Bouldering

Bouldering is a unique type of climbing that promotes explosive power, overall body strength, and balance. It forces the climber to move with power, grace, and a series of highly technical, highly strenuous moves. Climbers often look at bouldering routes as a series of difficult maneuvers and climbing puzzles to solve. They are usually highly technical and relatively short. In most cases, bouldering takes place close to the ground, usually no more than 25 feet or so. Because bouldering is much closer to the ground, no ropes are required; instead a padded mat is used in case of falls or missteps. Its popularity has increased over recent years because of the challenge it provides without the expense of additional climbing equipment. The equipment typically used in bouldering consists of climbing chalk, bouldering mat (mattress) and climbing shoes. Yosemite is a common bouldering location because of the types of large rocks that have accumulated at the basin over time. Although bouldering is very popular in the United States, its origins are from Europe. It came about in the late 19th century and was originally started as a tool for training for longer climbs. Bouldering was merely a training device when longer climbing routes were unavailable or too time consuming. Once bouldering began to become accepted in the community as an independent sport, its popularity grew quickly. Once the popularity of bouldering grew, the difficulty grading system from climbing translated over easily. Bouldering routes were now rated according to the Fontainebleau system and the V-Grade system. As most climbers know, new bouldering and climbing routes are always being discovered and the rating systems are constantly changing.

Bouldering Locations?

There are many places to find bouldering spots. Some are in more obvious climbing areas and some are hidden on unsuspecting trails off the beaten path. No matter where you are you can use AdventureDrop to find your next great location. You can read reviews and opinions to make sure you know exactly what sort of experience awaits your arrival. Make sure you do your research so when you do go bouldering; you are not over your head. It is best to go with a bouldering veteran the first few times do you know how to position your bouldering pads and you get familiar with the basics. Climbing can be a dangerous sport especially as you begin to feel more daring with the heights and routs you choose to scale. Always remember, with bouldering, there is no rope, but the ground will always be there to break your fall.