If you’ve ever shaken hands with a rock climber, you might assume that bouldering is pretty hardcore – and it can be. But the great thing about bouldering is that it can be as challenging or sociable as you want, and even the best climbers go bouldering for the sheer fun of it rather than to train.
“It’s super simple, time-friendly and very social.” That’s the verdict given by top UK rock climber Steve McClure, and it hits the nail on the head. Bouldering is the most accessible variant of climbing, purely because the amount of kit you need is minimal and it’s easily scaled up or down for difficulty. We reckon it’s something that everyone should try at least once, which is why we’ve outlined, right here, everything that you need to get started.
If you’ve never encountered bouldering before, chances are you’re not up to speed on how exactly it differs from regular climbing – so we asked McClure to spell it out. “In a nutshell, it’s basically that bouldering is climbing without the use of equipment other than a chalk bag and a pair of shoes”. That’s why it’s the easiest form of climbing to get into – you don’t need to learn about belaying, abseiling or anything too technical. Aside from basic wall safety, all you need to do is just rock up, put your shoes on and climb: simple.
No prizes for guessing what’s needed here. As listed by McClure, chalk and some shoes are all you’re going to need for indoor bouldering – although when you take it outdoors, a crash mat is definitely advised too. Most bouldering gyms will provide kit that you can rent, which is ideal if you’re just getting a feel for the sport.
In terms of added extras, a chalk bag is a useful accessory. These are easily picked up online though, and all you need beyond that is some comfortable, loose fitting clothes to allow a full range of movement. Of course, if you want to look the part in PrAna’s slick apparel or Gramicci's iconic pants and shorts, we’d completely understand. We’ve also covered this in more detail in our bouldering essentials article, so take a look at that if you want more info on all the gear you might need.
For most of us, an indoor bouldering gym is going to be your best option. Not only are they easier to get started with, with chunky grips for beginners and matted floors, indoor gyms are incredibly sociable atmospheres, packed full of likeminded people looking to challenge themselves in a fun way. Once you get started, there are myriad ways to test yourself, from increasing difficult problems (i.e. routes) to fingerboards. There are bouldering gyms across the entire country, too.
Taking your new-found skills outdoors is big draw for most avid boulderers, though – it’s where McClure is most likely to be found. “The amount of times I’ve been out bouldering in the Peak District on a Saturday morning just because it’s so easy to do is incredible,” he says. It’s the idyllic view of bouldering: pitching up to a craggy buttress or rock-strewn forest with nothing but a crash mat, a couple of mates and a few spare hours ahead of you. Without the need for fixed ropes, you can pretty much take your bouldering anywhere there’s rock, from coastal boulders to inland limestone.
A quick Google search should reveal some of the top gyms in your area. Most cities in the UK have bouldering gyms popping up, partially because bouldering gyms can be a lot smaller than typical climbing gyms. Check out our comprehensive list of the best bouldering gyms around the UK.
Climbing gyms will all have their own versions of rules, and when you first set foot in a gym most will do a good job of explaining those to you. That said there are a few common rules you should follow:
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