Two climbers scaling a granite wall in an urban environment, showcasing the challenges of street-level climbing.

Buildering: What You Need To Know To Get Started

Buildering, also known as urban climbing, combines the thrill of scaling man-made structures with the challenge of adapting to unpredictable surfaces like concrete, glass, and steel. While it offers climbers a unique way to explore cities from daring heights, it also raises legal, ethical, and safety concerns. For some, buildering represents rebellion and freedom; for others, it’s a creative and physically demanding sport. This article explores the techniques, gear, safety tips, and culture of urban climbing, offering a guide—from someone who’s climbed a structure or two.


Table of Contents


What is Buildering?

Buildering is the practice of climbing on man-made structures, such as buildings, bridges, and monuments. Unlike traditional rock climbing, buildering often requires improvisation and creativity to navigate non-standard surfaces and routes. The sport’s blend of parkour, problem-solving, and climbing techniques makes it both an art and a high-stakes challenge.

A climber scaling a man-made stone wall with chalked hands, wearing blue climbing pants and using a rope harness.
A climber tackles an urban rock face, blending the challenge of climbing with a cityscape backdrop.

Key Characteristics of Buildering:

  • Improvised Routes: Buildering requires on-the-spot decisions, as structures don’t have marked paths like climbing walls.
  • Mental and Physical Strength: Navigating slick, uneven surfaces demands mental focus and physical agility.
  • The Thrill of Urban Exploration: Scaling cityscapes offers unparalleled perspectives, but often comes with legal and safety risks.

How to Get Started

Start Small

Begin with accessible structures, like low walls or parking garages, to develop your balance and climbing strength.

Learn Climbing Basics

If you’re new to climbing, gain experience at indoor climbing gyms or outdoor bouldering areas before tackling urban environments.

A climber wearing a harness scaling a detailed indoor rock climbing wall, featuring brightly colored holds of various shapes and sizes.
A climber navigating colorful holds on a technical indoor climbing wall.

Assess Safety and Structure

Always evaluate the integrity of the surface you’re climbing. Fragile ledges, slick materials, or poorly maintained structures increase the risk of falls.

The most important thing for me when buildering is to solely focus on the climb, especially since you’re often in a public place. It can be incredibly distracting with people watching, cars passing by, and the added element of height, but the key is to train your mind to block out the background noise.

I’ve learned to narrow my focus entirely on the next move—evaluating the grip, balance, and position—rather than letting external distractions throw me off. This mental discipline not only keeps me safer but also makes the climb much more fluid and enjoyable.


Urban Techniques

Urban climbing blends climbing and parkour skills to navigate tricky surfaces:

  • Precision Climbing: Controlled movements are key when dealing with small or unstable holds.
A man practicing hangboard training indoors, hanging from a fingerboard in a bright, spacious living area with natural light.
A climber practices on a hangboard in a bright indoor space.
  • Static Holds: These allow you to pause, plan your next move, and conserve energy.
  • Dynamic Moves: Use explosive movements for wide gaps or transitions between ledges.

Essential Gear

Buildering often involves minimal equipment, but a few essentials can improve safety and performance:

  • Climbing Shoes: High-friction rubber soles provide grip on smooth surfaces. Try “Senderella” for a tailored recommendation.
  • Chalk and Chalk Bags: Keep your hands dry to maintain grip.
  • Tape: Protects fingers from sharp edges and can improve grip.
  • Crash Pads: While less practical in urban settings, pads can be helpful for low-level climbs.
La Sportiva Skwama climbing shoes hanging from a light fixture outdoors, with greenery and flowers in the background.
La Sportiva Skwama climbing shoes hanging on a makeshift light fixture outdoors, against a backdrop of greenery and flowers.

Safety Tips for Urban Climbing

Buildering involves unique risks. Minimize danger with these safety strategies:

  1. Scout Your Location: Inspect your route during the day for potential hazards like sharp edges, loose materials, or unstable ledges.
  2. Climb with a Partner: Having a buddy ensures someone can assist in emergencies or act as a lookout.
  3. Climb During Off-Hours: Avoid high-traffic times to reduce attention and ensure bystander safety.
  4. Know When to Stop: Abandon climbs if conditions are unsafe or if attention from authorities escalates.

Even if you’re confident in your climbing ability and know you can handle a structure, unreliable grips can ruin everything. The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you have to assess what you’re climbing and know which holds you can trust and which you can’t. Smooth metal, loose bricks, or weathered edges might look sturdy but can give out when you least expect it.

A climbing chalk bag tipped over on a wooden floor, spilling loose chalk, along with a small climbing brush.
A spilled bag of climbing chalk on a wooden floor, with a brush nearby—essential tools for a secure grip.

Buildering often falls into legal gray areas and can be classified as trespassing in many places.

  • Trespassing: Climbing on private or restricted property without permission is often illegal.
  • Potential Fines or Arrests: Be prepared for legal consequences if caught climbing unauthorized structures.

Ethical Responsibilities:

  • Respect Property: Avoid damaging surfaces or leaving marks.
  • Public Safety: Ensure your climbs don’t endanger bystanders or obstruct public spaces.

Notable Urban Climbers

Buildering has inspired climbers who’ve pushed boundaries and drawn attention to the sport:

  • Alain Robert (The French Spider-Man): Known for climbing skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa and the Eiffel Tower without ropes.
  • The On the Roofs Team: Russian climbers famous for their daring ascents of urban landmarks.
  • Dan Goodwin: Known for scaling high-rise buildings in full climbing gear to promote safety awareness.

These pioneers highlight the creativity and courage required to excel in buildering.

Buildering is an exciting, unconventional way to challenge yourself physically and mentally while exploring cityscapes from new angles. However, it’s essential to approach the sport responsibly by prioritizing safety, respecting property, and understanding local laws. Whether you’re inspired by daring pioneers or looking to develop new skills, buildering offers a unique adventure that blends creativity, strength, and urban exploration.


FAQs

Is buildering illegal?

In many locations, buildering is considered trespassing. Laws vary by region, so always check local regulations and obtain permission when possible.

What is the main difference between buildering and rock climbing?

Buildering focuses on climbing man-made structures, requiring improvisation and adapting to surfaces like concrete and steel, whereas rock climbing involves natural formations.

What are the risks of buildering?

Risks include injuries from falls, legal consequences, structural hazards, and risks to public safety.

Can beginners try buildering?

Yes, but beginners should start with smaller, safer climbs, focusing on learning basic climbing techniques and safety protocols.

What’s the best gear for urban climbing?

Essential gear includes climbing shoes, chalk, tape, and optionally, crash pads for low-level climbs.