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