A sloper is a hold without a positive edge — typically a smooth, rounded bulge of plastic or rock that the climber must grip through palm contact, friction, and body position rather than fingertip strength. Slopers reward open-handed strength, dry conditions, and precise body tension.
Gripping a sloper involves spreading the fingers wide, pressing the entire palm against the hold, and pulling with the shoulders rather than the fingers. The key is keeping the body close to the wall to keep the angle of pull as direct as possible — a sloper is much harder to hold when the body sags below it.
Slopers are the antithesis of crimps. Where crimps reward concentrated finger strength on small surfaces, slopers reward whole-hand strength, friction, and clever body positioning. They're notoriously condition-dependent — sweaty hands in a hot gym can turn an otherwise easy sloper problem into a project. Chalk and cool conditions are non-negotiable.