I love indoor bouldering, so much so, that we decided to start our own indoor bouldering gym. I thought I would quickly share 7 reasons why I think bouldering (especially indoors) is awesome.
1. Indoor Bouldering (indeed indoor rock climbing) is safe, easy and convenient.
I know that could be 3 different things, but in some ways they are related to the one point. And that point is, that indoor rock climbing and bouldering places, like ‘the Rock at Caves Beach’ are designed from the ground up to be safe, convenient and easy.
The crash pads are the best technology, there’s no sharp rocks in the fall zone, the climbs are designed with safety in mind and trained staff are on hand to help every one stay safe. Outdoor climbing can be safe too, there’s just a little more that needs to be thought of.
Outdoor climbing can sometimes be 100’s of kms away too. Worth the drive (and hike) of course but you can’t just do that straight after work for a quick climb.
If you’re climbing outdoors you may also need a bunch of gear. A stack of crash pads if you are bouldering or ropes and harnesses for larger climbs. Indoors, it’s all done for you. We provide chalk and shoes too if you need, although you are welcome to bring your own.
2. You can do bouldering on your own.
One of the best things about bouldering is that there’s no ropes and that means you don’t need anyone to belay you. So although it’s great to climb with someone else, you can easily climb on your own. Also if you are bringing your kids along, you won’t be spending an hour or two belaying your kids and getting a crook neck looking up all the time.
3. Climbing culture is really encouraging and friendly.
When I first started climbing I was pleasantly surprised by how encouraging all the other climbers were. Mostly from people I didn’t know but also from my friends. I play a bit of competitive soccer for fun too and even though we shake hands before and after the game, half the time we are trying to kill each other. That negative aspect of soccer and I’m sure many competitive sports makes my Saturday afternoon just that little bit less fun.
With climbing however, everyone is competitive, but it’s generally just a competition to do better than you did last time. So most of the time, complete strangers will chat and share tips and beta suggestions, all whilst yelling out “you can do it mate!”
Think of it as kind of like the opposite of the comment threads on a political post.
Climbing might just win you a whole bunch of new and amazing friends.
4. Indoor climbing is brilliant fitness.
The heart rate goes up and your entire core, arms, back and legs get a great workout. All whilst simply having fun. I’m not a huge fan of going for a run, but I’ll chase a soccer ball around the park with everything I’ve got for an hour and a half. It’s the same for me with the gym. I know it’s good for me, I know I feel great after, but I rarely do it.
When I’m climbing, I just do it for fun yet in the process, I’m getting fitter, stronger and better looking too. I end up doing exercises in between climbs just to get stronger, so I can finish that hard climb I’m working on. Win, Win.
5. Indoor Bouldering has something for everyone.
This is one of favourite things about climbing indoors and something we are especially proud of at ‘The Rock at Caves Beach’. There is literally a climb for everyone. If you have never climbed before, you will have fun and finish a bunch of climbs and yet, if you are a professional climber then there’s something for you too. I find climbing with my whole family such a rewarding, fun and bonding experience.
My wife loves tennis and it’s great to have a hit with her. The only problem is that she is not as good at me. I’m in no means having a go at her (I don’t want to sleep with the dog tonight), but when we play together if we want a rally, I need to keep hitting lollipops back at her. I’d rather play someone who is at the same level as me. I suspect she would too.
With climbing though, we are side by side, encouraging one another, but I’m projecting a different climb to my wife and kids and yet we are having fun and getting fit together. By the way, my kids are better than me!
6. Bouldering is explosive.
Bouldering is less about endurance and more about powerful moves. Some climbs can be as short as 5 moves, but those 5 moves may be very hard to do. As a result the fitness pump can be huge because of those big moves. It’s kind of like interval training to some degree.
7. Bouldering projects are addictive, fun, challenging and satisfying (and at times exhilarating).
A project in rock climbing is when you have a particular climb that you just can’t do yet and you work towards (sometimes over weeks or months) sending (finishing) that climb.
Sometimes it’s a mental challenge to overcome, other times it’s reconsidering the beta (approach to solving the problem) and sometimes it’s because you need to build some strength in a finger or your core or perhaps gain some flexibility to finish the climb.
When you strategise and train for a climb and eventually get it, it is an extremely satifisying moment. A fist pump or happy dance kind of moment.
Life is challenging too and climbing reminds me, that with a bit of hard work and some great people around me, there’s much we can overcome in our day to day lives too.
Hope to see you down at ‘The Rock’ or at one of the other amazing gyms for a climb soon – Glenn
