With the month of March starting and warmer weather coming in we can definitely say that the season for outdoor sports. Yep, it’s finally here! We are so excited about practicing the best outdoor sports. So we thought it be best to talk about what practices will be hot this season. At the top of the hottest sports lists we have found bouldering. thanks to
Thanks to its popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, it’s obvious that bouldering would be a hit for outdoor enthusiasts. Outdoor resorts all over the US promise the best experiences and classes for beginners. With promises like that, we can only figure that climbers of all levels will be trying their hand at bouldering this season. So if you are new to this sport and would like to know more, you are in the right place to get started.
What is Bouldering?
Bouldering is rock climbing in its simplest form. It is performed without a harness and it can be performed with very little equipment. Some climbing lovers use only climbing shoes as their only equipment. The sport is practiced by climbing boulders, hence the name, because of their low heights.
According to Rei.com, the reasons for its popularity are related to its simplicity. These are some of the great reasons to start practicing bouldering:
Equipment. Like we mentioned before, this sport requires little to no equipment. In contrast with traditional climbing, for this practice, you will probably need something very basic.
- A mat or Crash Pads. Climbing boulders can get slippery and you will need a place to land. A mat will provide you with a safe landing spot. Good mats to get started are the Metolius Session Crash Pad or the Black Diamond Drop Zone Crash Pad. They are both sturdy, light, and portable.
- Chalk. It is a common practice to climb with your bare hands. Chalk is used to keep your hands dry and from sweating. Metolius has great chalk options. A chalk bag might be useful too.
- Rock Shoes. Rock climbing shoes are a nice addition to your bouldering gear. They adjust to your feet and keep them snug. This will allow you to keep your feet protected and use their natural ability to climb.
Price and Accessibility. Rock climbing for a rookie can get expensive. This is because rock climbing needs a lot of equipment and it is not very accessible. Since bouldering does not require a lot of equipment, it is friendly on the climber’s pocket. The accessibility of this sport is also what makes it a favorite among outdoor lovers. You can virtually practice this sport wherever you can find large, steady rocks to climbs.
Environment. Like in any kind of climbing, the community is always very friendly. Climbing environments are great places to meet people and learn from expert climbers. There is always an environment that invites camaraderie and friendliness.
Learning. Bouldering is a great sport for beginners. It can serve as an introductory practice to overall climbing. Again, this has to do with its simplicity. The techniques practiced in bouldering are easy to learn and newbie friendly.
Did we make you interested in bouldering? Then don’t forget to click here and here to find out about great places to boulder.
Originally published at shweebo.com on March 10, 2016.
