The 'T step' - aid climbing technique

The "T step" (aka "teeing off" is is a simple yet underutilized method to easily stand in the second step in your aid ladders, get your center of gravity in close to the wall, and not use a fifi hook.

The climbing wall here is overhanging by about 10°, but as you can see I can comfortably stand in the second steps and get about a 5 foot reach to the next placement, all without any of the uncomfortable and awkward cross-body tension that would be required if I had a fifi hook or a similar device.

While there are a few different variations, the technique is generally attributed to American big wall pioneer Ron Olevsky.

[alpinesavvy]

Correction: I said, " . . . stand on top of your left toe." Whoops, I meant 'right toes".