Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
Complete indoor bouldering fundamentals
4 weeks
Complete an introductory bouldering course at an indoor climbing gym and independently climb V0–V1 routes (Font 4–5) demonstrating footwork, body position, and hip rotation rather than arm-dominant pulling. Climbing is a technical skill that transfers poorly from gym strength — beginners consistently over-rely on arms and under-use feet. A documented course completion and an independent grade assessment separate this from casual gym visits.
Proof required
Submit the completion certificate or gym attendance record from a bouldering introductory course (minimum 2 sessions with structured instruction). Include a short video (30–60 seconds) of you completing a V0 or V1 route showing deliberate footwork — feet placed precisely on holds, not smeared — and an assessor's note or gym staff confirmation of your V0–V1 level.
What gets checked
- Course completion document or gym attendance record showing a structured introductory programme was completed
- Video shows a V0–V1 route climbed with deliberate foot placement — toes on holds, not full sole smearing
- Assessor note or gym staff confirmation of your independent grade (V0–V1) from someone qualified to judge
Common mistakes
- Skipping the introductory course and just climbing — technique taught later (hip rotation, flagging, drop-knee) cannot be absorbed without the foundational footwork pattern in place
- Focusing on completing routes rather than technique quality — a sloppy V2 is a worse proof than a technical V0
- Not getting a gym assessor note — self-declared grades at V0–V1 are unverifiable without an independent assessment
Powstik Guide
A finished intro course and video of V0–V1 climbs.
Steps
- Book an intro course at an indoor wall.
- Learn to fall and land on the mats.
- Practise quiet feet and straight arms.
- Film one V0–V1 climb on your own.
Template
Wall: Course dates (2+ sessions): Instructor: Routes climbed (grade): Technique I focused on:
What gets sent back
- No course record.
- A route with help from a spotter's hands.
- Grade not shown.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Course completion document or gym attendance record is required — casual gym visits without structured instruction do not satisfy this milestone
- Watch the route video for foot placement: toes should be on holds (not full sole), and the climber should pause on footholds rather than pulling through with arms alone
- Ask the submitter what hip rotation or flagging means — a climber who completed a real course will have encountered these terms
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Complete V2–V3 routes independently
8 weeks
Independently complete three different V2 or V3 routes (Font 5+–6a) at an indoor bouldering gym without coaching assistance, demonstrating consistent use of hip rotation and route-reading skills. V2–V3 is where technique separates from fitness as the limiting factor — arm strength alone cannot compensate at this grade, and structured foot and body movement becomes non-optional.
Proof required
Submit a video of you completing three different V2 or V3 routes at an indoor gym, each in a separate clip. Routes should be labelled by the gym's grade system (V-scale or Font scale equivalent shown in the video). Include a 100-word reflection on the specific technique challenge on each route — not a description of how hard it was.
What gets checked
- Three separate video clips each showing a different V2+ route completed from start to finish
- Grade labels visible in each clip (gym hold colour, V-scale card, or Font scale label on the wall)
- 100-word reflection naming specific technique used on each route (e.g. 'hip rotation on the right-hand crimp in the middle' not 'it was hard')
Common mistakes
- Projecting the same route for 8 weeks instead of building a route repertoire — 3 different V2–V3s require applying technique to varied problem shapes
- Filming from a distance where holds and body position are not visible — a close enough angle to see foot placement on holds is required
- Writing a reflection that describes effort rather than technique — 'my fingers hurt' is effort; 'I used a hip-turn on the left side to reach the next hold without cutting feet' is technique
Powstik Guide
Three different V2–V3 routes, each on its own clip.
Steps
- Pick three routes of different styles.
- Read each route from the ground first.
- Work each one until you top it clean.
- Film each ascent with the grade tag visible.
Template
| Route | Grade | Style (slab/overhang/etc.) | Attempts | Clip link | |-------|-------|----------------------------|----------|-----------|
What gets sent back
- The same route filmed twice.
- Grade not visible or stated.
- Coaching during the climb.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Three videos required — a single long video with three routes is acceptable if routes are clearly separated
- V-scale or Font grade must be visible in each clip — without grade labelling the verifier cannot confirm V2+ standard
- The 100-word reflection should name specific movement decisions on specific moves, not just difficulty level — technique specificity confirms real engagement with climbing as a skill
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Complete V4 route and receive formal grade assessment
8 weeks
Complete a V4 route (Font 6a+–6b) at an indoor climbing gym and receive a written grade assessment from a qualified climbing coach or gym instructor confirming V4 independent standard. V4 is the credential-worthy threshold for 'intermediate' climbing — it requires genuine technique application (flagging, drop-knee, backstep) rather than grip strength, and the external assessment prevents grade inflation common in self-reported climbing levels.
Proof required
Submit a video of you completing a V4 route at an indoor gym with the grade label visible, plus a written assessment from a qualified climbing coach or gym instructor confirming your V4 level. The assessor must have watched you climb in person — a remote assessment of a video is not sufficient.
What gets checked
- Video shows a V4 route completed from start to finish with the grade label visible in frame or confirmable from the route description
- Written assessor note states: assessor's name, gym, their qualification (coach certificate, gym instructor status, years of experience), date watched, and confirmation of V4 independent level
- Assessor watched the climb in person and was not the person filming — the assessment is independent
Common mistakes
- Skipping the assessor requirement and submitting video-only — V4 is the first grade where external assessment prevents self-reporting inflation
- Getting an assessment from a fellow climber rather than a qualified instructor — a peer grade from another V4 climber is not equivalent to a gym instructor's assessment
- Filming only the completed send and not showing the grade label — every route in every clip must have its grade verifiable from the video itself
Powstik Guide
A video of a V4 send and a written grade assessment.
Steps
- Pick a gym-graded V4.
- Film with the grade label visible.
- Climb it clean, start to top.
- Get a setter or coach to confirm in writing.
Template
Gym: Route/colour: Grade: Video link: Assessor: Role:
What gets sent back
- Grade label not visible.
- Dabs or skipped holds.
- No written assessment.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- The assessor's written note must include their name and qualification — 'my climbing friend who climbs V6 said I climb V4' does not meet this standard
- Watch the video for flagging or backstep technique on at least one move — a V4 climbed with no technical movement (pure arm-strength) suggests grade inflation
- If the gym's V-scale seems non-standard (very easy or very hard for V4), ask the submitter which gym and cross-reference against known V4 benchmarks at UK climbing gyms
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