Bouldering - Climbing Well Yet Low
Aazdak Alisimo
If you undertake rock climbing, there is no denying you are going to be high up in the air sooner or later. This means you need equipment, partners and a pretty big commitment. Bouldering offers a different way to climb with little risk yet massive challenge.
Bouldering is not about scaling great heights. Instead, it is about pushing your technique in a low risk environment. You can climb straight up the boulder, but are really better off trying different moves across the face.
Bouldering returns you to the basics of climbing. A climb is basically a problem to be solved. With bouldering, that problem can be defined by you. You can climb straight up the boulder or meander in different directions to try new techniques.
At its outset, climbing boulders was seen as a method for training for bigger climbs. While some stick to this view, many now view bouldering as a sport within itself. An interesting boulder can offer many different routes and be climbed for years.
Bouldering is infinitely safer than climbing a chimney on a cliff face. That being said, it is not without risk. Fall at the wrong angle and you can break a lot of bones. To prevent this, throw down a pad under you climbing area.
In my opinion, bouldering results in more bruises and strains than any other form of climbing. You really tend to push yourself and your technique with bouldering, so tweaks are natural. Take the time to warm up before jumping on the rock.
Buildering is a variation of bouldering that is practiced by many a climber. It is not exactly bouldering and not exactly cliff face climbing. Instead, certain building fronts offer a simply irresistable route to climb.
I'll admit buildering can be a good bit of fun. That being said, a fall can lead to disastrous results since the ground is often concrete. The police in just about every city, town and county also seem to have a universally negative view on the practice. Enough said.
Personally, I enjoy bouldering. In my opinion, it is the single best way to improve your climbing techniques. Spend a few months challenging yourself on boulders and you will be amazed how advanced you become. Enjoy!
Aazdak Alisimo writes about bouldering for NomadJournals.com - makers of rock climbing journals that make great http://www.nomadjournals.com/journals.cfm) unique gifts for men on all occassions.
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