Bouldering

Bouldering 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.

Bouldering Shoes. Many manufacturers make slip-on shoes specially designed to pull on and off quickly. They fit snug and conform to the shape of the foot using elastic and Velcro. Many boulderers prefer slip on shoes for climbing short low solo routes for the convenience. Bouldering shoes are light weight, around 16 ounces and usually have asymmetrical toes and have a slight flexing sole for improved performance. Also see rock climbing shoes.

Bouldering Chalk Bag. Bags for bouldering are made with a group setting in mind. Community chalk works good because the routes are short. The climber can chalk up before getting on a route and not need to re-chalk. Unlike smaller bags worn in sport climbs, bouldering chalk bags aren't worn--they sit on the ground, so they don't spill during a fall and don't add additional weight or restrict movement. Bouldering bags sit on the ground and hold enough chalk for many many people several sessions. These bags have a wide base so they don't tip over easily even when kicked. Also see chalk bags.

Bouldering Landing Pad. Called crash pad, used during bouldering to break the climbers fall. Pads are placed in the fall zone to help protect the boulderer from injury when falling on rocks and twisting ankles. The pad should not take the place of a spotter, crash pads are additional protection. They serve a similar function as gymnastics mats but are different in many important aspects. They are used outdoors so need to be rugged and transportable. The fall is often times uncontrolled and unexpected. Therefore the pad is thicker with layers of foam. Also see crash pads.

Bouldering Routes. See routesetting. A bouldering routes are called "problems." Since bouldering routes are short, usually under 12', or 4 meters, the routes tend to be more intense. Without the bulk of a harness and gear the type of problems tend to be incredibly difficult 5 to 10 power moves. Typically problems are steep or overhanging and require exceptional upper body and tensile strength. Even though the problems don't get too high, they could potentially traverse a long distance.

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.