The Ultimate GEKCO PACK: What’s Inside?
Just launched: The Ultimate GEKCO Pack. But what’s actually inside? Well, it contains our entire performance chalk range including the elusive GEKCO chalk bag seen exclusively on the backs of our pro athlete team and genuinely the best insulated flask in existence. Aside from being the perfect gift for all climbers, this pack truly is an everything-you-need, all-in-one box packed full of high-performance and environmentally-friendly products. But you don’t have to take our word for it! We asked 5 different athletes, made up of GB climbers and prominent outdoor figures, what they thought about each product…
Climbing Chalk - A Buyers Guide
Whether you’re heading to an indoor wall for the first time or a seasoned pro tackling another outdoor project, one thing’s for sure - good chalk makes all the difference. You may think ‘but chalk’s just chalk, right?!’ well not exactly, which is why there are so many different types on the market. Let’s dive into each type of chalk, who they’re best for, and some pros and cons of each!
Top 6 Liquid Chalk Myths Debunked
Liquid chalk is like marmite - you love it or hate it. However, it has come a long way from its rocky start (pun intended). When it first appeared in the climbing world, many climbers wrote it off as a messy gimmick - sticky, smelly, and nowhere near as effective. But this early reputation has stuck around longer than it deserves. In reality, today’s liquid chalk is a completely different product - cleaner, longer-lasting, and of comparable effectiveness.
The Calling
Every autumn a murmur spreads throughout UKBouldering (UKB), “Is it time?”
A fresh gust that gives you goose bumps is enough to start it all, one crisp morning in September and the optimists are all scrambling to the forums “Is it time for the Call?”.
Sam’s Season
Ever wanted to know the behind-the-scenes of a Team GB athlete’s life? Well, now you can! In this exclusive interview with Team GB and GEKCO athlete Sam Butterworth, you’ll hear all about what competing at a top level is actually like, the challenges that athletes face, and Sam’s top recs for countries and climbing walls outside the UK. Without further ado, let’s dive in…
Climbers, respect the rock: leave no trace & outdoor etiquette
No matter the style - trad, bouldering, or sport - climbing comes with a shared responsibility: to respect the planet. Often climbers hold a deep respect and understanding that should ideally be shared among all climbers, and all styles of climbing - to leave no trace. In fact, these days I’d go one step further and say leave it better than you found it. Brushing off tick marks, picking up litter, tidying up the area - all the little things that add up to being a respectful climber.
Chalk it up to better choices: What is seawater processed chalk?
At GEKCO, we believe that your climb should leave nothing but chalk marks - and even those should wash away with the rain. That’s why we only use seawater processed magnesium carbonate, a cleaner, more sustainable option for climbers who care about the planet as much as their projects.
What’s in your chalk bag? The environmental cost of climbing chalk
There’s something oddly comforting about the ritual of chalking up. Dipping into that familiar powder, clapping your hands, watching the white cloud drift away before launching into a climb. Chalk is one of climbing’s small constants. But how often do we stop to think about where it comes from… or what it costs?
Liquid chalk - A climber’s summer essential
Scrap the iced drinks, GEKCO’s liquid chalk is the only cooling companion you need this summer. Let’s dive deep into formulas, how to combat sweaty hands, and what makes a great liquid chalk.
(Slightly) Off the Beaten Track
5 GRIT BOULDERING Venues to find respite from the crowds
Whether you’re looking to get away from the crowds on a busy bank holiday or you want to help reduce the impact of climbers on an already very popular crag then hopefully this list can give you some inspiration. Some are listed in popular guides, others online topos and some only on UKC or hard to unearth out-of-print guides. In this blog we’ll hopefully make these crags a little bit more accessible and, more just a reminder for you that they exist and actually have some mega blocs.