Everything You Should Know Before Indoor Bouldering

In this article, Bould Move Sunshine Coast aims to answer some of the most common questions regarding indoor bouldering.

 

Is Bouldering Safe?

Yes.

Although indoor bouldering is ropeless climbing, it is done with gymnastics standard matting below and the climbing height is safely limited. 

And of course, you are always in 100% control of how high you wish to climb.

  

What Do I Need to Bring Bouldering?

Not much – sensible clothing is about it. 

As there are no ropes or complicated safety equipment required – all you need to start is you.

There are no strict guidelines on what to wear. Simply wear something that doesn’t restrict movement.

Bouldering is a physical activity, so also consider something you’re happy to have a bit of a workout in.

To protect our walls, and your shoes, we do have a ‘climbing shoes only’ policy. Hires shoes are included in the casual entry price at Bould Move and can be hired when you check-in online or when you arrive.

 

There are holds and routes (aka problems) everywhere. How does it all work?

It’s easier than it looks.

Each route is a single colour and has a tag or 2 indicating the starting point, finishing point and difficulty.

How you get from start to finish is up to you…there is always more than one way to solve a problem, as everyone’s tools are different (ie. own body, mind and capabilities).

Upon arrival at the finishing point, you must touch the final hold with both hands. From here you climb back down or to a height that you are happy to jump from.

 

How Should I Start-Start Bouldering?

Start with the easier problems.

Each problem will be tagged with its difficulty from V0 to V?. 

We suggest starting at V0 to test your ability and continue increasing the degree of difficulty as your ability and desire allows.

Keep in mind, a helpful staff member is always close by and excited to answer any questions you may have.

 

Any Rules for Bouldering?

Not really, it’s mostly etiquette.

For more on bouldering etiquette click here.

 

What if I Fall While bouldering?

You’ll learn something and then get back up.

Although our routes are challenging and falling is a risk, you are almost always in control of holding on or falling off.

You will feel when your hands or feet begin to fatigue or are too weak to maintain a grip, from here you will either move back to the holds you could grip easily or prepare yourself to jump on the gymnastics-standard matting.

A safe-landing demonstration will be given to every first timer that comes in to further elaborate on how best to land.


To Summarise

Bouldering is safe

  1. Dress for bouldering
  2. Start at the beginning
  3. 2 hands are required to ‘achieve the send’ aka ‘to achieve the ascend’ aka ‘to climb the route’
  4. There’s a lesson in every failed attempt

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We can not wait to move, train and climb with you at Bould Move Sunshine Coast.

Stay Bould.