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Bouldering is a great sport enjoyed by thousands of people in the United States and all around the world. It’s a simple sport, but can be both physically and mentally challenging. Many athletes use bouldering as a method of training for longer, more technical full rope climbs, and some consider bouldering a sport by itself. Perhaps the best thing about bouldering is that it’s very easy to get started. While there are many spots around the world that are ideal climbing destinations, it’s possible to find locations in your area that offer one or two decent scrambling spots.

Bouldering Gear

Unlike most outdoor adventure sports, bouldering does not require thousands of dollars worth of gear and equipment. The essentials are rock shoes, chalk, and crash pad. If you are only considering indoor climbing at a local rock gym, then you will be able to rent these items for less than $10 at most gyms. Some rock gyms even let you take the equipment to local outdoor climbing spots, if there are any close by.

Rock shoes

When purchasing your first pair of rock shoes, think about your primary goals and considerations. There are many different types and specialized versions of rock shoes, but you should look for a pair that is comfortable and all purpose. Avoid shoes that are created for specific techniques and climbing conditions until you are more familiar with the basics. Many shoes are available for under $80 and most rock gyms will let you try out a pair before making the purchase, just to be sure that it’s a good fit for your foot and climbing style.

Chalk and Chalk Bag

Bouldering is a difficult sport and relies on grip strength and overall body strength. If your hands are wet with sweat or water, your grip strength is weakened and you could slip off the bouldering holds very quickly. Chalk prevents your hands from getting too wet and helps keep your grip as dry and as strong as possible.

Chalk bags are just fabric bags that are used to hold the chalk material. Some bags have loops, drawstrings, or elastic to help keep the bag closed or allow you to fasten it to your belt. Most bags are under $15 and offer similar features and functionality, so just pick one that fits your style.

Crash Pads

Crash pads are the most expensive piece of gear that you will need to consider for bouldering. Most new pads are over $100, but you may be able to save some cash by looking online on eBay or Craigslist. If you climb indoors, you will most likely not need a bring your crash pad but they are really required for any type of outdoor climbing. Pick a climbing pad that will be big enough for you to fall comfortably and lower the risk of twisting an ankle (or worse) when falling from a large boulder.

Bouldering Problems

Bouldering is a great way to meet new people. It’s a very relaxed sport and there’s lots of time trying to figure out the best way to approach a bouldering “problem” or climbing route. Since the routes are typically pre-defined, it’s important to understand the problem before getting started. While some problems are straightforward and permit any type of hand or foot holds, some routes will forbid certain movements or holds. Climbing with other people can allow you to work through a particularly tough problem or route section.

Bouldering Movements

Bouldering movements are both challenging and rewarding. You can start off with easy bouldering problems and work your way up to more challenging ones as you become more familiar with the techniques involved. There are three primary climbing techniques that you will encounter: Up climbing, traversing, and down climbing.

Up climbing and down climbing are straightforward, but offer varying levels of difficulty depending on the grade of the climb. Some problems will have features like overhangs, cracks or difficult stretching moves. Be sure to understand the details for each problem like what holds are acceptable and if you are permitted to use the rock face to keep your balance. Down climbing is simply a reverse of up climbing. This practice can help improve your strength and endurance. After you’ve finished abouldering problem, immediately retrace your steps back to the starting position. You can also try some bouldering problems in reverse if the start and end points are in a convenient location.

Traversing will help improve your foot work and body movement. Traversing routes move your body across the rock face, as opposed to up, down, or diagonally like traditional bouldering problems. Be sure to understand the traversal problem before beginning and to plan out your movements when possible. Some rock gyms provide extra long traversal problems to challenge even the most experienced climbers.

Bouldering Safely

Bouldering is certainly a tough sport and you must use caution when climbing, especially when doing so outdoors or in high locations. Use crash pads to cushion your fall and consider wearing a helmet if you are nervous about hitting your head. If you feel comfortable about your safety while climbing, then you are more likely to push yourself to new limits.

Spotting is another way to boulder safely. If you are able to climb with other people, have one or more of your fellow climbers “spot” you while climbing to break your fall.