Everything you need to know to get started at bouldering

Do you know those things that start out casual, something you try with friends or on your own, and then they quickly evolve into a lifelong passion? Bouldering is one of those. For many, it even becomes a lifestyle.

When you see images of people bouldering, it may look easy, and to some extent, it is. However, just like with other things in life, there might be a few things to know before you start doing it.

We did the digging for you and we came up with everything you need to know to get started at bouldering.

What is bouldering?

On an Instagram post, I once wrote that ‘Bouldering is holding on tight to something just so you can power on through to the next nothing’. But a more detailed definition would be that bouldering is a sport that relies on body tension and coordination, finger strength, flexibility, and ultimately, mind control.

Bouldering is fitness but fun because it’s colorful, mentally and physically stimulating, and surprisingly beginner-friendly. And starting 2020 is also an Olympic Sport!

Bouldering is both climbing in-depth and climbing simplified. But unlike climbing, it doesn’t require using a rope or a harness as a form of protection. However, because it often involves you climbing up to the top of an artificial wall or a boulder up to 6 meters high (sometimes even more) you’ll need cushioned mats to fall on.

Bouldering can be done both indoors and outdoors. When outdoors, you’ll need people who spot you and crash-pads to protect your falls. Climbing gyms have floors already padded for you so you won’t need any pads with you.

Essential bouldering gear you need for a great day

At its core, bouldering is simple and requires minimal equipment: shows, chalk, a brush, and a pad. But it’s important to know what’s what, how you make the right choices, and where you find what you’ll need.

Climbing shoes and the Cinderella fit

Some more experienced climbers might even tell you it’s all about the shoes. If you are a beginner maybe not so much but all in all, I believe a good shoe can be a game-changer and it’s your most essential piece of gear. Why? A tight-fitting shoe is what helps you grip small holds with precision. Depending on your shoe’s shape and softness you can master certain climbing styles.

The good news is most gyms offer rentals so you can try bouldering with the minimum investment before you actually start buying all the gear you need. Only if you get serious about it (climbing gym twice a week) it’s time to invest in a match made in heaven – and that is a quality pair.

If you want to learn more about how to choose the right climbing shoes, here’s our buying guide with video tutorials.

Textured chalk & a pretty chalk bag for grip and enjoyment

Bouldering is not exactly running, but it will make your palms sweat at times! That’s why good chalk is a great climbing accessory that absorbs sweat, keeps your hand dry, and acts like a grippy layer between your skin and the rock. There are two main types of chalk: liquid and powder.

Our shop offers all types of chalk: loose chalk, chalk balls, and liquid chalk. Check it out here.

Watch this video to find out about chalk and why climbers use it:

Leave no trace & brush

From where I come from, we brush the chalk off after we try a boulder so we leave the holds clean and less slippery for the next person who’ll hop on it. It’s common sense for the other climbers but also nature and the environment.

Moreover, keeping a brush with you is also handy because cleaning your holds before a bouldering attempt can make the difference between sending or not sending.

Our Boulderflash shop has over 15 models of pretty climbing brushes: big, small, wooden, and plastic. Your pick!

Prepare your landing – crash pads

If you are going to go bouldering outdoors you’ll need a pad to protect your falls. A crash pad is basically a large foam mat that looks like a backpack to carry to each boulder. Don’t worry; while they may look big they are quite light and comfortable to carry.

Crash pads have different sizes and their foam differs according to the type of bouldering you are going to do; if you’re going for taller boulders choose thicker and wider pads to cover a larger landing and protect you from rocks or tree stumps. The more, the merrier – also another reason why bouldering is cool with many friends around!

Learn how to fall on different crashpads here

Thick foam pads cushion falls during outdoor climbing. Multiple pads can be linked together for better protection. Learn how to fall on different crashpads

In our shop, you’ll find plenty of crash pad models with detailed descriptions and good prices!

Dress for the job you want – wear comfortable clothing

Last but not least, remember to wear comfortable clothing that feels great against your skin so you can concentrate on your movements rather than on itchy skin. Moreover, make sure you can be as flexible as you can by wearing pants that won’t restrict your movement. Leggings and 4-way stretch trousers or shorts are perfect choices for unrestricted movement.

Have you checked our shop? You’ll not only find pants, tanks, and t-shirts at occasional discounts but you’ll also find cool beanies, hats, and socks.

Safety comes first: tips you need to know for bouldering safe

1. Warm up thoroughly to prevent climbing injuries

Warming up before you start bouldering is just like giving your car engine a little time to warm up before hitting the road. It prepares your body for the moves, and it will prevent possible injuries. Moreover, it will also help you enjoy a much better bouldering session and you’ll feel less torn out the next day.

2. Keep your bouldering pads in check

Outdoor bouldering requires some personal management and organisation when it comes to safety. Make sure to position the crash pads closely together, ensuring there are no gaps in between. This will help you avoid injuries like broken ankles or worse.

Sometimes, while someone is bouldering – if needed, it might be necessary to move the pads as the climber moves up the boulder.

3. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable – practice falling

Every fall has a certain degree of danger and if not managed properly, it can even become dangerous. That’s why it’s important to choose someone who knows how to spot well and pays attention to you. Moreover, if you don’t feel comfortable with falling, try doing it from lower. Try to stay aware and keep your knees bent so you have a bouncy landing.

4. Rest is the secret to progress

Rest between climbs but also between bouldering sessions to avoid overuse injuries. Pay special attention to how your body feels: do your fingers feel weird, tired, and sort of stiff? Are your shoulders lifting instead of engaging? Then it’s time for a break. These are injuries about to happen – very common in bouldering.

Stretch, and tape if needed, but don’t push through the pain – injuries are frustrating and not worth it.

Are you a beginner so it’s hard for you to know when to take a rest day?

Here are 4 symptoms you should take a rest day

Level up – Take bouldering to the next level

Confused about bouldering grades? Here is the V scale explained.

The V Scale is also known as the Vermin Scale and is the most commonly used system for grading bouldering problems in the United States. It was developed by John Sherman, an important figure in the growth of American bouldering.

The scale starts at V0 for the easiest climbs and currently goes up to V17, reflecting the elite levels of bouldering difficulty; likely professional climbers who have been climbing and/or competing since they were children.

Sometimes bouldering and progressing can feel frustrating. Try to remember that progress occurs at your own pace and there’s no reason to rush and be pressured – especially when you are not an athlete. Focus on learning and mastering moves, not grades.

Check out this video on bouldering grades to learn more:

Bouldering ethics, do’s and don’ts

So you decided to leave those four climbing gym walls and explore outdoor bouldering? Good.

Just remember there are always two sides to a coin: bouldering’s awesomeness is also what increased its popularity. This increased the number of participants and therefore calls for personal and group management so access to outdoor climbing spots stays free and nature is cared for.

Excessive noise and listening to music

I don’t know about you but when I go outdoors it is because I want to connect with the natural environment: be it the sound of birds or the plain silence. While I am aware we are all different, I believe it’s important we stay respectful of other people and nature and, in case we enjoy nature differently, just use headphones instead of speakers to listen to your favorite songs.

This also goes for talking loud – nobody is asking you to meditate but be mindful of the fact it’s not only you and your friends that came to enjoy a good time.

Leave no trace and brush your tick marks

Make sure you brush your holds before leaving and when doing so try using a brush with soft bristles (horsehair or soft nylon) so you don’t damage the rock.

This also applies when disposing of waste properly. Don’t leave any litter, food scraps, or climbing tape behind. You wouldn’t like finding a dirty place either. When camping, find out which are the local rules about disposing of human waste.

Climb, watch and learn

Starting the next boulder problem might be tempting. However, in the long run, it will help you learn how to read your route. Therefore, stop, look and observe. Knowing where your boulder ends will automatically lead your body toward it and help you understand where you should be heading and what kind of movement to plan for.

Beta spraying and respect for other climbers

As much as it is about sharing, bouldering is also a personal journey of exploration and putting the puzzle pieces together. That’s why, offering unsolicited advice to other climbers about a route they are trying is not seen well in the climbing community.

Proper bouldering etiquette includes asking a climber (friend or stranger) if they’d like any beta. If they say yes, then it’s fine to share your own experience. Otherwise out of the desire to help you’ll end up taking away somebody’s chance to figure out their beta for themselves. And it’ll also get you the fame of someone being very annoying. 🙂

Wait for your turn and be safe

Another climber is trying an interesting problem? Cool, you can join them but it’s respectful to ask whether you can before you jump on their boulder while they’re putting down the brush.

This shows respect and it will get you climbing buddies in the long run!

Very importantly, don’t stand under other climbers while they are climbing, as they might fall on you.

Want to learn more about bouldering? In our blog section, you’ll learn everything there is to know from skills, gear, training, health habits, and bouldering culture. See you on the mats!

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