Mantle (climbing)

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A mantle or mantle is a special movement in climbing , typically to swing yourself up to a stand (ledge or ledge).

The term is derived from a fireplace or its external cladding. Imagine an old house with high ceilings, a chimney and a ledge above the chimney that you have to climb with no other hold than the outside wall of the chimney.

The final movement is similar to that of a swimmer who pulls himself out of the pool without using a ladder and whose pulling movement changes from a certain height of his shoulders into a pushing movement downwards.

The climber reaches up to the nearest stand with one or both hands. When he is high enough, he swings one foot onto the stand. This movement can only be performed with the support of the edge of the upper stand; however, it is helpful to have a hold for one foot. The use of a knee to support is considered bad technique, also because a dynamic, sweeping movement in one pull often brings the climber up to the stance and with too little swing there is a risk of falling.

The definition of the "mantle" movement is the presence of one foot and both hands on the same stance at the same time.

There is controversy over the correct spelling of whether it means “mantle” or “coat”. Both spellings are common among climbers.

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