A personal insight from coach Ella!

Climbing on your period…

I often find that the logistics of going for a wee or being on my period can be a challenge!

For me, long days out at the crag in the summer months can be like nothing else – seeing good friends and spending all day outside is one of life’s simple pleasures!

But… how many times have you asked or been asked “is there a good place to go pee?”

So, here are some things I’ve learned along the way:

Public Toilets

Of course, your first option should be to check if there are any public toilets within close reach of the crag. If you know you’re going to be climbing on your period, maybe chose a crag that has public restrooms nearby.

If there isn’t a public loo close by, and there isn’t a very secluded spot, can you get your partner or someone else you trust, to be a look-out and/or a view blocker?

Make sure you take any toilet roll or sanitary products home with you (or find a bin)!

Big Walling

Have you worked out how to pee in a harness, without getting it all over the harness?

There is a trick that massively reduces faff (and is essential when on a multi-pitch/big wall, and also useful at the crag generally!) which I was very lucky to be taught by coach Mina.

Watch the video here.

Period Products

There is no secret trick for this and many of you will have this sorted already. When you realise you’re going to be climbing on your period, simply plan what you’re likely to need for the day in advance, based on your preferred period products and flow.

For example, if you like to use a cup, but you know you will need to change it, it would be ideal to plan how you would do this.

Personally, if I know I will need to change my period product during the day, I take an extra bottle of water, some femwipes, and a small bag for my waste.

Mina and I caught up recently and created a short video talking through our experiences on using period products at the crag, and we also attempted to demo going to the loo in a harness!

Watch ‘Climbing on Your Period’ with coach Ella and coach Mina on YouTube!

Read more training tips.

Read more on menstruation and training for climbing.

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