7 Neil Greshams Masterclass - Outside Edge

In this bite-sized installment of the Neil Gresham Climbing Masterclass series from Crux Films, “Outside Edge” zooms in on one deceptively simple skill that can transform how you climb steep ground. Neil breaks down the footwork shift that overhangs demand, showing why the habits that work on vertical walls can leave you off-balance and over-gripping when the angle kicks back. What makes this worth your three minutes is how quickly it clicks: instead of staying square to the wall and defaulting to inside edges, you’ll learn to step through and trust the outside edge of the opposite foot to bring your hips back into balance. It’s a small adjustment with a huge payoff—less arm burn, smoother movement, and a more efficient “default setting” for overhanging climbing that can feel like an instant upgrade the next time you pull onto something steep.

Neil Gresham Climbing Masterclass - Crux Films · 3:41

Outside Edge The key to mastering overhangs lies in recognising that the footwork is very different to the basic sequences that we learn for vertical walls. If we climb with our hips parallel to the wall, using the inside edges of our shoes then we will always be out of balance and will be forced to rely on arm-strength to make progress. However, if we step through and use the outside edge of the opposite foot then suddenly we’re in balance and things feel so much easier. This way of moving becomes the default setting for overhanging walls and if you haven’t seen it before then this film should prove to be a major game changer.