Hey fellow climbers! Ever been on a route and heard someone mention an 'exposed move' and wondered exactly what they meant, or felt a shiver of anxiety just thinking about it? I totally get it – I’ve been there! That feeling of vulnerability, with seemingly nothing beneath you but thin air, can be one of the most exhilarating yet intimidating aspects of climbing. So, what is an exposed move in climbing? Simply put, it's a section of a climb where you feel very open to the air, often with a significant drop-off directly below or beside you, and without immediate features to hug or hide behind. It's not necessarily about the physical difficulty of the move itself, but rather the psychological impact of the surroundings. A physically easy move can feel terrifyingly hard if you're out in the open with hundreds of feet of air beneath your heels. It’s about the perceived risk and the feeling of space. For me, the first time I truly encountered significant exposure, my heart pounded, and my hands felt clammy even though the holds were perfectly good. It felt like my brain was screaming, 'Don't fall!' more loudly than usual. This is a common reaction! Our primal instincts kick in, but learning to manage that response is key to becoming a confident climber. Here are a few things I've learned that help me tackle exposed sections: Breathe Deeply: Sounds simple, but when panic sets in, we often hold our breath. Consciously taking slow, deep breaths helps calm your nervous system. I count my breaths – 4 in, 4 hold, 4 out – to keep my mind focused. Trust Your Gear (and Your Partner): Remind yourself that your rope, harness, and quickdraws are designed for this. Your belayer is focused and skilled. That gear isn't just there for show; it's there to catch you. This mental reassurance can be a game-changer. Focus on the Next Move, Not the Drop: Instead of looking down, concentrate on the holds directly in front of you. Break the climb down into tiny, manageable steps. 'Just reach for that crimp,' or 'just get my foot on that smear.' Don't let your eyes wander to the abyss. Maintain Good Body Position: Engage your core, keep your hips close to the wall, and maintain balance. A stable body position gives you a physical sense of security that can translate to mental calm. Gradual Exposure Training: Don't throw yourself onto a huge, exposed multi-pitch right away. Start with routes that have smaller, less intimidating exposed sections. Build your comfort level gradually. Over time, what felt terrifying will become exhilarating. Visualize Success: Before you even leave the ground (or even at home!), visualize yourself moving smoothly through the exposed section. Imagine feeling strong, balanced, and confident. Exposure is a huge part of the climbing experience, pushing us to confront our fears and build incredible mental resilience. It's totally normal to feel nervous, but with practice and these mental strategies, you can learn to not just tolerate, but truly enjoy those airy, breathtaking moments on the rock. Keep climbing, keep challenging yourself, and remember, you've got this!