3 Things You Need to Know Before Going Bouldering

Have you heard of bouldering? I bet you probably have. Bouldering is a discipline of climbing that involves scaling short ‘problems’ a few meters off the ground. It is fast becoming known as a mainstream sport, as well as a brilliantly fun full-body workout.

After persuading a very reluctant friend to join me at my local bouldering gym for the first time — who isn’t exactly what you would call the ‘outdoorsy’ type — she not only liked it, she loved it.

And she isn’t the only one. It feels like everyone is chalking up and giving bouldering a go these days.

Aside from all the amazing benefits of bouldering, the rewarding combination of exhaustion and excitement when you top out a problem is an addictive feeling.

Your first trip to your local gym might feel a bit intimidating, but don’t panic, it won’t feel like that for long. So if you are looking to jump on the bouldering craze, this article is for you.

Come Prepared

You might not own a pair of climbing shoes or a mountain of gear just yet, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come prepared to your first session. Here are a few things you will want to think about.

You, my friend, are about to get hot, sweaty and chalky. Make sure to wear some suitable gym clothing when going bouldering for the first time. The key thing to remember is that whatever attire you opt for, make sure it allows you to have a comfortable range of movement.

For girls, I recommend a pair of leggings or cycling shorts, and for guys a pair of sport shorts are fine.

It’s not uncommon to see experienced climbers crushing it in their skinny jeans which has always confused me, considering I can barely walk in mine, let alone climb.

If you don’t own your own shoes yet, don’t panic. Every bouldering gym will have shoes you can rent. Don’t expect to be handed a brand new pair of La Sportiva's though, most gym shoes are pretty well used and not in the best condition.

If you catch the climbing bug after a couple of visits, I would highly recommend treating yourself to your own pair of shoes.

Like the shoes, you will also most be able to rent a chalk bag at your local bouldering gym. Chalk is often overlooked by climbing newbies but it’s an essential piece of the climbing kit.

Oh, and remember, don’t forget to bring some water.

Practise Falling

Bouldering might be one of the safest styles of climbing, but that doesn’t mean there is no risk at all. Inside, accidents will usually occur if you fall in an awkward position, whereas bouldering outside you also have to consider your landing zones.

On your first trip to the bouldering gym, it’s likely that one of the gym’s instructions will show you how to safely fall and jump off the wall. If you like being prepared, here’s a good video to watch.

Always be aware of what’s going on around and always check your landing zones are clear before starting on a problem. If you are going with a friend, using them as a spotter is a really smart move.

Warming Up Is For Winners

So you have done the paperwork, had your gym induction and you are now ready to be let loose on the boulders. Things are about to get exciting.

But before you do anything, make sure to resist the urge to run over and hurl yourself on the first climb you see.

A warm-up is an essential part of the climbing process is often overlooked by beginners or seasoned experts alike. A good warm-up will not only help prevent injury and sore muscles, but it will also help you mentally warm-up for the task at hand. After all, climbing is just as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one.

Here are a few tips to help get you nicely warmed up before every session.

Remember To Have Fun!

It’s easy to get caught up in the intimidating nature of trying something new for the first time, but once you get over that, you are going to have a blast.

Apart from all the great benefits of climbing, heading to the bouldering gym for an afternoon session is a lot more stimulating than running on a treadmill or lifting weights.

With these 3 tips and a bit of practice, you are going to be flying up those walls in no time!