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