Bouldering is climbing shorter routes on lower walls, called ‘problems’, without the use of ropes or a harness.  This makes it a very easy way to get into climbing without the necessity to purchase lots of equipment.  Bouldering problems can be looked at as a combination of moves, requiring a mixture of technique, strength, balance and a whole lot of problem solving.  What makes it really interesting is that every problem will stress a different aspect of your climbing. Often you will have a different solution from other climbers depending on your strengths.

Since no ropes or harnesses are involved, it’s very much a battle between you, the wall and gravity.  Thankfully, problems aren’t high enough to be scary, but are high enough to be challenging and stimulating.  We take safety in our bouldering area as seriously as we do with our roped areas. The boulder mats are meticulously maintained and replaced in accordance to the guidelines laid out by the ABC.

It’s easy to get into bouldering, which is why it has become so popular.  All you need to do is turn up, watch the boulder induction video, answer a few questions and then get climbing!  Of course, there are options to book onto an induction session if you want to get off on the right foot, and specific boulder socials to meet new climbers and improve your skills!

It can be a little daunting at first, the idea of climbing without ropes and a harness. However, since the walls are significantly lower and the matting significantly softer, there really is no reason to be intimidated.  Of course, any form of climbing has its risks, but everyone who boulders at Green Spider is required to watch our safety induction video before bouldering for the first time, and answer questions to prove their comprehension of the material.  This ensures that everyone climbing can do so in the safest manner possible.