UPDATED: How To Use Chalk for Rock Climbing

With the support of our fans, we’ve improved our understanding of chalk and we continue to bring more innovative chalk products to climbers and athletes around the world. Some things have definitely changed, so here’s the updated edition of our essential guide for how to use chalk distilled down to a few convenient bullet points:

• Climbers (and other athletes) use chalk to dry sweat and other moisture on their hands, increasing friction and improving grip.

• Climbing chalk is the same compound (Magnesium Carbonate) that gymnasts, weightlifters, and other athletes use for confident grip.

The difference between good and bad chalk comes down to how it feels on your hands, how long it lasts, and how healthy it is for your skin.

Your hands can tell the difference:

• Generic chalk will feel somewhat grainy, disappear quickly with use, and may even become a little slimy when you sweat. Since you tend to go through low quality chalk faster, many people also notice that their skin becomes overly dry after a few sessions. This is either because they are re-applying too often or because the chalk they’re using has drying agents that can be harmful to skin over time.‍
• Quality chalk feels great when you put it on, lasts a long time, and keeps your skin healthy even after months of repeated use.

Chalk comes in a few different forms depending on personal preference:

• Block chalk - A compressed, solid chunk of chalk that will break apart naturally over time as you use it. In order to hold its shape, block chalk requires a binding agent, which reduces the purity and moisture absorption.

• Loose chalk - A mixture of chalk chunks and fine powder chalk, typically stored in a chalk bag or bucket. At FrictionLabs, our loose chalk is available in three textures: Fine (Unicorn Dust), Chunky (Gorilla Grip), and Super Chunky (Bam Bam) - just like peanut butter, it just depends on your personal texture preference.

• Chalk ball - A soft, porous fabric sock designed to hold fine powdered chalk and release it slowly when squeezed, typically stored in a chalk bag/bucket surrounded by loose chalk. At FrictionLabs, our chalk ball is called Magic.‍

• Liquid chalk - The next evolution in chalk...a spreadable cream that dries quickly on your hands, leaving behind a fine layer of chalk. It looks like a magic trick when you see it in action! Typically stored in a squeeze tube. At FrictionLabs, we have two types of liquid chalk: Original Secret Stuff and NEW Alcohol Free Secret Stuff.