If you’re interested in learning how to rock climb but daunted by the cost of proper equipment, the required safety education (such as knots and belaying), or even a fear of heights, perhaps bouldering is for you. In this article, learn more about the style of rock climbing called bouldering. Topics covered include basic bouldering gear, the best places to start bouldering, bouldering safety, and some helpful bouldering techniques to get you started.
What Is Bouldering, and Why Do It?
Bouldering is a style of rock climbing in which climbers ascend the (usually) relatively short faces of boulders (or indoor bouldering walls) without the use of ropes or harnesses. Each separate sequence of holds allowing the climber to ascend a particular pathway up a boulder’s face is called a boulder problem, and it is given a grade to denote its difficulty, much the same way that rock climbing routes are graded for difficulty.
Bouldering can perhaps be best likened to a more complex version of climbing on a jungle gym. Nature provides endless possibilities in terms of types and angles of rock and the features (handholds and footholds) they offer. Bouldering provides a great all-over body workout, engaging and challenging the mind with its problem-solving requirements in the process. Simply put, bouldering can provide a fun-filled fitness activity for almost anyone of any age.
Many rock climbers are attracted to bouldering due to its relative simplicity (less gear), the different skills and mindset it requires when compared to other rock climbing disciplines, and its tendency to be extremely social. Conversely, bouldering also differs from other climbing disciplines in that it can be relatively safe to boulder alone, without a partner.
Fundamental Bouldering Gear
As mentioned above, one of the appealing aspects of bouldering is its relative simplicity (and lower monetary investment) in terms of climbing gear required. In bouldering the key pieces of climbing equipment are a bouldering crash pad (or mat), a chalk bag with climbing chalk, and a good pair of climbing shoes. Even better, if you start bouldering indoors, you can simply rent shoes and chalk bag, and no personal bouldering crash pad is required.
Some Basic Bouldering Techniques
One of the first bouldering techniques a person should learn is how to be a good spotter. Basically, the spotter attempts to direct a boulderer’s fall onto the bouldering mat to decrease the potential for injuries from falling. As a rule, it’s best to ask for instruction from a more experienced boulderer (or from climbing gym staff) before attempting to spot another person for the first time.
Beyond this, bouldering techniques — especially for beginners — tend to reflect more general rock climbing techniques, including precise footwork, attention to breathing, turning the body, and straightening the arms unless/until they need to be bent. One key way in which bouldering differs from climbing longer routes (generally speaking) is that it tends to require more explosive power overall, or the ability to move rapidly and dynamically from hold to hold.
Start Bouldering Safely by Indoor Climbing
Indoor climbing gyms with bouldering areas provide the perfect opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning how to rock climb to try it out both safely and with little commitment. You don’t need to take a class to learn how to tie knots or use climbing safety equipment. Most gyms will let you check out bouldering indoors just for the price of a day pass to the gym, plus equipment rental (shoes and chalk bag).
Once you’ve started bouldering indoors, it’s relatively easy to make the transition to climbing boulders outside. Ask around to find out about local bouldering areas, or buy a bouldering guidebook. Before you go bouldering outside, it’s important to acquire proper bouldering gear, to help mitigate the chance of injury. And, while bouldering can be practiced alone, it’s always a safer choice to have a partner (or more people) come along to spot you.
Climbing Boulders Is a Fun Fitness Workout for Almost Anyone
Bouldering is a style of rock climbing that involves climbing boulders. People enjoy bouldering for many reasons, including the fact that bouldering provides an engaging all-over body workout. Typical bouldering gear includes a bouldering crash pad, chalk bag with chalk, and climbing shoes. Bouldering techniques are similar to general rock climbing techniques. Bouldering indoors provides a low-commitment, safe way to learn how to rock climb.
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