?
Grip the vertical edge and shift your hips and weight to the opposite side, so your body counterbalances the sideways pull. Good footwork on the same side as the lean lets you press into the hold and move efficiently off it.
Sources
- Climbing grips — American Alpine Club