At Bould Move, we prioritise providing the best bouldering experience for our community. One of our key decisions has been to exclusively use liquid chalk for bouldering instead of traditional powder chalk. While powder chalk has been a staple in bouldering for years, liquid chalk offers several advantages that benefit both boulderers and our facility.
If you’ve ever wondered why we’ve made this choice—or if you’re considering making the switch—this guide will help you understand the benefits of liquid chalk for bouldering and why it’s the superior option.
1. Superior Coverage and Longer-Lasting Grip
One of the significant advantages of liquid chalk is its ability to provide a more even and longer-lasting coating on your hands. Unlike powder chalk, which can quickly rub off onto holds or dissipate in the air, liquid chalk adheres to the skin better, ensuring a more consistent grip throughout your boulder.
- More Efficient: You don’t have to reapply as often as with powder chalk.
- No Overuse: With powder chalk, many boulderers tend to over-apply, leading to a slippery build up on holds. Liquid chalk minimizes this problem.
2. Reduced Airborne Particles & Cleaner Environment
Powder chalk can create a cloud of dust in indoor bouldering gyms, which can be unpleasant and even harmful when inhaled over time. Liquid chalk, on the other hand:
- Keeps the air cleaner, reducing dust particles that can cause respiratory irritation.
- Prevents excessive chalk buildup on holds, meaning routes stay cleaner and require less maintenance.
- Avoids chalk marks on clothing and gear, keeping both boulderers and the gym tidier.
3. Better Hygiene & Less Cross-Contamination
Hygiene is an important factor in shared fitness environments. Powder chalk bags are often communal, leading to frequent hand-to-hand contamination. Liquid chalk, however:
- Has an alcohol base that naturally sanitizes your hands, reducing the spread of germs.
- Is applied individually, eliminating the need to share a communal chalk bucket.
Especially in the post-pandemic era, hygiene-conscious boulderers appreciate this added benefit.
4. Less Waste & More Cost-Effective
While powder chalk often ends up on the floor, your clothes, and in the air, liquid chalk stays where it belongs—on your hands. This means:
- You use less chalk per session, saving money over time.
- Minimal waste, making it a more sustainable option for both the gym and the environment.
5. Environmental Considerations
Liquid chalk is better for the environment than most other chalk formats and is a great choice in our increasingly crowded gyms and crags. As more and more boulderers are hitting the walls, liquid chalk is a great way to boulder without leaving any residue on the floor, mats, your clothes, or dust floating around in the air. It’s proven to be low emission, and its application is generally less wasteful—you can use exactly as much as you need, no more, no less—compared to standard chalk.
6. Just as Effective as Powder Chalk
Some boulderers believe powder chalk provides a better grip, but in reality, liquid chalk performs just as well, if not better. Many professional boulderers rely on liquid chalk for competitions and high-performance routes. If extra grip is needed, a light dusting of powder chalk over liquid chalk (when allowed) can provide the perfect balance.
At Bould Move, we encourage boulderers to give liquid chalk a fair try before assuming powder chalk is superior. In most cases, boulderers find that they don’t miss powder chalk at all.
Our Liquid Chalk Options
To cater to the diverse needs of our boulderers, Bould Move offers three different types of liquid chalk:
Bould Move – Standard Liquid Chalk – A high-quality, all-purpose liquid chalk that provides excellent grip at a great price.
Thick Boy – Extra Thick Liquid Chalk – This special Designed for those who need enhanced durability and grip for longer sessions or high-intensity boulders. The thicker formula ensures maximum coverage and longevity.
Chalkology – Alcohol-Free Liquid Chalk – Ideal for boulderers with sensitive skin or those who find their hands getting really dry after using traditional liquid chalk. This formula provides the same great grip without the drying effects of alcohol.
Try It Out!
If you haven’t used liquid chalk before, we highly recommend giving it a go during your next session. Not only will you help maintain a cleaner and healthier gym environment, but you’ll also likely notice an improvement in chalk efficiency and performance.
Bould Move – Boulder Clean, Boulder Strong
