What Is Bouldering?

Are you looking for a new activity that combines physical strength, mental focus, and some adrenaline for good measure? Look no further than the thrilling sport of Bouldering. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a complete beginner looking for a new challenge, bouldering offers an experience that will push your limits and leave you craving for more. During this guide, we’ll explain what bouldering is, provide you with some training tips, and guide you on what to wear for when you’re ready to climb!

Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that focuses on short, challenging routes known as boulder problems. Unlike traditional climbing, bouldering does not require ropes or harnesses, making it a more accessible and easy to pick up activity. Bouldering is typically done on large boulders or low-height rock formations, or you can try bouldering in an indoor climbing gym (There are plenty around the country). Boulding combines a range of skills, such as problem solving, patience, balance and of course it requires physical strength.

Build Strength: Bouldering requires strength in your arms, core, and fingers. If you’re serious about improving your bouldering strength, then incorporating pull-ups, push ups, planks and fingerboards into your workout routine. Not only do you need to improve your upper body strength, it’s vital to have a strong lower body, as many boulder problems require you to push hard with your legs.

Practice Technique: Focus on honing your climbing technique, such as footwork, body positioning, and grip. If you’re practicing in a bouldering gym, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a seasoned climber or watch them solve a boulder problem, boulder gyms are very friendly places!

Develop Problem-Solving Skills: Bouldering is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Learn to read the boulder problems and plan your movements strategically before getting up on the wall. If you try and wing it, there’s a higher chance you won’t succeed. Planning is key!

Train Your Grip Strength: Grip strength is vital in bouldering. Incorporate exercises like finger curls, dead hangs, and campus boarding to develop finger strength and endurance. Additionally, consider using grip trainers and stress balls to improve your grip.

Stretching: Flexibility is key for bouldering. There will be situations where you will need to move your body into unnatural positions, so if you’re looking to improve your performance it’s worth stretching before and after sessions to loosen your muscles and reduce the chance of injury.

Choosing the right clothing for bouldering is crucial for comfort and mobility. Here are some tips on what to wear:

Climbing Shoes: Invest in a good pair of climbing shoes that fit snugly and provide a good grip on the rock. Climbing shoes should be tight-fitting but not painful. If you’re having trouble selecting a pair, ask some of the experts at your local climbing gym for help.

Flexible Clothing: Try and equip yourself with flexible and breathable clothing that allows a full range of motion. Consider wearing athletic shorts or leggings and a moisture-wicking shirt that won’t restrict your movements. (See below for our range of recommended kit)

Chalk Bag: A chalk bag is a necessity for bouldering. It helps keep your hands dry and improves your grip.

Skin Protection: Climbing can be tough on your hands, so consider using finger tape or climbing gloves to protect your skin from abrasions and blisters.

If you’re totally new to bouldering, then you’re better off finding a local climbing gym and practicing there rather than trying outdoor bouldering off the bat. It is a safer environment and good way to make friends in and climbing buddies.

If you do begin to boulder outside then you NEED to invest in a bouldering mat, or go climbing with people who have bouldering mats, otherwise you’re putting yourself and others in danger. A bouldering mat is a soft mat that you place at the bottom of your boulder problem, so if you fall/when you finish the problem, you can land safely.