Motivation for bouldering

Bouldering is now the fastest growing climbing discipline. It's accessible, offers an unbeatable 'time to climb' ratio, is sociable, you need minimal equipment and there are plenty of picturesque venues.

It's easy to nip out for a hour or so and get a lot of climbing done when bouldering. It's also more sociable than other forms of climbing. There is no waiting around belaying, just alternate goes at a problem or a group of friends doing a circuit of problems. While this can become competitive, it is more frequently the case that people achieve more due to the friendly rivalry that develops.

Bouldering is often called the 'essence of climbing'. You're moving over rock, free from the distractions of a rope and runners. In addition, bouldering is often found in beautiful settings.

For example in Britain you've got the Glen Nevis boulders and Langdale boulders set amongst the mountains, or the grit edges of the Peak and Yorkshire, granite tors on Dartmoor and numerous other places in stunning scenery.

An autumn or winter day spent bouldering under clear blue skies, or success on a long sought after project, will leave you in no doubt as to why so many people, myself included, love bouldering.

Grading for bouldering

by John Gaskins

Bouldering has a number of different grading systems, although two, the Font and V systems, are most widespread in their use. This article shows how all the different systems compare to each other.

Bouldering competitions

by Tim Emmett

Tim Emmett gives a brief overview of aggregate and day bouldering competitions which are becoming ever more popular across the country.

Preparation and risk assessment for bouldering

by John Gaskins

Bouldering carries a number of potential risks, but these can all be reduced with a little forethought. This article looks at some of the common, and not so common, risks encountered when bouldering.

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John Gaskins

John has the reputation in the climbing world of being 'the strongest boulderer on the planet' (UK Climbing). He is also said to be streets ahead of everyone else on the bouldering scene, attempting and succeeding at problems which others daren't try! It's great to have the very best in our team of experts.

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