Climbing Holds are the man-made shapes that we attach to climbing walls so that climbers can ascend the wall. The way climbing holds are made has evolved and grown over the last 60+ years. What started with cementing rocks into bricks is now a global industry with a variety of methods and materials being used to make holds. You can learn more on the History of Climbing Holds page.
The shape and size of the holds that we attach to the wall can be classified into different Climbing Hold Types. Typically, a climbing wall will need some of each type of hold and within those types a variety of shapes and sizes in order keep the wall interesting to climb on. Regardless of what material holds are made from there are many factors that go into designing a good climbing hold. The Designing Climbing Holds page will tell you what to think about when designing your own holds and help with identifying the types and shapes of hold that you want to make.
Most holds today are made from either wood or polyurethane. Each material has its own pros and cons. The Which Method to use page will help you work out which material to use to meet your need and circumstances. Once you know what material you want to use then the How to Make Wooden Holds or the How to Make Polyurethane Holds pages will teach and guide you through the process.