About bouldering
What is bouldering?
Over recent years, rock climbing has grown to the point where it is now seen as a mainstream sport, and its top ambassadors regularly appear in the national press. Bouldering is a branch of rock climbing, performed at low level, usually above crash mats, and without the hindrance of equipment normally associated with climbing. This allows the participant to fully focus on the techniques and movements without risk of injury and makes it easier for those wishing to climb to gain a safe entry into the activity. The recent bouldering phenomenon has led to the creation of indoor boulder-specific climbing walls which provides year round participation for this growing sport.
Who boulders?
Boulderers come from all walks of life. The art of climbing is a normal activity for most humans from a very early age – kids love climbing trees, rocks, walls and indeed almost anything that can, will be climbed. Unfortunately as most of us grow older, our participation, in what was once a natural desire, is often removed by the needs and habits of our society. When re-acquainted with this natural process, it brings many benefits, both mental, physical and social. Climbing in one form or another is practiced by both the young and old and there is no one perfect body shape to limit a participant’s enjoyment.
The benefits
Bouldering brings many benefits to those who partake in this activity, both seen (physical conditioning) and unseen (positive mental health), and through the camaraderie of interaction with others. It is one of the few activities that truly crosses all barriers and wholeheartedly engages those within its fold.
Bouldering:
- is a total body exercise
- works both anaerobic and aerobic systems
- causes increases in strength, agility, endurance and flexibility, balance, eye and body co-ordination
- causes an increase of muscle tone and promotes better dietary habits and lifestyle choices
- focuses the mind and allows people internal escape from their everyday stresses
- promotes positive mental, emotional and social health
- creates a network of like minded individuals
- provides experiential (hands on) learning
- causes attainable goal-setting
- empowers participants to reach beyond their personal limits
- causes decision making involving risk and courage
- promotes awareness and preservation of the natural environment
- builds confidence, and self esteem
- is fun – it makes people smile and feel good
How to get started
If you are new to bouldering then the easiest way to enter the activity safely is via one of our frequent induction sessions. Alternatively, you can be brought to the centre by experienced friends, who can look after you until such time as you are competent to become a registered member yourself.