Bouldering is the sport of climbing rocks without the assistance of ropes. You can boulder outside or in an indoor facility. Bouldering will involve lower climbing problems than rock climbing. Bouldering requires very few pieces of gear to get started making it a better entry to this form of sport than rock climbing.
This article will continue to define bouldering, explore how to begin the sport, compare indoor versus outdoor bouldering, and help you decide between rock climbing and bouldering.
Why did people start bouldering?
Bouldering likely came from rock climbers waiting for their friend to climb. Climbers idly climbed up the side of the rocks at the base of a rock wall without the ropes. They discovered that they enjoyed this almost as much as climbing the rock. Bouldering has since become a sport independent from rock climbing.
How do I start bouldering?
Though you can start bouldering independently, you would benefit greatly from joining a beginner class at a local bouldering gym. They will provide you with the gear that you need, and they will provide a stable foundation of experience on which to build your own skills.
What gear will I need for bouldering?
If you decide to follow the above advice and join an introductory class, the gym will provide rental equipment for you. The gear you will need is:
- Climbing shoes
- Chalk bag or liquid chalk
- Crash pad
- Guide of local outdoor options for bouldering (if doing outdoor bouldering)
As you can see, you will not need much gear to get going on this sport. The following is a list of optional gear that could improve your experience:
- Hangboard for improving your grip strength
- Climbing brush to brush of chalk and dirt
- File or pumice tone for callouses
- Climbing salve for damaged skin
- Climbing tape to protect fingers
- Portable grip strengthener to build grip away from hangboard
- Climber clothing to avoid rips and tears in weaker material
How high does bouldering typically go?
Bouldering problems typically do not go higher than 15 feet. Since you do not have the safety of ropes, the focus of bouldering is lower to the ground.
What are the benefits of bouldering?
You will find both physical and mental benefits when bouldering. Bouldering is a high intensity full body workout that especially stresses your arms, shoulders, back, and core. According to Integrated Rehabilitation Services, upper-body workouts have many benefits for overall health Bouldering also requires problem solving and critical thinking to get from where you are to where you want to end up.
Why would I do bouldering instead of rock climbing?
You can begin bouldering with minimal gear. You also can choose to take up this sport without a partner. However, there are benefits and drawbacks for each sport.
Bouldering pros
- Less gear means you can start easier.
- You have more options for indoor bouldering.
- You do not need a spotter, so you can boulder alone.
Bouldering cons
- Bouldering does not focus on endurance as much as rock climbing.
- Though bouldering has less gear, the crash mat is large and awkward.
- No ropes will catch you if you fall while bouldering; you will start over every fall.
Rock climbing pros
- You have more outdoor options than with bouldering.
- Though you have more gear, it will fit easily into a backpack.
- If you climb in a popular location, you will have less competition for space once you start due to the higher routes.
Rock climbing cons
- You need a spotter, so you cannot rock climb alone (unless you are very advanced).
- Though the gear fits in a backpack, it can be expensive and heavy.
- Rock climbing requires a lot of endurance, so you will need to work hard to improve.
How do I get better at bouldering?
You will get better by practicing. You will gradually gain strength and problem-solving skills as you use them. Consider investing in a pull up bar for rock climbers to increase your grip strength. Your body will naturally pull away from the wall; resist this pull by engaging your hips and core.
Should I boulder inside at a gym or outside in nature?
This choice comes down to preference. However, as you begin this new sport, you should seriously consider learning the basics at an indoor gym. Even if you do not want to join an introductory class, the gym will provide a much safer environment than bouldering on your own.
How do I fall well?
According to Rock and Sun, you will injure yourself by falling with more likelihood than any other risk factors while bouldering. Make sure that you do not leave anything (water bottle, chalk, a friend) on your crash pad. Fall as relaxed as possible. Do not absorb the shock with your arms; absorb it with flat feet and bent knees. Roll when possible.
What are some important bouldering terms?
- Problem (n.) – Sequence of holds with a beginning and end; the bouldering route
- Crux (n.) – Hardest group of moves in a problem
- Traverse (v.) – Move sideways across the wall
- Top out (v.) – Climb until you get to the top of a rock or wall
- Soft (adj.) – Easier climb than the grade
- Stiff (adj.) – Harder climb than the grade
How will I know how hard a climb is?
Bouldering comes with multiple grading systems to help climbers find the right route for them. You will likely see a color-coded system in gyms with colored rocks. Guides will either have a V# or Font system.
For the V# scale, you want VB, V0, V1, or V2. These are the beginner levels of climbs. The numbers go all the way up to 17 with 10-17 being pro level bouldering.
For the Font system, numbers go from 4-9, letters a, b, c, and + or -. That description is likely confusing, so here is an example. The lowest level climb is 4a-. 4 is the lowest number, “a” shows its on the easier side of a 4, and “-“ shows its an easier 4a. In another example, 9c+ is the highest difficulty climb.
