Bouldering

If you love the thrill of a climb and want to try it without all the equipment, then bouldering is the sport to try. Bouldering is growing in popularity all around the world and is being done by people of all ages. There are some big differences between bouldering and regular climbing including the length of the climb and the equipment used.

Bouldering is a short distance climb. When bouldering the climb is usually only about 12 feet high. The reason for this is because climbers need to be able to fall without getting seriously hurt since there are no safety ropes.

Equipment. There is very little equipment needed for bouldering. Climbing shoes are necessary for a better grip when scaling the boulder. Most climbers also use crash pads so if they fall they can have a little bit of a cushion. Chalk and a chalk bag are also used to give climbers a better grip. Other than that it is just the strenght and ability of the climber.

The Problem.  The route that the climber takes to reach their destination is usually called a problem. This is because bouldering takes more than just physical strength. It also takes a lot of skill and creativity to figure out how to make it to the top. There is usually no easy way up a boulder so climbers need to solve the problem in order to conquer it.

Indoor Bouldering. There is no reason to stop bouldering when the weather is bad. There are many indoor climbing gyms that cater to bouldering. They have man made boulders that climbers can use just like the ones outside.

What Bouldering Works. Bouldering is a big workout for your arms, shoulders, and your upper back. It will also work your legs, and your core muscles will be working the whole time you are bouldering as well.