Bouldering - A faker's guide

Bouldering is climbing simplicity, it is the hollowed out essence of climbing. Arguably climbing in its purest form, without all the equipment and clutter of Trad climbing. Only soloing has the same simplicity as bouldering.

The more you simplify the greater the connection you will have with the rock and the more pure your experience will be, its walking along the beach with bear feet and feeling the sand between your toes.

It is the fastest growing section of climbing, but despite this the average person on the street has no clue what it is, who, does it or why, but then again they all think climbers are nuts so what do they know. This form of climbing is fantastic no matter what your standard of climbing if you're beginning it cheap accessible, if you're a pro it can be as challenging as you like and it's good training.

What is bouldering?

As the name suggests it is climbing on boulders and small crags basically any thing you don't mind falling off. So you find your section of rock and then you choose a problem to try and overcome it is essentially the hardest part of a route that you would normally do.

It could be just one move or it could be a sequence of a number. Your aim to climb a find problem (very small route) you can work the problem until you get it, there is no time limit - I've seen a one move problem take hundreds of attempts to complete but it just makes it all the better when you get it.

But don't let me put you off just yet it is also the most social form of climbing because all of the problems are short your right next to all your mates helping each other out and encouraging and if it's a nice day chilling out as well and just generally enjoying climbing and being outdoors and the banter. You set your own limits and choose your problems it's an entirely personal achievement.

What do I need to know to get out there?

Not a lot!

• The most important thing to know is how to fall but its just common sense.

• Learning how to spot (catch and support a fall by a climber) it takes no time at all.

• How to read a guidebook I know it sounds simple but it's not always.

• Grades vary depending on the guide book.

• The rest you'll pick up as you go!

Bouldering is focused on small areas so the ecological and environmental impact is high so be aware of this and look after the areas your in.
Remember no one owns these places we are all just passing through so look after them for everyone to enjoy.

Equipment needed?

• Rock shoes (but not essential for easier stuff)

• Chalk (but not essential)

Bouldering mat (not essential again but could save you from a broken ankle or worse also protects the ground from damage keeping it good for everyone to enjoy)

Where to go?

There are hundreds of bouldering venues in Britain almost every where. The two nearest to Glasgow are Dumbarton and the Trossachs. However Scotland is still fairly underdeveloped compared to a lot of Britain so there are lots of new problems to be had and boulders to explore and the best thing is not much polish yet.

Useful links for Bouldering

www.planetfear.com
www.ukclimbing.com
www.moonclimbing.com