Roxana Bucur
A rock/chalk/brushing addict and occasionally a training freak (when she projects), Roxana is a Romanian climber who spends her rest days as a writer and translator for the outdoors industry. She is currently based in the French mountains, enjoys climbing, yoga, and skiing, and discovered climbing in late 2013 after never practicing sports previously.
84 articles
Mat matters: The best bouldering crash mats in 2026
Having many options is good but it can also feel overwhelming at times. Choosing your bouldering crash pad is no exception to that.
Best climbing chalk in 2026
Explore the top climbing chalk options for 2026 and discover a bonus skincare tip to keep your hands in top shape. Find your perfect chalk!
Best Bouldering Shoes to Buy in 2026 (Tested)
We tested dozens of bouldering shoes for 2026 — here are the best for beginners, overhangs, slab and all-day climbing. Honest picks, no filler.
The best hangboards and what they are used for
Looking for the best hangboards in 2026? Improve grip, strength, and endurance with top picks and training tips for climbers at all levels.
The Best Climbing Brands of 2026 (and Why)
The climbing brands worth your money in 2026 — shoes, chalk, harnesses and apparel. Who's innovating, who's overpriced, and our honest favourites.
Best Indoor Bouldering Shoes in 2026 (Tested)
We tested the top indoor bouldering shoes for 2026 — grippy on gym volumes, comfy for all-day sessions, plus the best budget pick for beginners.
What's Better for Bouldering: Gaining Strength or Losing Weight
Hang climbing boosts strength and mobility. Learn how hanging every day can improve your hang climbing—simple and effective for all skill levels.
Explore the tales and trials of unorthodox climbing methods
Hang climbing boosts strength and mobility. Learn how hanging every day can improve your hang climbing—simple and effective for all skill levels.
Do one-arm pullups make you a better climber? Here's what you need to know
Hang climbing boosts strength and mobility. Learn how hanging every day can improve your hang climbing—simple and effective for all skill levels.
How to train for climbing and running combined
Hang climbing boosts strength and mobility. Learn how hanging every day can improve your hang climbing—simple and effective for all skill levels.
The ultimate guide to bouldering in Fontainebleau: History, Tips, and Best Spots
Hang climbing boosts strength and mobility. Learn how hanging every day can improve your hang climbing—simple and effective for all skill levels.
Why buying climbing shoes is better than renting
Hang climbing boosts strength and mobility. Learn how hanging every day can improve your hang climbing—simple and effective for all skill levels.
Hang every day: For better climbing strength and mobility
Hang climbing boosts strength and mobility. Learn how hanging every day can improve your hang climbing—simple and effective for all skill levels.
How to climb above imposter syndrome and gain self-love
Climb above imposter syndrome and reconnect with self-love. Learn how it shows up in climbing and how to move past doubt with awareness and confidence.
How To Return To Climbing After A Finger Injury
Climbing after a finger injury? Learn how to return safely, rebuild strength, and avoid setbacks with a steady, body-aware approach.
How to place bouldering pads and avoid injuries
Learn how to place bouldering pads properly and avoid injuries. Stay safe and protect yourself during every climbing session.
Can We Develop New Outdoor Boulders Without Harming the Environment
Learn how to develop outdoor boulders without harming the nature using sustainable climbing practices and eco-friendly land management tips.
Inspirational climbing stories and how people got into climbing
Read inspirational climbing stories and discover how climbers got started in bouldering, gym, and outdoor climbing. Get inspired today!
Systems Board vs. Bouldering Sessions: Which is best for you
Compare system boards vs. bouldering sessions. Learn the pros, cons, and best use of each to improve your climbing performance and strength.
The essential traits of a great climbing partner
Hang climbing boosts strength and mobility. Learn how hanging every day can improve your hang climbing—simple and effective for all skill levels.
Everything you need to know to get started at bouldering
Hang climbing boosts strength and mobility. Learn how hanging every day can improve your hang climbing—simple and effective for all skill levels.
Climb more confidently - body awareness in climbing and easy techniques
Climb more confidently with easy bouldering techniques and body awareness tips. Break through plateaus and improve without relying only on strength.
25 interesting questions about bouldering (and surprising answers)
Explore 25 fascinating questions and surprising answers about bouldering, revealing fun facts and insights behind this popular climbing sport.
How to try deep water soloing for all levels
Discover how to try deep water soloing at any skill level with our beginner-friendly guide, and experience the thrill of climbing over water safely and confidently.
How to find climbing psych and how to share it
Struggling to stay motivated for climbing or training? Learn how to find your climbing psych—and how to share the stoke with others.
Believe in the process - How to manage fear in climbing
Overcome fear in climbing by build confidence, and stay in control with proven techniques for managing fear while climbing.
How to improve your climbing using breathwork
Improve your climbing with Breathwork. Learn to control your breath, stay calm after the crux, and avoid burnout. Climb harder with the techniques
The most badass female climbers
Meet the most badass female climbers making waves in bouldering, indoor, and outdoor scenes. Discover their inspiring stories here...
The nuance of beta - Finding beauty in the micro movements
Explore the nuance of beta and micro-movements in climbing to enhance technique and tackle boulder problems with precision.
Does being a vegan help my climbing performance
Does being vegan help my climbing performance? Discover the benefits, potential risks, and essential nutrients for climbers on a diet.
The ultimate guide to climbing competitions for gyms
Learn about indoor climbing competitions, formats, training tips, and how to get started—all in one guide!
Why bouldering is a great choice for fitness
Bouldering is a great choice for fitness, offering strength, endurance, and fun. Explore its benefits, tips, and videos in this guide!
The best skin care balms to keep you climbing
Climbing wears out your hands, but the right skin care balms help heal cracks, prevent splits, and keep you climbing longer.
The top 10 first ascents in bouldering last year
Discover the most groundbreaking bouldering ascents of 2024. See how climbers pushed the limits and get a glimpse of what’s to come in 2025!
Bouldering training: Tips and secrets from the pros
Looking to level up your bouldering training? From beginner techniques to pro-level tips, discover secrets that go beyond pull-ups.
How to improve your climbing with better body positioning
Climb smarter, not harder! Mastering body positioning can help you tackle higher grades and avoid quick pumps.
Famous people who rock climb (for real)
Many celebrities share a passion for climbing. Curious about famous people who rock climb are and why they climb? Read on to find out!
How to beat forearm pump in climbing
Learn how to manage forearm pump in climbing with effective tips to delay fatigue and climb stronger, whether you're bouldering or sport climbing.
Climbing Olympics Paris 2024 summary and thoughts
Climbing Olympics Paris 2024 delivered thrilling moments as the world’s best climbers competed in speed, bouldering, and lead events.
Bouldering warmup: The best finger and wrist exercises
A proper bouldering warmup is key to tackling dynamic moves and tough holds. Learn the best finger and wrist exercises to climb safely!
How big is the advantage of climbing from a young age?
Discover the benefits of climbing from a young age. Learn how early exposure helps develop movement skills, risk assessment, and more.
Climbing footwork: The magic of heel hooks in bouldering
Discover the magic of heel hooks in bouldering! Learn how to improve your climbing footwork, master heel hooking techniques, and more..
How to create and maintain healthy climbing habits
Building healthy habits for climbing takes time, but consistency and motivation are key. Learn how to create and maintain routines...
How to get better at climbing by setting goals
Learn how setting clear climbing goals can boost your performance, track progress, and help you improve skills on the wall.
Resole or replace: When is it time to get new climbing shoes
Discover when to resole or replace your climbing shoes. Learn key tips to extend their life and maintain peak performance on every climb.
How to overcome the fear of falling in climbing
Learn how to overcome the fear of falling in climbing with practical strategies and mental techniques. Build confidence and unlock your climbing potential.
10 climbing podcasts you need to listen to
Discover 10 must-listen climbing podcasts perfect for road trips, relaxing evenings, or when you just need a break from screens.
Will Bosi: Brit sending the hardest boulders in the world
Will Bosi, the first to climb four V17/9A boulders, cements his place among the world’s top climbers with his latest send, Spots of Time.
What Is Bouldering? Everything You Need To Know
What is bouldering? Discover everything you need to know about this exciting climbing discipline, from techniques and gear to its popularity.
Buying guide: How to choose the right climbing shoe
Learn how to choose the right climbing shoes with our expert guide. Find tips on fit, comfort, and features for every climbing style.
Can supplements improve bouldering performance
Can supplements improve bouldering? Discover the benefits of electrolytes, BCAA, collagen, and whey protein for your climbing performance.
Climbing synovitis and joint swelling: How to beat it
Manage climbing synovitis by recognizing stiffness and soreness. Discover strategies to alleviate pain and improve your climbing performance.
The latest training gear from YY Vertical
Explore the latest training gear from YY Vertical to take your bouldering strength and technique to the next level. Dive into our guide...
Bouldering technique: How to nail your first kneebar
Master your first kneebar and boost your climbing efficiency with our quick guide on key bouldering techniques.
Climbing Snacks: How to Fuel for The Send
Discover the best climbing snacks to fuel your body before and during climbs. Learn how proper nutrition can boost your performance.
How to start strength and power training for bouldering
Stuck on tough bouldering moves? Discover how to start strength and power training to enhance your climbing skills and boost your confidence.
Climbing mantle: How to top out in style
Master the climbing mantle and top out in style! Learn the key techniques to execute this essential move efficiently and avoiding injury.
Bouldering technique: How to improve at climbing overhangs
Improve at climbing overhangs by learning the essential bouldering techniques. This guide helps climbers master overhangs.
The best British climbers right now
Discover the top British climbers making waves right now. Whether you're new to climbing or a seasoned pro, get to know the elite athletes.
Fight the funk: How to clean climbing shoes
Learn how to clean climbing shoes safely and effectively to eliminate odours and keep them fresh. Discover tips to extend the life of shoes.
Climbing nutrition: What is the best diet for climbing
Explore the best diet for climbers and learn how to optimise your climb nutrition for peak performance and easily fuel your climbing success.
Slab climbing: How not to suck
Discover expert tips and techniques to master slab climbing, one of the most challenging yet rewarding styles in the climbing gym.
Climbing deload week: Here is why it is important
You know how they say “sleep on it” for important matters in your life? See a climbing deload week as your body’s way of “sleeping on it”.
Projecting in climbing: How to do it and what to expect
Projecting in climbing is a process that involves time, building strength, and losing skin! A guide for those seeking deeper understanding.
Climbing Injury Recovery: How To Stay Strong And Motivated
Climbing teaches us to push our limits, to overcome challenges, and to never give up. This also applied to climbing injury recovery!
Resistance bands: Best exercises and workouts for climbers
Resistance bands are becoming more and more popular amongst climbers, as are being used to support training, recovery, and stretching.
Unparallel climbing shoes: Their history and best products
Founded in 2017, Unparallel climbing shoes are made by the team that originally formed Five Ten, so far from being the new kid on the block!
Tokyo Powder: Contender for the highest friction climbing chalk
Tokyo Powder is a detail-oriented chalk that is a contender for the highest friction climbing chalk in the world.
Climbing shoulder injuries: How to prevent and recover from them
Learn how to avoid the most common climbing shoulder injuries, how to safely recover and how to keep climbing with a shoulder injury!
Climbing barefoot: How to climb V17 with no shoes
In a world where we get picky about the climbing shoes we wear, there are climbers who are bouldering V17 barefoot.
Big debate: Is climbing really harder for shorter people?
Is it really possible to find the answer to the endless topic of whether climbing is really harder for short people
Overtraining syndrome in climbing: Get strong by climbing less
Overtraining syndrome is a medical condition that can negatively impact not only your climbing performance but also alter your life quality.
Olympic climbing Paris 2024: Everything you need to know
Key information on Olympic Climbing in Paris 2024, including history, disciplines, scoring, climbers, schedule and useful links.
Climbing flexibility: Why it matters and how to improve it
Climbing flexibility can be either an advantage or a disadvantage but is simply a skill everyone can achieve if they put their mind to it.
Climbing and remote work: How to manage life on the road
So is it really possible to ‘climb now, work later’? Well, this guide gives you all the information you need on climbing and remote work!
Visualisation: How to improve route reading
Yet another practice to become a better climber that doesn’t involve getting stronger, visualisation and route reading are valuable skills that top climbers use.
Evolv climbing shoes: Their history and best products
Evolv are one of the leading companies in the world making performance climbing shoes that are used by some of worlds best climbers.
Bouldering training: How to create your first training program
If you’ve been bouldering regularly & are looking to take your bouldering to the next level, this guide to bouldering training is for you.
How to fit climbing shoes and how tight should they be?
In a world where some climbers can send V11's barefoot, the question "How to fit climbing shoes and how tight should they be?" still lingers.
Hangboarding for beginners: A simple guide on how to hangboard
The reasons why climbers get into hangboarding can be different. No matter what your motivation is, you want to do it right!
Yoga for climbing: A powerful combination
Back in the day, climbing was all about climbing and power training. Nowadays you hear more and more about how yoga and climbing go together.
Climber hands and skin: How to look after them
I got in touch with a climber hands "expert" who shared some tips on how to show some love to my skin and climb more days in a row.
Climbing finger injuries: How to prevent and treat them
There is no magic solution to preventing climbing finger injuries but this guide provides practical tips on how to prevent and treat them.
Bouldering: The origins and evolution of this amazing sport
Part of the reason you are reading this is because you know what bouldering is and the other part is because you want to know more.