Tips, guides and how-to’s for blind or visually impaired climbers and sight guides.
Scroll down to explore the different guides on offer. At the bottom of every page you will find a list of direct text links to all of the guides.
For sighted climbers and instructors we have covered topics that should provide you with the confidence to work with a blind or visually impaired person. If you are visually impaired, knowing how you’d like to be guided on a wall will help you to train up your own sighted guide.
Understanding sight loss
Learn about the common causes of sight loss and how they can affect a person’s vision.
Recognising canes and guide dogs
Do you know what red stripes on a person’s cane means? How can you spot a dual-trained guide dog?
Guiding a visually impaired person
Want to know how you can help a visually impaired person navigate around a climbing centre?
Guiding in the outdoors
Heading to the crag? Tricky terrain can be a challenge. In this guide we provide a few tips to help make it easier.
How to sight guide in climbing
What is the best way you can direct a climber to a hold? How does sight guiding work?
Communication systems
Get the low-down on comms systems. Some stuff works. Some stuff doesn’t. In this guide we share all that we know.
Route reading for VI climbers
Route reading is a great way to boost efficiency on climbs. In this guide we share a few techniques that work for visually impaired climbers.
Sight classifications in sport
In this guide we explain the different categories for visually impaired athletes and how to get a classification.
Deafblind climbers
How can sight guiding work without verbal communication? Practical advice and tips for climbing with dual sensory loss.