| Cyberclimber | Climbing Wall Listing | Build a Climbing Wall | Climbing Training | Climbing Gear |
|
|
BoulderingBouldering is a form of climbing. The name originates from climbing on large rocks or "boulders". Usually the height is less than 4 meters; 12 feet. Even though the climbs are short, they are typically interesting, dynamic and powerful. No ropes, harness or physical safety system is used. Many climbers prefer bouldering to any other form of climbing. Now, almost all climbing walls, gyms offer bouldering caves. This form of climbing has evolved and matured into its own style of climbing. Bouldering requires the least gear of any of the forms of climbing. Just shoes, a chalk bag, and a landing "crash" pad.
The Spotter. It's important to have a friend stand by ready to catch your fall. While a belayer is not needed, a "spotter" stands under the boulderer with hands up ready to help break the fall. Spotters must stay alert and be ready to react in a split second. The concept for spotting is not to catch the climber, just to break the fall and help him/her land feet first. If in reach, it's helpful for the spotter to touch lightly the climbers back. The hand moves with the climbers movement. Sometimes a light "assist" can be given to help with a move. This also helps the spotter react quickly to a fall and gives the climber confidence for more aggressive movements. Bouldering Competitions. See climbing competition listings. There hundreds of bouldering competitions each year all over the world. They are quickly becoming very popular. Bouldering comps consist of several short routes without ropes. Usually each problem is less than 12 movements, and usually around 8. There is usually a qualifying round, semi-final round, and a final elimination. Each round typically has 5 to 10 problems. The starting holds, boundaries and finishing holds are clearly defined with marking. Bouldering competitions are very popular because spectators and media can be at eye level with a good view of the action. Camaraderie. See climbing games. Bouldering also gives climbers a better sense of camaraderie. With rope and wall climbing the belayer and climber are separated distances not conducive to talking and chatting about the last move. This is what's great about bouldering, the competition, the talk about how to do a move or series of moves, and climbing games. Holds are usually in reach so they can be easily tweaked to make a boulder route harder or easier. Some awesome bouldering games have been developed. Three of the most popular are "add on", great for endurance. "Pointer" is perfect bouldering game for training. "Take away" works up skill and problem solving as climbers try to figure out how to make the moves with less holds each time. Benefits. This type of climbing will greatly enhance your power and strength. Problem solving skills are developed in group sessions. Unlike technical or trad, the routes are short, high intensity, working primarily strength vs endurance. There are excellent training routines for improving bouldering. Down climbing, vs jumping, climb in a circular route over and over, one arm climbing, or one leg climbing are easy ways to get intense training sessions in a short amount of time. See climbing training. Bouldering. It's a blast. It's a social activity and easily lends itself to a learning "beta" atmosphere and provides a lot of training improvements in strength and burst muscle power. |
| Contact | Disclaimer | © 1998 - 2008 www.indoorclimbing.com All rights reserved. |