A Guide to Bouldering
Bouldering is essentially climbing in its most simple form and there are several reasons why this has become one of the most popular outdoor activities.
Firstly, it requires very little climbing gear; a landing pad, some chalk and a good pair of climbing shoes are all that is usually needed.
Bouldering is also very accessible; wherever there is some solid rock, you can go bouldering.
Moreover, it can also be done indoors on manmade boulder climbing walls.
Bouldering is great for those who are new to climbing and want to practice their techniques and basic movements before they move onto more challenging rock climbs.
Another aspect of bouldering that appeals to many people is the friendly competition and camaraderie that it offers, particularly when a group of several climbers are attempting the same route and are therefore trying to overcome the same challenges.
Common Bouldering Moves Bouldering offers climbers the chance to try their hand at different types of climbing scenarios, including overhangs, face climbing and crack climbing.
Once climbers have honed their skills in these areas, they are generally better able to enjoy longer and more difficult rock climbing roots.
These techniques improve their body movement, footwork and flexibility, as well as their physical strength and confidence.
Traversing is a skill that climbers will work on frequently when bouldering; this greatly improves upon footwork, speed and endurance.
It involves climbing in a single direction without coming away from the way and returning again, retracing your previous footsteps.
Down climbing techniques used in bouldering are great for climbers who are hoping to progress to alpine climbing, as precise descent work is particularly important when climbing in icy conditions.
Bouldering Safety advice Peeling off of the rock is a common occurrence in bouldering.
Because ropes are not used for this kind of climb, it's almost inevitable that climbers will end up hitting the ground at one point or another, particularly if they are challenging themselves with tough climbing moves such as overhangs.
One way to break a fall if you are climbing with others is 'spotting', which as the name suggests, involves having your fellow climbers spot your moves.
This does not mean that they actually catch you as you fall; rather, their role is to ensure that your shoulders and head do not hit the ground, so that you end up having a softer landing.
It's also worth investing in some simple climbing gear to break your fall.
One useful item is a crash pad.
This is just a thick mat that will cushion your fall and is a must for solo climbers.
The pad should be strategically placed within the 'fall zone'.
Some climbers may want to bring extra crash pads, so that they have ample coverage for their falls; the only downside to this is that the climber then has to carry the extra weight in their climbing gear rucksack when travelling to and from the bouldering site.
Firstly, it requires very little climbing gear; a landing pad, some chalk and a good pair of climbing shoes are all that is usually needed.
Bouldering is also very accessible; wherever there is some solid rock, you can go bouldering.
Moreover, it can also be done indoors on manmade boulder climbing walls.
Bouldering is great for those who are new to climbing and want to practice their techniques and basic movements before they move onto more challenging rock climbs.
Another aspect of bouldering that appeals to many people is the friendly competition and camaraderie that it offers, particularly when a group of several climbers are attempting the same route and are therefore trying to overcome the same challenges.
Common Bouldering Moves Bouldering offers climbers the chance to try their hand at different types of climbing scenarios, including overhangs, face climbing and crack climbing.
Once climbers have honed their skills in these areas, they are generally better able to enjoy longer and more difficult rock climbing roots.
These techniques improve their body movement, footwork and flexibility, as well as their physical strength and confidence.
Traversing is a skill that climbers will work on frequently when bouldering; this greatly improves upon footwork, speed and endurance.
It involves climbing in a single direction without coming away from the way and returning again, retracing your previous footsteps.
Down climbing techniques used in bouldering are great for climbers who are hoping to progress to alpine climbing, as precise descent work is particularly important when climbing in icy conditions.
Bouldering Safety advice Peeling off of the rock is a common occurrence in bouldering.
Because ropes are not used for this kind of climb, it's almost inevitable that climbers will end up hitting the ground at one point or another, particularly if they are challenging themselves with tough climbing moves such as overhangs.
One way to break a fall if you are climbing with others is 'spotting', which as the name suggests, involves having your fellow climbers spot your moves.
This does not mean that they actually catch you as you fall; rather, their role is to ensure that your shoulders and head do not hit the ground, so that you end up having a softer landing.
It's also worth investing in some simple climbing gear to break your fall.
One useful item is a crash pad.
This is just a thick mat that will cushion your fall and is a must for solo climbers.
The pad should be strategically placed within the 'fall zone'.
Some climbers may want to bring extra crash pads, so that they have ample coverage for their falls; the only downside to this is that the climber then has to carry the extra weight in their climbing gear rucksack when travelling to and from the bouldering site.
