Crack climbing is essentially about moving up a rock face by jamming things--fingers, hands, fists, arms, feet, even your whole body--into the spaces between and inside the rocks. If you want to climb well, you might master the art and science of crack climbing. Luckily, elite British climber, Pete Whittaker has written just the book you need! Drawing on years of experience, Whittaker teaches you how to develop and use scores of techniques, and he explains when and why they'll work.

Organized by width of crack (finger, hand and fist, offwidth, and chimney), Crack Climbing covers everything from basics like the hand jam through advanced techniques including the sidewinder and trout tickler.

• Step-by-step practical instruction throughout, illustrated with precise drawings
• Dozens of photos make it clear how to tape your hands to help you protect your skin and boost your friction
• Guidelines on placing gear
• Tips on what to wear for different types of cracks.

To keep you motivated, Whittaker includes interviews with some on the world's top climbers. Learn from the best, including not only Whittaker, but also Beth Rodden, Lynn Hill, Alex Honnold, Barbara Zangerl, Peter Croft, Hazel Findlay, Nico Favresse, and more!

Widely regarded as one of the finest crack climbers in the world, Pete Whittaker is best known in the US as part of the Wide Boyz duo. He has made dozens of cutting-edge first ascents and hard repeats, including, with partner Tom Randall, the first ascents of Century Crack (5.14b) and Black Mamba (5.14b) in Canyonlands National Park, Utah. As this book went to press he made the third free ascent of Norway's Recovery Drink (5.14c).