Active Action Sports : 2007 : March : 12

http://active.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/bishopboulder.jpgBouldering is a term for a style of rock climbing in which the climber does not use a rope. Initially, this may sound quite dangerous however, the height of a bouldering route rarely exceeds a level where a fall would lead to serious injury. Although injuries do occur on occasion, there are safety measures used to limit the severity of a fall. The first is the ?bouldering pad?, which looks like a compact mattress and is placed under the climber during a climb. This highly cushioned material will absorb a fall from nearly 20 feet if the climber lands on their feet. ?Spotters? are also essential for safety. By having a fellow climber watch closely while climbing, a spotter can literally re-route a climber?s trajectory if they happen to fall and correct the trajectory so not only do they land on their feet, but they also will land on the bouldering pad and avoid injury.

Bouldering routes are much shorter and incorporate more explosive power moves differing from sport climbing and traditional climbing which are longer routes requiring more endurance and a rope! The appeal of bouldering within the climbing culture seems to be its quick and easy access. To get started with bouldering, all one needs are climbing shoes, chalk and chalk bag, bouldering pad, a spotter, guide book and of course, boulders! All inclusive beginners? packages cost as low as $200. Bouldering is often the starting point for those to hone their skills and develop the technique and fitness necessary to progress to the natural next step which is top rope climbing, and then lead and sport climbing, followed by ?trad? climbing and then big wall climbing.

(Photo provided by Toby Guillette)