Ouklä, The Mid Ascent Liquid Chalk Dispenser

Ouklä is a liquid chalk dispenser that a climber uses with one hand to re-apply chalk to their palm and fingers during an ascent of a wall or rock face. Securely attached to their harness with double clips to prevent rotation, the climber reaches down, grips the tubular device, then uses their thumb to active a pivoting ‘trigger’. Compressed air propels liquid chalk spraying out evenly from positioned vents onto the palm and fingers of the enclosed hand. Rock climbers coat their hands with climbing chalk before and during their climb. This removes moisture from their hands providing a superior and safer grip. Compared to dry chalk, liquid chalk delivers a more consistent even coating. Liquid chalk is typically sold in ‘sunscreen’ style bottles requiring two hands to apply. In most situations it is impossible to apply during a climb without the risk of falling. Ouklä offers a practical solution, with the same humanistic interaction as the alternative dry chalk bags. Some indoor gyms do not allow powder chalk to be used citing health concerns over fine particulate dust. In between each climb the user can refill their Ouklä with their own liquid chalk. A small hand pump repressurises vessel ready for the next climbing challenge.