Behind chalky hands and dusty clothes, there is more. In this article, we’ll uncover 25 interesting facts about bouldering – some of which you may not know.
1. What is bouldering?
Bouldering is a form of climbing that doesn’t involve using rope or harnesses as a form of protection. It requires good body tension and coordination, finger strength, flexibility, and mind control.
Climbers use crash pads such as the ones we have at our Boulderflash shop to protect falls when they climb on rock formations or artificial walls up to 6 meters in height.
2. How does one get into bouldering?
You go to a climbing gym. Indoor bouldering is a safe practice because climbing gyms have padded floors that protect from falls in the climbing areas.
Moreover, at climbing gyms, you can find various ways to learn the basics of bouldering and even take courses with a certified climbing instructor.
3. When did people start bouldering?
Bouldering can be traced back to the late 19th century in Europe, the US, and the UK. It started as something very few climbers took seriously as it was just a means for mountaineering training and later evolved into a separate sport.
4. Grading systems to mark difficulty in bouldering
Because bouldering started to emerge at different times in various parts of the world, grading can be confusing. In bouldering, problems are graded based on difficulty and the system used in that area.
The most widely used are the V scale (US) and Font scale (Europe). The V-Scale ranges from V0 for beginners up to V17, while the Fontainebleau scale goes from 5A to 9a (with additional letters (a, b, c) to mark the difficulty. Worldwide there is only a handful of climbers who send V17/9a.
The first V17 was sent in 2016 by Nalle Hukkataival. Burden of Dreams (9A bloc) by Nalle Hukkataival.
5. Which are the 9 best bouldering spots in the world?
Fontainebleau, France
Also known as the birthplace of bouldering in Europe, Fontainebleau is home to thousands of problems in a beautiful forest setting.
Not sure if it’s a good place for your climbing level? Not to worry. There you can find around 50,000 boulder problems therefore plenty for you, your family, and your friends!
The difficulty starts at V0 and goes up to Soudain Seul, a 9A climbed by Simon Lorenzi in 2021.
Hueco Tanks, USA
This remarkable destination is not just a feast for the eyes but also a playground for climbers and adventurers all together. Located in the heart of Texas, Hueco Tanks captivates boulderers with its stunning rock formations and challenging but also approachable boulder problems.
Rocklands, South Africa
Each year, my Instagram feed showcases images of pro climbers bouldering in this remote area. It offers world-class bouldering against a stunning backdrop of red sandstone cliffs, featuring over 2,800 boulder problems ranging from V0 to V16.
Do you want to know more about Rocklands? Here’s a complete guide to the area. Check out this beginner guide and find out everything there is to know before you do your bouldering trip there.
Bishop, USA
Situated in California, Bishop is known for its highball problems, which are taller and more committing than typical boulders.
Here are the top 10 popular boulder problems in Bishop.
Magic Wood, Switzerland
Magic Wood, located in the Swiss Alps, is a hidden gem for professional climbers and also for recreational climbers who want to spend an exciting holiday. Here, you can find a variety of climbing problems suitable for all skill levels.
Here is Anna’s Hazelnutt first day in Magic Wood featuring Emil Abrahamsson and Hard is Easy.
Hampi, India
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ever since Chris Sharma went bouldering there, it became renowned for also being a bouldering paradise, particularly welcoming to budget-conscious climbers.
Apart from the amazing boulder problems and positive welcoming energy, it offers affordable lodging and decent food options.
Watch Bouldering in Hampi:
Albarracin, Spain
Albarracín is yet another sandstone bouldering paradise, featuring over 2,300 problems ranging from Fb 3 to Fb 8c. Some call it the Spanish Fontainebleau.
Albarracin is ideal for beginner and intermediate climbers due to its abundance of low to mid-grade boulders and reliable weather, making it also a great destination for family climbing trips.
Val di Mello, Italy
Val di Mello features over 2,400 famous boulders, with difficulty levels ranging from 2 to 8C.
This area offers a variety of climbing sectors, including those that are friendly to more intermediate-level climbers. Here are five of the most classic and popular bouldering sectors:
Piana del Remenno – Settore Visido, Piana del Remenno – Tarzan Sector, Piana del Remenno – Sasso Remenno, Melloblocco sector, and Bagni di Masino, Belvedere sector.
North Wales, UK
North Wales is blessed with grading variety, rock climbing quality, and a diversity of rock types such as limestone, gritstone, slate, gabber, rhyolite, and Welsh igneous rock. With nearly 4,000 boulder problems, ranging from 5 to 8b+ it’s hard to run out of problems.
Looking to send? Go there in Autumn and Spring to find the best bouldering conditions.
6. Did you know bouldering has a specific terminology?
Here it is explained by Tera Song Bouldering
7. What are the benefits of bouldering?
Bouldering helps you build confidence, overcome fears, improve mental health, and develop problem-solving skills that translate to everyday life.
But don’t believe me! Try it and decide for yourself. In the meantime check out the 5 Psychological effects of climbing.
8. Who were among the first bouldering pioneers?
John Gill is considered the father of bouldering but Fred Nicole carried on the bouldering legacy by pushing through greater difficulties in the sport.
9. Why is bouldering so interesting and attractive?
Apart from being a cool engaging sport, bouldering is also a lifestyle and a gate opener towards a welcoming community of nice people.
10. Is bouldering internationally celebrated?
Yes. Climbing’s International Day is on July 13.
11. Who is the world’s most accomplished boulderer?
The world’s most accomplished boulderer at the moment is Will Bosi. In the past 2 years, he has climbed four 9A/V17s: Return of the Sleepwalker, Alphane, Burden of Dreams, and Spots of Time.
12. How many V17/9A problems are there in the world?
To this date, there are only seven V17/9A problems that have been established worldwide:
- ‘Spots of time’, FA Aidan Roberts
- ‘Burden of Dreams’, Lappnor, Finland, FA by Nalle Hukkataival
- ‘Alphane’, Chronico, Switzerland, FA by Shawn Raboutou
- ‘Megatron’, Eldorado Canyon, USA, FA by Shawn Raboutou
- ‘Soudain Seul’, Fountainebleau, France, FA by Simon Lorenzi
- ‘L’Ombre du Voyageur’, France, FA by Charles Albert
- ‘Return of the Sleepwalker’, Las Vegas, USA, FA by Daniel Woods
- ‘The Big Slamm’, Tintorale, Abruzzo, FA by Elias Iagnemma
13. What does it take to become better at bouldering?
Time, patience, and resilience. Performance in bouldering is about many things but mostly is about being consistent in training despite experiencing failures from time to time. And last but not least: have fun and make every bouldering session count.
14. Which is the tallest highball bouldering line in the world?
The tallest highball boulder is Ambrosia, a 15-meter V11 and it was first climbed by Kevin Jorgeson in 2009. Nina Williams was the first woman to crush this boulder located in Buttermilk.
15. Do indoor highballs exist?
It is not a common thing since it can be quite dangerous for non-experienced climbers and usually indoor climbing walls taller than 5-6 m have ropes for ascents.
At the Boardroom near Chester, you can find Europe’s highest indoor highball. Watch Louis Parkinson climbing it.
16. Is falling while bouldering scary?
Not as scary as you think but it depends. And, in full honesty, a bit of luck doesn’t hurt! However, we recommend you practice falling first so you get used to it. Moreover, spotters are important.
Therefore when you go climbing outdoors make sure you are being spotted by experienced climbers who know how to do it right.
The biggest bouldering fall compilation.
17. Are injuries more common in bouldering than in sports climbing?
Bouldering is generally considered to be more aggressive than sport climbing because it consists of just a few challenging moves – usually hard! Climbers often fall onto crash pads, which contributes to the sport’s risks.
As a result, finger injuries such as pulleys are common in bouldering due to the intense pressure on tendons and joints, as well as sprained ankles from bad falls.
18. Is bouldering an indoor sport or an outdoor sport?
Bouldering can be practiced both indoors and outdoors, each offering unique challenges and experiences. Climbing on artificial walls with plastic holds can sometimes be significantly different compared to climbing on natural rock.
Moreover, when it comes to safety we can also identify some differences. Indoor climbing gyms feature padded floors that allow climbers to fall safely, whereas bouldering outdoors typically requires the use of crash pads and often a spotter.
19. Is skin care important in climbing?
Yes! Climbers often say their skin is bad. But very few take care of it properly. The skin on your hands and fingers is the part of your body that is the most in contact with the rock. Therefore, you need to make sure it is well cared for.
Do you want to know more about how to have good skin for bouldering?
Here’s a detailed guide on what to do after each climbing session and between.
20. Why do people scream while bouldering?
I want you to picture war movies. What’s the first thing a warrior does as they charge into battle? They unleash a primal scream.
When it comes to climbing, let out a good scream and embrace it! It not only boosts your physical performance but also allows you to harness your energy and focus it on the crux ahead.
21. Is bouldering an Olympic sport?
Yes! Bouldering became an official Olympic sport in the Summer Olympics of 2020, in Tokyo Japan. The competition format combined three disciplines altogether: speed climbing, competition bouldering, and competition lead climbing.
Here are the best climbing moments.
22. Who is the strongest female boulderer?
Katie Lamb. In 2023 she made the first female ascent of Box Therapy 8C+ and she became the first woman to climb an 8c+. The difficulty was earlier confirmed by Daniel Woods in 2018, Sean Bailey, and Drew Ruana.
However, two weeks after Katie sent Box Therapy, the problem was downgraded to 8c by Shawn and Brooke Raboutou.
23. What is downgrading in bouldering?
Downgrading is when a climber assigns a lower grade to a boulder problem or route a previous climber originally proposed. This can happen for various reasons but usually, it’s because someone found an easier beta, or the route fitted their style more, or simply the grades start to feel easier because the level goes up.
Here’s an interesting opinion on downgrading and what’s wrong with it by Will Bosi.
24. Is bouldering a sport for the muscles?
While bouldering might seem a sport for the strong it does stretch to other aspects as well such as mental strength and flexibility/mobility. While power is crucial, flexibility, mindset, and body positioning are equally important for ticking complex boulder problems.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to improve your climbing flexibility.
25. What is the most essential part of the gear in bouldering?
Chalk. I believe using it will undoubtedly improve your grip and keep your hands dry when sweating the crux. But chalk isn’t everything. Check out Tom Randall’s bouldering gear list.
Do you need chalk to climb harder, just remember you can find a great variety in our Boulderflash shop.
Final thoughts on bouldering
Bouldering is not just about climbing. It’s about the places you see, people you meet, games you play, lessons you learn, and emotions you feel.
More than just a sport, bouldering enhances our connection with nature, with ourselves, and with others. From its humble beginnings as a training method for mountaineers to being an Olympic discipline, bouldering continues to grow and attract climbers all around the globe.
Do you want to know more about bouldering? Read everything in our guide.
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