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I saw bouldering mentioned in the core strength thread and this has grabbed my attention as my local trails weave through some amazing bouldering areas according to the climbing websites..
I've not done anything like this since I was a kid and climbing stuff was standard procedure..
Does anyone else combine riding and bouldering..?
What sort of basic beginners equipment would you recommend that I invest in..?
Where do I start..?
any hints and advice greatfully welcomed.. 🙂
Shoes and a chalk bag.
Carrying a boulder mat on a bike may be a bit of a pain.
I only do low level traverse type stuff outside
Do you have a climbing wall nearby ?
Good place to start.
I climb twice a week indoors ,it's like training without noticing.
You get so fixed on a problem that you (almost )forget how much effort you need to put in.
You would never catch me near a gym ,yet I will spend 2-3 hours climbing indoors.
Great for over the winter.
Pair of climbing shoes and a chalk bag( optional) would see you set to begin with. So long as you're not going too high or too difficult you won't need anything else. A lot of low level traversing can be very challenging whilst being low on the danger scale. A lot depends on what terrain you've got available to you.
The problem comes if you start pushing yourself a bit, a backwards fall onto exposed rocks can be nasty particularly if you've ridden out there on your own. A crashmat would be impractical to take on anything other than a very short bike ride but if your riding with a mate then they could act as a spotter and hopefully minimise the effect of any fall.
Not sure if a wooly hat is still compulsory, Haven't managed to get out much this year.
Yes.
I've been climbing and riding - and bouldering. North York moors last time - a few years ago now. FoD is great for it too.It's a good way to break up a long day and it also gives you some route planning fun.
Climbing is also an option - 25M rope, light harness, rock shoes, a few slings and nuts.Then add your bivy gear!
For bouldering all you need is some rock shoes and a chalk bag. I don't think a mat will work on the bike!
Don't expect to do anything hard though. You'll be shocked at how knackered your arms are from riding.
Hth
Marko
Yup, basics are climbing shoes and a chalk bag. If you don't have a bouldering mat, and preferably a friend as a spotter, then choose your problems with care - even a very short drop can easily lead to a twisted angle if you don't have a mat to drop onto. I'd suggest opting for low level slabby traverses, so when (not if!) you drop of it, you'll just do a short slide down the slab.
Get the topo's of the boulders that you're heading to, and read the descriptions. You'll generally find that outdoor boulders are harder than the equivalent grade problems on an indoor wall.
Enjoy! I love bouldering (both outdoors and in).
Oh, and if snowdonia bouldering is anything to go by, don't forget to dress in your scruffiest baggy clothes, take a few beers and a spliff, and hang out round the bottom of the hardest routes looking like a rad dude 🙂
Thanks guys.. helpful stuff indeed..
I know that it would be advisable to seek out an indoor wall and a bit of instruction to get me started.. it's the outdoor stuff that appealed immediately though as I live in Dartmoor national park and I can ride from my door to infinite granite 'problems' in 15 minutes.. I'd feel daft driving elsewhere to pay to use an indoor wall.. although I appreciate that this will change when the winter arrives perhaps.. 😕
what would a good value beginners shoe be..?
Yunki - the indoor bouldering walls at Dartrock in Buckfastleigh are actually great fun and good/safe way to get started. Not too expensive either
you'll be ok with shoes chalk bag around manaton/smallacombe/ hound tor/bonehill
there are so many problems that are low level...
agree with sue about landings etc and twsited ankles
as for shoes, go try some on, they vary in style and therefore a particular suggestion won't suit everyone. get what feels best (as they never feel comfy ime)
Climbing shoes small chalk nad don't bother about a mat just take a mate to act as a spotter. An old beer towel to clean your boots between problems and aold tooth brush to clean holds. Bouldering and riding is ace and you can have jsut as much fun climbing barefoot if you have feet like a chimp. Prolonged grit sessions also remove dead skin much more efficiently than a tank of fish.
Sue you must have seen me in the pass loitering with intent. Stop and say hi next time
Theres a lot of talk about avoiding injury when climbing here.
In my experience you have more chance of getting hurt cycling than bouldering even without pads. A buddy to spot you is a good idea though if you dont know the problems.
Some good circits to be had around here (Calderdale)
For shoes you'll be needing to try them on so find a decent specialist shop and take their advice regarding fit and purpose. The good news is beginners shoes tend to be cheaper and a bit more comfortable than those intended for more advanced technique.
Yunki - no need to necessarily start with instruction at an indoor wall (although both can be helpful). Just go out and try things. You can learn a lot from watching others (plus this gives you a chance to have a break!), and I've found other boulderers really helpful with tips and suggestions.
Re shoes - fit is crucial (don't worry about make), go for tight, but not agonising. Go to a proper climbing shop, and ask their advice. Also, many good shops will have a small climbing wall section to try them on.
Tazzy - no idea what you look like, but I'll wave generally in the direction of any and all boulderers 🙂