By Morgan Cvetkovic-Jones

Bouldering outdoors can seem like a big step to take from the climbing gym or wall but, once you’re familiar, the opportunities are endless and can take you around the world. In this article we’ll answer some questions you might have about outdoor bouldering and how you can get started.

What is outdoor bouldering?

Bouldering outdoors can be traced as far back as the 1800’s, to the climbing Mecca of Fontainebleau Forest in France, where local climbers developed their climbing skills on the forest’s innumerable sandstone blocks - training for excursions south to the larger canvases of the Alps. Since then, bouldering in the great outdoors has developed into a sport in its own right. As with indoors, bouldering outdoors involves climbing short ‘problems’ with the aim of getting from bottom to top. Generally speaking however, there are less rules about which holds you can and can’t use to make your way up a rock, assuming you stick to the general line of the problem or route.

Is outdoor bouldering dangerous?

No, like any form of climbing, bouldering outside is fairly safe when in possession of the correct equipment and knowledge. Any risk can easily be managed by the individual - if you don’t want to get too high, simply stick to lower problems or traverses. Foam bouldering pads are used to protect the base of a climb. These portable crash mats are constructed from multiple layers of varying densities of foam. These absorb and spread the impact of a climber’s fall. Some landing zones may require more than one bouldering pad to suitably protect a fall, this is often the case when the landing area is uneven or scattered with things like rocks or tree roots.

When first venturing outside it is best to go as a pair or group so you can ‘spot’ one another. This essentially means those individuals not climbing can stand below the individual climbing (not in the fall zone) and in the event the climber falls the spotters can guide (not catch!) the falling climber on to the crash pad/s. For more information on spotting and how to do it follow this link to a BMC instructional video.

Top Tips:

Falling is art and you will get better at it the more you do it. When climbing indoors, try practising landing on a specific mark rather than dropping off arbitrarily. When it comes to bouldering outside, it will bolster your confidence immensely if you're fairly sure you can land where you intended (i.e. on your crash pad).

When placing your bouldering mats underneath a climb, it’s important to think about the moves on the problem and how this might affect the direction or position of your fall. Considering different falling scenarios will allow you to place your pads in the best landing zone.

Can I go bouldering alone?

Yes, providing you are confident in your ability. Bouldering is the most accessible of the climbing disciplines, primarily because you can climb on your own – perfect if your friends aren’t around or you just want a bit of time alone outside. Just make sure you let someone know where you’re going and properly prepare by researching your bouldering destination in advance and taking enough bouldering pads to safely protect the landing.

How do you get into outdoor bouldering?

If you’re super keen, have indoor climbing experience and happen to be blessed with some nearby crags then go ahead, get your hands on a bouldering pad and the local bouldering guidebook and get to it. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, that’s absolutely fine. One way to get into bouldering outdoors is to tag along with some friends who know what they’re doing, that way you can learn from some experienced heads without having to splash the cash on a bouldering pad. If you don’t have this option available, some climbing gyms, particularly in areas with lots of rock, offer introductory courses to bouldering outside.

Why is climbing outside harder?

It isn’t, it’s just different. Like any new climbing style, whether it’s climbing on an overhang, a slab or a board for the first time, there’s always going to be an adjustment period. The longer you stick at it, the easier it becomes. It’s also worth bearing in mind that real rock hasn’t been engineered for ease of use - the holds aren’t bright pink, they’re not always impeccably tactile and skin friendly but that’s the charm, it’s a genuine natural experience. The best ways to improve your outdoor game are persistence, advice and not getting too hung up on grades. Make sure you watch other people climb on real rock, whether this is in person or videos.

What do I need to start bouldering outdoors?

A bouldering kit list is fairly simple:

• Climbing shoes: as with indoors, these will enable you to stand on and stick to smaller or sloping footholds.
• Chalk (magnesium carbonate): to decrease perspiration and improve grip.
• Bouldering chalk bag: to put your chalk in. 
• Bouldering mats: to protect your landing.
• Climbing brush: a bonus accessory useful for removing excess chalk or dirt and thus improving grip.
• Climbing tape: real rock is often rougher on your skin, so some decent climbing tape is helpful to protect areas of the hands/fingers taking a particular beating.
• Guidebook: guide to your bouldering destination will highlight all of the potential problems to try along with information about the route (where they start/where they finish/what grade they are) and how to get there.

For More Information

We have a range of articles on our blog that you may find interesting:

• The Basics: some article for those new to climbing and beginners.
• How to Guides: A series of guides answering specific questions you may have.
• Buying Guides: For when you are ready to start purchasing.

If you have any other questions, then please get in touch.