There shouldn't be a pause button...
When you jump off a wall, it will apply force in the direction you're looking at. Is that the same thing you are describing?
hitting p locks the controls and camera but has this weird interaction with climbing
I actually just saw a video of this.
I never implemented pausing, but the pre-made asset I built the climbing mechanic ontop of had an un-documented pause feature!
It's been patched. No pausing anymore :)