Bouldering outdoors for the first time
Bouldering outside for the first time can range from being a wonderful experience to an off-putting sufferfest. By being prepared and properly equipped, you are more likely to have a brilliant time and become hooked as so many of us do. So, read on and watch the playlist before heading out to make the best of your trip.
Bouldering skills: how to boulder responsibly
Why boulder outside?
Every keen outdoor boulderer is likely to have a different answer to this. For many, it’s being in fresh air and spending time in nature. Others enjoy the views and spotting wildlife. Exploring new places and finding cool boulders hits the mark for some, while others want to send famous problems. Whether it’s working out beta or hanging out with friends, bouldering outside has something to offer everyone.
What are the challenges?
We have to work with what nature provides, which can include wild weather, difficult access and worrying landings. On the flipside, there can be days when everything comes together – perfect conditions, amazing moves and lifelong friendships forged out of shared experiences.
Respect The Rock
Outdoor climbing is a real experience on natural crags. Now, these special places need your help to protect them for the future. Remember to leave no trace, think of your impact on the environment and respect others.
Venue and conditions
Venues
Knowing where to go is often the biggest hurdle to overcome. Your ideal first venue has good landings, plenty to do in the lower grades and isn’t overly highball. Straightforward access and easy to find problems will also help if you are not already proficient in navigating and getting around off the beaten track.
For information about venues, what they offer and how to get there, the traditional resource is a guidebook. Some specialise in covering bouldering, others may also cover roped climbing. There are also smartphone apps and online content which are very popular:
BUY: Boulder Britain
CHECK OUT: Rockfax Digital
Conditions
Choice of venue and what equipment to take should also factor in what the weather and bouldering conditions are expected to be. A venue exposed to the wind will dry quickly, and stay cooler in summer, with a bonus of keeping midges and other insects at bay. That same venue can become an Arctic hellscape in winter, which perversely may be exactly the right conditions needed to succeed on your project. Check the forecast before setting out, including wind strength and direction.
Always avoid climbing on porous rocks like sandstone and gritstone when they are wet or damp. Moisture weakens the holds and climbing on them in this state leads to permanent erosion and breakage.
What to take
For a typical day out, you’ll need appropriate clothing and footwear for the approach and expected conditions. Taking an extra warm layer is never a bad idea. Food and a hot or cold drink will help keep psyche and energy levels topped up. For the bouldering part of the day, you’ll usually need:
Bouldering pad(s), guidebook, phone with RAD App downloaded, climbing shoes, chalk bag, brushes, finger tape, carpet or bootrag.
Other important items depending on the location and time of year include a first aid kit, headtorch, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Make sure you can carry it all and check your pads fit into your vehicle if travelling by car.
Safe spotting
Bouldering with one or more friends is sociable and safer – you can spot each other, carry more pads between you, and get help for one another in an emergency. Take care to pad out landings as well as you can. Take a moment to consider “what if” before launching into that wild dyno. Be an attentive spotter. Learn how to fall well and how to land to avoid injury.
Holds may sometimes break, so look out for the signs of weak or friable holds. Patches of dampness, moss or lichen can cause problems, and you’ll need to develop your skills in topping out and descending safely off boulders.
You should know what to do in an emergency and how to get help.
Responsible bouldering
Having fun should not come at the expense of the rock, environment, wildlife or other users. Venues have been closed to boulderers in the past because of inconsiderate behaviour and are now lost to us all.
- Don’t climb on wet rock, especially not wet grit or sandstone as theyre most at risk from permanent damage.
- To avoid this, park considerately, leave no litter and keep canine companions under control.
- Clean shoes are less likely to slip and damage the rock less.
- Do your best to clean off chalk marks before moving on.
- Music, large or loud groups and lights at night can all create problems.
- Go to the toilet before leaving home or do as big wall climbers do and pack it out with you.
- There are sometimes agreements in place limiting access, to protect wildlife and for other good reasons. Our Access Database app - RAD - contains up to date access information and more. Check it before you head out.
Some inspiration
If still in need of some inspiration to get out there and responsibly enjoy bouldering outside, try watching these: