| Rock climbing is a sport that numerous people flock to | | | | Often, a boulder climber will have a spotter who sets |
| every year, drawn by the beauty of the mountain, the | | | | and watches a mat to catch the climber in case of a |
| allure of the climb, and the sheer adrenaline rush of | | | | fall. If a boulder is too big or unpredictable a mat and |
| scaling rock. For a select few, simple rock climbing is | | | | spotter will do no good. |
| not enough. For those individuals, there is an entirely | | | | For those looking for new boulders to climb, the |
| different sport derivative of climbing, known as | | | | grading scales used are often open ended, meaning |
| bouldering that pits an individual without any equipment | | | | that larger boulders are always being found and added |
| against a much shorter climb. Knowing the difference | | | | to the scale. The John Sherman scale consists of |
| between bouldering and rock climbing and how to | | | | ratings from V0 to V16 with room for growth above |
| choose your first boulders is the first step in getting into | | | | V16 and the Fontainebleau system ranges from 1 to |
| this exciting climbing alternative. | | | | 8c+, also open to grow. |
| Bouldering was originally developed as practice for | | | | As for safety measures, climbers are often held to |
| rock climbers so as to offer themselves an | | | | nine foot maximum climbs. Once beyond the |
| opportunity to work on their moves on a smaller scale | | | | twenty-one foot marker, a boulder climber is no longer |
| without the effort and time involved in a full climb. Over | | | | bouldering but free soloing - a derivative of mountain |
| time however the sport has evolved into its own | | | | climbing largely considered dangerous. The above |
| sub-sport in which numerous techniques have been | | | | mentioned mat is always placed below a boulder |
| developed and stars have been born. | | | | climber as well to ensure any falls are cushioned. Any |
| Bouldering itself is defined by the size of the boulder | | | | bouldering enthusiast should bring along a spotter to |
| being climbed. Without equipment, it is generally held | | | | watch over their mat. If a climber falls, the spotter's job |
| that if you can climb a rock without falling to your | | | | is to try and ensure the climber hits that mat properly. |
| death, it is bouldering. Another requirement is that the | | | | Because of the physical demands of the sport, |
| boulder is not an important part of the mountain. Unlike | | | | bouldering should only be attempted by those in |
| climbing, bouldering is a short and quick endeavor, | | | | relatively decent shape. You don't need to be a world |
| involving no equipment and the quick problem solving | | | | class athlete, but the proper strength training and |
| approach of a skilled climber. | | | | acumen are vital to ensuring you have a safe climb. |
| Another fun aspect of bouldering is that almost | | | | Bouldering is a great new sporting option for climbers |
| anyone can try it if they are in decent shape. Some | | | | to practice and those afraid of heights to try climbing. |
| boulders are relatively safe and small and the average | | | | Without the ample gear, hours long training sessions, or |
| individual could easily attempt a climb without incident. | | | | expensive process of rock climbing, bouldering is |
| However, there are other boulders well beyond the | | | | quickly growing into a popular high-impact alternative |
| scope of some people that could cause bodily harm. | | | | for quick and thrilling climbs. |