A beginner’s guide to bouldering

Bouldering is an extremely popular type of climbing. Its name originated from the English word ‘boulder’, and it actually speaks for itself. This discipline involves covering a series of short, but highly complicated tracks. Sometimes the tracks are natural, while they can be built artificially. Their height can reach five meters, but training usually takes place at the height of 1.5-2 meters, which is why this discipline is often described as rock-climbing for those who are afraid of heights.

Types of bouldering

There are three classifications of bouldering. The first one is concerned with the height of a track. According to this aspect, there are three types of bouldering:

• The slow bouldering (it involves climbing at 2-4 meters’ height);
• The highboul (this type requires covering complicated distances that are higher than 5 meters);
• The low start bouldering (a climber starts the ascent from the sitting position).

If we take into consideration the number of participants, we can distinguish two types of bouldering. Individual bouldering involves only one sportsman, while team bouldering is perfect for teams consisting of three or more climbers. Another classification is based on the landscape. The first type involves climbing natural boulders, while another one takes place in special parks where the boulders are made artificially.

All tracks are divided into several categories in accordance with two scales. Both of them are open, which means that new types of tracks can be added to it. The first scale was invented in France. It is called ‘Font’. This scale is rather simple: the harder the track, the more the number that marks it. Letters are also used in this scale. The principle is the same: the further the letter in the alphabet, the more difficult the track. The second scale is called ‘V’. The easiest track is ‘V0’, and then the difficulty increases. Sometimes pluses and minuses are added to mark that the track is a little bit harder or easier than an average track in a particular category.

The technique

Bouldering involves a series of short ascends. Usually covering the whole distance takes 5 to 7 minutes. Several points (halfway finish, for example) are marked with the help of bright colors. To succeed in this sport, it is necessary to pay attention to the technique of movement. The position of the legs and the arms is very important. Professional climbers know that it is better to use their hands to maintain a balance. The emphasis is on the legs.

All the moves in bouldering are divided into static and dynamic ones. Static moves are performed slowly. The position of a climber is controlled by maintaining the contact between their limbs and the surface of the boulders. Dynamic moves involve rapid movements. Usually such moves come in very useful when a climber wants to reach a ledge that is located too high. These moves are connected with high risks of falling.

Equipment and ammunition

Bouldering does not require too many things. Usually it is possible to rent them, so that a person who does not want to practice it professionally will not have to spend too much money. A climber must be wearing a pair of special non-slippery shoes. In addition, it is necessary to use magnesium to prevent one’s hands from sliding down the ledges. Several crash-pads are placed underneath the boulder, so that a person will not get injured if he or she falls down. Each crash-pad consists of two or three layers of foam rubber.

Getting ready

Even if you are not going to practice bouldering professionally, you must do a thorough warm-up. A little bit of jogging is a good way of getting ready for this sport. After completing a warm-up on the ground, you should do a warm-up on boulders. It means that the first track you want to climb should not be too difficult.

It is important to make sure that you are not wearing anything on your fingers and wrists. A climber should not be wearing any rings, bracelets or other accessories. Those who do not follow this rule are likely to injure themselves. Such accidents happen when an accessory hangs onto the climbing surface. Girls should put their hair in a bun or any other easy hairstyle. This is a matter of safety and convenience.

Fail-safe

As it was mentioned previously, no fail-safe apart from crash-pads is used in bouldering. This is why it is better not to practice this sport on your own but ask a friend to cover you. This friend must be ready to catch you. There are some pieces of advice for those who are willing to practice bouldering.

• You should not be afraid of jumping off the boulders. It is necessary to land with your knees bent a little bit. In case you cannot land on your feet, it is better to fall on your side.
• Always pay attention to the position of your feet. Do your best to prevent twisting your ankles by doing a warm-up before climbing.
• You should never fall on one leg or one hand, because it can lead to putting too much pressure on this limb and even injuring it.

Benefits

Bouldering is a sport that is available for everyone. Although it is necessary to have a little background in physical exercise, there are not so many restrictions. Of course, people who have undergone an operation of those who suffer from chronic diseases should opt for something else, but in general almost any person can try this sport.

Bouldering has an impact on the overall physical and mental health. Not only does in serve as a perfect cardio training, it is also a great way of getting ready for sports climbing. This discipline involves all muscles, which means that climbers get an athletic body quite fast. Bouldering is perfect for those who are willing to lose some weight.

Moreover, this sport gives a person a sense of freedom because no ropes, or fail-safe equipment is used (apart from crash-pads, of course), which means that a climber does not have to wear too much ammunition. In addition, bouldering teaches people how to concentrate and think in advance.

Origins

In the middle of the 20th century, bouldering was a component of training for alpinists and rock climbers. It helped them to work on complicated moves and master their technique at the sagest height possible. Bouldering as a separate sport appeared in Boulder, Colorado. This town is surrounded by many boulders, which is why many sportsmen who trained there started participating in amateur competitions. Nowadays, this sport is popular in many countries. Both adults and children practice it. International championships are held annually.

All in all, bouldering is not only a fascinating outdoor activity, but also a breathtaking sport. It is available for everyone and is not too difficult, which is why it is very popular all over the world.