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Improve Your Climbing Technique with Bouldering |
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Written by Aazdak Alisimo
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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.
What is bouldering? It is the act of climbing on a boulder or similar structure that is only 10 to 15 feet or so. The goal isn't so much to go up as it is to improve your technique by trying a variety of routes and different moves. At its core, every climb is a problem to be solved. How do you get from point A to point B? Unlike large climbing formations, bouldering is great because you can define the problem by going up, down, sideways and so on. For some climbers, bouldering has overtaken wall climbing as their favorite. Why? Well, an boulder with an interesting face and angles can offer up 10, 20 or more routes. You can almost develop a harmony with the rock and it keeps things interesting. 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. The weight your body has to carry in the air is the same at 5 feet or 50. Just because your bouldering, it doesn't mean you aren't going to put strain on your body. Warm up to avoid pulling muscles and stessing your joints. Buildering is a form of bouldering that happens in the urban environment. Often around adult beverage establishments. Yes, climbers get enticed with the wall of a building front and just start climbing up and up. 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! About the Author: Aazdak Alisimo writes about bouldering for NomadJournals.com - makers of rock climbing journals that make great unique gifts for men on all occassions. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service |