Bouldering is quickly gaining popularity as the next big thing. It is a sport that demands a lot of problem-solving and combines physical power with technical competence. Learn more about bouldering and get some advice on how to get started.
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What Is Bouldering?
Bouldering is a type of rock climbing that takes place near the ground and does not require the use of a rope or harness. All you need is a pair of climbing shoes, some chalk, and a large foam crash pad to do it indoors or out. Climbing on a boulder rather than a cliff or rock wall.
Many serious boulderers who rarely touch a rope now consider bouldering to be their sport. Indoor bouldering gyms have popularised the sport, which is quickly becoming the next big fitness fad.
Is Bouldering a type of Rock Climbing?
Bouldering is, in fact, a type of rock climbing. It reduces it to only the physical aspect of things, obviating the necessity for a lot of equipment. The movements, hold types, and the majority of the lingo are all the same. By offering a new technique of practicing exceedingly difficult climbs, modern bouldering has pushed the bounds of climbing as a whole. It makes a tremendous difference in how skill levels grow if you can perform incredibly difficult sequences again and over.
Climbers used to focus on rope and gear skills, but nowadays, bouldering is a popular exercise among climbers. This gives you more time on the wall to improve your grip, core strength, and technique. Some use it as a warm-up for bigger walls, while others concentrate solely on bouldering.
How Tall Are Bouldering Walls?
Bouldering walls are typically around 4 meters (13 feet) high. Some reach the legal limit of 4.5 meters (15 feet) in most countries. Indoor bouldering padding is typically 30 centimeters (12 inches) thick, whereas outdoor bouldering mats vary in thickness.
How To Start Bouldering?
Bouldering is a fantastic way to get some regular exercise while also socializing. You can work up a sweat while being mentally engaged, enjoying the challenge, and conversing with others. We’ve put together a beginner’s guide with recommendations on everything from establishing an interest in bouldering to actually doing it!
Tips for Indoor Bouldering
TAKE A LESSON
A bouldering or climbing class is highly recommended. For novices to indoor bouldering, an intro to bouldering class provides even more individualized, hands-on coaching. In many cases, you’ll be able to boulder on your own following an introductory indoor bouldering instruction.
GET FITTED FOR GOOD SHOES
Climbing shoes aren’t the same as regular shoes. To put it another way, never buy climbing shoes online without first trying them on. Before committing to the climbing life, renting shoes for at least the first couple of visits to the climbing gym is an excellent place to start. When you first start climbing, climbing gym workers can assist you with sizing and information, but it’s also a good idea to consult a reliable outdoor shop.
PRACTICE FALLING
Practicing will help you break bad habits like stretching your arms and hands out when you fall at the climbing gym, something you never want to do. Never use your arms or hands to catch yourself, and never try to stick the landing. Instead, you should bend your knees when your feet land and then roll back onto the padded mat when falling backward.
LEARN A LITTLE SOMETHING ABOUT ROUTES
Bouldering necessitates a strategy that you won’t get from lifting weights or running on the treadmill, for example. Climbers frequently stand in front of a route, examining it, and even mimicking some of the moves with their hands before beginning it. Alternatively, you may witness climbers conversing with one another and discussing “beta,” which is route information.
PACE YOURSELF BEFORE YOU WRECK YOURSELF
Climbing differs from most outdoor sports in a number of ways, most notably in terms of speed. Many outdoor activities, such as bicycling and hiking, require you to spend significant periods of time actively participating in the sport. However, rock climbing, can lead to overexertion and, in some cases, injury.
STRETCH IT OUT BEFORE AND AFTER YOUR CLIMB
You’ll most likely be hurting the next day after your first few days at the climbing gym. However, a combination of pre-and post-workout stretches, as well as attending to the gym on a regular basis, can help you overcome this. It’s more vital to feel good mentally and physically than it is to devote physical energy to learn a new skill.
