Ape index of pro climbers. We were able to hunt some down (Lynn Hill, Kai Lightner, Tommy Caldwell, etc) on the interwebs but legitimately can’t find Alex Honnold’s so he’s noticeably absent on our wall. Adam Ondra (Czech pronunciation: [ˈadam ˈondra]; born February 5, 1993) is a Czech professional rock climber, specializing in lead climbing, bouldering, and competition climbing. Therefore it would only be applicable in this scenario if two climbers had the same height. Additionally, you can even compare yourself with some of the greatest athletes. APE Index Calculator Please enter your height and arm span and select the unit of measurement to calculate your APE index. Ape Index Rock Climbing Gym, Peoria. In both, men's and women's categories, the best boulderers are taller than the best lead climbers. Ape Index focuses on safety through proper instruction, while offering everyone, from first time climbers to competitive athletes, an area to have fun and grow. How does ape index affect climbing performance? A positive ape index can potentially help climbers reach further between holds. Each inch of ape index should give you an extra 0. [6] Nov 18, 2015 · Typically: ape index = arm span / height Da Vinci’s classic Vitruvian man has an arm span equal to his height and therefore an ape index of 1. ?) Ape index refers to the ratio of arm span to height, often reported by elite climbers. This simple calculation provides insights into physical proportions that can significantly influence performance in various sports, particularly climbing and gymnastics. Did It Work? Inspired by the simplicity of Formula 1 racing, the Pro Climbing League took a big bet to inject fresh energy into a stale competitive landscape—and got mixed results. Mar 14, 2023 · Most climbers know their ape index, but do you know how to calculate your sloth index? And what about your snake index? Is it though? My impression of an ape index is a radio between the arms and legs (to put it in its most basic form). 05. A Key Metric for Climbers Climbing is a sport where every advantage counts, and understanding your body mechanics can transform your performance. Whether you want to top rope, boulder, or auto-belay, we have it all. 01 or 2, depending on method of calculation. This blog post explores what the ape index is, its significance for climbers Who is the heaviest male climber in the comp circuit? Furthermore is there a website that shows the climbers stats (height, weight, age, etc. Jun 4, 2024 · Some people believe that the greater the ape index, the better climber you will be but does it really offer you an advantage in climbing? Apr 25, 2024 · For now, let’s discuss what the ape index is and how to measure it, and also examine a series of other useful measurements that every climber should be aware of. It can be expressed as a ratio (e. In rock climbing, a longer arm span enhances reach, simplifying holds and moves. 05 vs. It is used by rock climbers and other athletes to determine whether they will have an advantage or disadvantage when climbing. The line in the middle of each box signifies the median ape index of that division champions through the years. The correlation (r-squared) was quite low--0. 02, respectively), the ape index values being similar to those observed by Mermier et al. That said one could be pickier and ask for ape index, time spent climbing, expertise in bouldering, sport, speed and more. I recently measured my ape index for the first time, it's -5cms, pretty negative. 938/ -10cm. 6 and +9. Unlike many other great climbers of this generation, Jonathan didn’t start rock climbing young, and didn’t take much interest until he was eighteen years old. , +7 in/18 cm). We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Rock Climbing and Bouldering In climbing, the ape Index is crucial for understanding a climber's reach, ability to span gaps between holds, and overall climbing style. The star of Free Solo has accomplished incredible feats like Mar 12, 2024 · Magnus Midtbø is considered an exceptional climber, with accomplishments in sport climbing and bouldering that rank him among the elite. Apr 2, 2015 · “My ape index is +17,” says Alex Johnson. Dec 14, 2021 · For climbing ape index does matter, but not as much as it made out to mean and people definitely use it as an excuse way too much. Comparing a 5ft 7 person and a 6ft 3 person in their ape index would achieve nothing since they're two entirely different heights. ) Oct 18, 2022 · From there, we’ll look into the ape indices of the most famous rock climbers to see if there’s a positive correlation between elite performance and a high ape index. May 2, 2025 · Discover The Hangboard, the only climbing training tool you'll need, designed to elevate climbers from beginners to experts. Come for fun, or come to train on your own or in a skills-based class, either way you won’t be disappointed. However, climbing performance depends on many factors, including technique, strength, flexibility, and problem-solving skills. The Ape Index and Your Climbing Potential Bouldering Highlights 25. I've collected data on all champions in each division since 2010 and plotted them. [1] Ondra is the only male athlete to have won World Championship titles in both disciplines in the same year (2014) and is The ape index is the ratio of the length of a person’s arms to the length of their legs. 13 or +10" I am a terrible climber, but can sometimes get away with "hard" moves that are difficult only because of reach. Swimmers gain advantage from a wider wingspan, enabling efficient strokes. None whatsoever. There are professional climbers that have neutral ape index and also climbers that have very positive measurements. Learn to be comfortable in twisting your body a bit more than other people and get strong fingers! The good thing about being small is that we also have smaller fingers so what is a foothold for others can easily be a tiny crimp for us to Oriane Bertone (born March 10, 2005) is a French rock climber, who specializes in competition climbing, but is also noted for her sport climbing and her bouldering. Ape Index in Sports Certain sports favor athletes with a high ape index. She is the most successful competition climber in the UK, having won the IFSC Bouldering World Cup Season in both 2016 and 2017. Regular events and workshops are held to help climbers develop their skills and connect with other climbing enthusiasts. I feel like you'd need more data to actually determine whether ape index plays a role in climbing harder. al studied the body type of elite Polish boulderers to evaluate if variables such as body shape or ape index had any correlation to the level of climbing met by a group of Polish elite climbers. Feb 23, 2020 · Height is often viewed as an advantage in rock climbing, but is that really the case? We take a look and show it's not quite as clear cut as you may think. This measurement, called the ape index, is widely used in sports science, especially in activities like rock climbing, swimming, and martial arts, where having a longer reach can offer a performance advantage. One aspect that climbers commonly discuss is the “ape index,” a unique measurement that combines arm length and height, giving insights into a climber’s potential. Feb 1, 2023 · As they say, correlation isn't necessarily causation. Strength to weight ratios, average finger strength, style of climbing all would play a factor. Both male and female sport climbers presented higher lean muscle mass than control subjects only in the study of Philippe et al. Ape Index Climbing Gym provides a safe and controlled facility where active, fun-seeking individuals can challenge themselves, learn climbing, and bond with the climbing community in a positive and nurturing environment. A positive ape index is considered advantageous for rock climbers. Jun 3, 2024 · The ape index, a correlation between height and arm span, is crucial for climbing performance. What’s the Ape Index? The Ape Index measures how your wing span compares to your height. Examining pro climbers’ anthropometry shows a surprising ape index range, challenging the idea that a massive ape index is needed for elite success. So if someone has a height of 200 cm and a reach of 210 cm, their ape index is 1. The Top-12 climbers of 2005 which is not the same definition as the best climbers but even so their average height is 172 cm which again support what I have been saying that the very best climbers are getting taller. None of the analyzed work showed differences between sport climber groups in the ape index (12, 19, 29). (2000) for adult male climbers (1. Does anybody else have a terrible ape index? I love climbing, but I definitely don't have the body for it. 103 Likes, TikTok video from restdaycharles (@restdaycharles): “Explore the concept of ape index and its significance for pro male climbers. The Ape Index Calculator is a handy online tool designed to help you measure the difference between your arm span and your height. Apr 27, 2025 · Do Elite Climbers Have High Ape Indices? While it’s easy to assume that professional climbers may have a larger ape index, you’ll find in the table above that most of them don’t. Jun 8, 2019 · Two beautiful shots from Croatia edited for Comparison as it is tradition on this channel, this time taking a look at different body types in terms of reach, height and ape index in rock climbing I am pretty happy with my climbing progress but I definitely complain occasionally about not reaching things. The total body dual-energy x-ray Mar 4, 2026 · The ape index climbing is a way climbers measure their wingspan relatively to their body. g. Feb 5, 2026 · Height 5′ 10″ Age 46 Ape Index +0 in, +0cm Nationality American Tommy Caldwell is one of the most accomplished and inspiring rock climbers in Height 5′ 2″ Age 24 Ape Index +1 in, +2. Adam Ondra, one of the world’s best climbers, has only a slightly positive ape index (+1 cm, ratio ~1. ” Your dynamic RDHAWRDRBKOFLK grade is based on your current state. Ape index 1. Mar 14, 2023 · Tl;dr: This analysis shows that weight, gender, height, and ape index do not play a significant role in a person’s maximum sport climbing grade or bouldering grade. Apr 10, 2022 · Alex Honnold is perhaps the most famous climber in the world. 14 points of bouldering ability on the V-scale. I have dreams of ONE DAY being able to do 8a routes and above. Our hangboard features a unique asymmetrical layout for balanced grip strength, superior edge progression for all skill levels, and ergonomically designed jugs and slopers for effective training. The gym is equipped with state-of-the-art climbing walls and safety equipment, ensuring a top-notch climbing experience. I'm wondering how much a negative ape index is going to physically Jul 16, 2018 · Climbers with a positive ape index often find reachy moves easier, as their arm span exceeds their height, giving them an advantage on challenging climbing routes. From: Physiological demands and nutritional considerations for Olympic-style competitive rock climbing [2019] Get good at being flexible and doing dynamic movements! I don't have a negative ape index but I'm about 5 to 5ft1 as well, i think (155cm to be exact, haha). 05) or as a difference (e. What is the advantage of complicating it, and what is the advantage of increasing values for shorter climbers and decreasing it for taller climbers? You argue ape index is mathematically flawed, but where is the flaw? Being unitless is a novelty, especially since ape index is always reported next to height, which does have units. Premier rock climbing gym with top rope climbing and bouldering that's open for all ages and skill levels located in Peoria, AZ. Oct 29, 2021 · Your ape index is the ratio between your height and your arm span. (31). Jul 10, 2025 · His Ape Index is 1. Ape Index also offers training programs and personal coaching to help climbers achieve their individual Significance in competition climbing Multiple studies have been conducted into the effect of physiological factors, such as anthropometry and flexibility, in determining rock climbing ability, particularly in the area of competition climbing, which is an Olympic sport. His technical skills, physical conditioning, and mental fortitude have enabled him to tackle some of the world's most challenging routes and problems. What is important however, is Christian Core’s home gym. and i'm short (female) to top it off. Arizona's best rock climbing gym! Sep 23, 2005 · In reply to Rosie A: Rich, Sam Orange's husband, has an APE index of 10+ (centimetres) I did an informal study once at the Orange House, measuring guests' APE indexes and their highest onsight grade, and there was NO correlation. Ape index is defined as reach divided by height. Rock Climbing Gym in Peoria, Arizona Why climb at Ape Index? We’ve created an environment where people can experience climbing on many levels; from the inexperienced one-time climber to the competing athlete. 3K subscribers Subscribe Feb 19, 2026 · Calculate your ape index. There are climbers with negative ape like Ondra and some with +10 cm like Jan Hojer. 005). Lean muscle mass, ape index, and bone mineral density of sport climbers and control subjects are shown in Table 3. 2,663 likes · 3 talking about this · 7,186 were here. Penguin, Orang-Utan or Average Joe - which one are you? Calculate your ape index and discover where your strengths and weaknesses in climbing lie. She retired from competition after competing in the 2020 Olympics, and continues to climb at a high level outdoors. Free climbing ape index calculator. The analysis shows the most important factor in Jul 24, 2015 · We attended a birthday party for my granddaughter at Ape Index. , 1. Aug 23, 2022 · The Ape Index (aka Gorilla Index) is a well-known term in the climbing community, and one that is often quoted, albeit primarily by compulsive, male, beta-sprayers trying to impress in compensation… Tomoa Narasaki (楢﨑 智亜, Narasaki Tomoa; born June 22, 1996) is a Japanese professional rock climber who specializes in bouldering and competition bouldering. Professional male climbers generally have a larger ape index than professional female climbers. Jul 14, 2023 · Rock climbers call their arm span-to-height ratio their ape index. Learn why and how it affects climbing performance. Everyone felt successful at the end of the event--even those youngsters who wondered whether they could make the ascent. Bosi is only the second British sport climber in history to redpoint a 9b (5. In 2013, Rock & Ice described Ondra as a prodigy and the leading climber of his generation. Boxing favors fighters with extended reach, offering a tactical advantage in the ring. They provide a safe and controlled facility where active, fun-seeking individuals can challenge themselves, learn climbing, and bond with the climbing community in a positive and nurturing environment. On average, professional male climbers have a larger ape index than professional female climbers. But does it matter? Click to find out. The event place provided a special area for birthday parties and even a throne for the honoree Ape Index Calculator Calculate your ape index to discover the relationship between your wingspan and height. which is obvious. Find athletes, rankings, results, news, photos, and videos. Oct 8, 2021 · The ape index is measured because in sports like rock climbing, swimming, boxing, and basketball it’s considered an advantage to have long arms for your height. Official website of World Climbing. [6][7] Countering these studies are other works that have identified the ape index as a significant (or potentially significant) factor. I think this data only confirms that climbing morphs are variable in elite athletes but high strength-weight ratio is significant when competing against the best. As a 4'11" climber with a negative ape index and a heavier body weight, I just want to let you know that I hear you! It really is hard sometimes and there's no getting around that. 1,744 Followers, 875 Following, 639 Posts - Ape Index Rock Climbing (@apeindexrockclimbing) on Instagram: "" Does anybody have reliable data on the height/ape index stuff for all the top athletes? I would definitely support the theory that she is the best female climber and by far the most well rounded. 5cm Nationality American Brooke Raboutou has been rewriting the script of competitive climbing since she was The climbers in this study had significantly (p<0,001) greater arm length and arm span and significantly higher ape index scores than the controls (1. I hope you find what you search for but it really won't tell you anything about climbing. With this tool, you can check if your wingspan to height ratio will help you in your sports career. The friendly staff is known for their insightful instructions and assistance. We put one together and it was really hard to find stats on ape indexes of pro climbers. Oct 4, 2011 · The climbers in this study had significantly (p<0,001) greater arm length and arm span and significantly higher ape index scores than the controls (1. I have gotten fairly 'good' apparently for the amount of time I've been climbing, and I'm especially passionate about outdoor sport climbing. However, if you were part of Sep 12, 2025 · Significance in competition climbing Multiple studies have been conducted into the effect of physiological factors, such as anthropometry and flexibility, in determining rock climbing ability, particularly in the area of competition climbing, which is an Olympic sport. We provide a safe and controlled facility where active, fun-seeking individuals can challenge themselves, learn climbing, and bond with the climbing community in a positive and nurturing environment. The analysis shows the most important factor in getting better at outdoor rock climbing is going climbing outside (crazy!), followed by several varieties of finger strength and upper-body strength. Recently, while studying his home gym and trying to replicate it so I could send V16 - I noticed something on this ape wall. William Bosi (born 27 December 1998) is a Scottish professional rock climber specializing in sport climbing, bouldering and competition climbing. “I have freakishly long arms, and this is the only reason I’m a very good climber. Successful professional climbers such as Brooke Raboutou and Lynn Hill have negative ape indices. Ape Index Rock Climbing Gym offers an exhilarating indoor rock-climbing experience, featuring over 12,000 square feet of climbing space suitable for all skill levels. The gym provides guidance for newcomers and has facilities catering to climbers of varying expertise. 03, so it only explains 3% of the variation in climbing. Whether you want to top rope Introduction The Ape Index Calculator is a specialized tool designed to help climbers and athletes measure their arm span in relation to their height. What makes his home gym so special and unique, is that each visiting climber signs their name and marks their ape index on his wall. Additionally, the gym offers youth programs and APE Index Rock Climbing Gym offers private lessons, perfect for starting your climbing journey or taking your climbing to the next level. 1. The Ape Index The ape index is the length of your arm span compared to your height. Janja Garnbret (born 12 March 1999) is a Slovenian professional rock climber who specializes in sport climbing and competition climbing. Basketball players benefit too—longer arms assist in shooting and defense. Whether you want to top rope A 2001 study comparing teenage male and female competition climbers noted that performance differences between the genders could be explained by several factors, one of which was the lower ape index found in the female competition climbers. What a great idea for a birthday place! The kids were well-supervised as they were taught to use the climbing walls. Recently published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning, Ozimek, M et. Many successful climbers have neutral or even slightly negative ape indices. #climber #bouldering”. . 0). That being said, some of the best APE index doesn't correlate well at all with climbing performance and it doesn't predict climbing performance in novice climbers. [4][5][6] In 2021, Garnbret became the first-ever female Olympic gold medalist As a general rule, a good ape index for climbing is between +2. An ape index greater than 1 (arm span longer than height) seems to be helpful for rock climbers, swimmers (Michael Phelps = 1. In the past, studies have shown that rock climbers do tend to have a larger index than non-climbers, but that it doesn’t affect their skills when compared to other climbers. Feb 6, 2026 · Most climbers know their ape index, but do you know how to calculate your sloth index? And what about your snake index? Jan 21, 2026 · Jonathan Siegrist is a professional climber from Wisconsin who is well known in the climbing world for his achievements in sport climbing. Mar 4, 2023 · Project Direct coaches take a statistical dive into the strength tests and surveys of 600+ climbers and find some groundbreaking results By Casey Elliott, BS and Karly Rager, MS Tl;dr This analysis shows that weight, gender, height, and ape index do not play a significant role in a person’s maximum sport climbing grade or bouldering grade. This will give you a value that’s either positive, neutral, or negative. 1 day ago · Explanations please?? Does anyone else have one arm noticeably longer than the other? My -1” ape index is from one arm 😂😭 Jan 9, 2015 · Rock climber? Swimmer? Normal person who is curious about your body proportions? Find out your ape index. Nov 28, 2023 · Calculate your ape index instantly. Jul 15, 2016 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Calculate your Ape Index and discover your weaknesses & strengths as a climber Determine the relationship between arm span and body height! 6 days ago · The Pro Climbing League Gambled on a New Comp Format. (size 46 feet, too. To find your ape index, subtract your height from the length of your arm span. Shauna Coxsey MBE (born 27 January 1993) is an English professional rock climber. This data might show you that people with longer arm spans generally climb harder (or not, who knows) but it won't show that it is generally Welcome to the ape index calculator! Here you will learn what the ape index is (sometimes it's called the ape ratio), how to measure your ape index, and where you can use that knowledge. Here’s how to determine it: •Take the number of days in a row you’ve climbed before today. I'm 162cm tall, but my wingspan is only 152cm, so my ape index is 0. Ape Index focuses on safety through proper instruction, while offering everyone, from first-time climbers to competitive athletes, an area to have fun and grow. Find out if you have a positive, neutral, or negative ape index and what it means for climbing and other sports. What does this mean for you, as a swimmer? Studies have found higher Ape Indexes in elite swimmers, climbers, NBA players, and even soccer goalies—all activities where a bigger wingspan is likely beneficial. 15b) graded sport climbing route (King Capella in 2021), and by 2023, was one of only a small group of climbers in the world to have completed a V17 (9A) boulder (Alphane in Oct 13, 2024 · A 2001 study comparing teenage male and female rock climbers noted that performance differences between the genders could be explained by a number of factors, one of which was the lower Ape Index found in the female climbers. Description Ape Index Climbing Gym provides a safe and controlled facility where active, fun-seeking individuals can challenge themselves, learn climbing, and bond with the climbing community in a positive and nurturing environment. 4 cm. She has won multiple competition lead climbing and competition bouldering events, two Olympic gold medals, and is widely regarded as the greatest competition climber of all time. Jul 9, 2021 · How to measure your ape index and how important is it? Is it the most important factor of your climbing performance? This and more answered! Feb 7, 2024 · Climbing at a high level lends itself to a certain body type. First time climbing at Ape Index Rock Climbing Gym? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check this step out. 06), boxers, professional basketball and goalkeeping. Learn how it affects climbing performance. Just like tall people complain about sit starts and in flexible people complain about high feet. By determining the ape index, users gain a better understanding of their The best male climbers are on average 4 cm shorter than their non-climbing peers and female climbers around 1 cm shorter. How to Calculate Your Ape Index There are two ways to calculate your ape index: divide your wingspan by your height or subtract your height from your wingspan. Aug 3, 2021 · They evolved from climbing like sloths to moving like gibbons, without realising that their eye-catching style was less modern-day pro and more ancestral ape. Find out what your arm span says about your climbing and how to adjust your technique for your body. A number of these have included the ape index as one of the variables. Compare your arm span to height ratio with 30+ pro climbers like Adam Ondra & Alex Honnold. vpdms rcijxi lcjtt awdwq egl wpmfg apxtz zay magsh ijzwp