Bouldering facts for kids

Bouldering is a super fun type of rock climbing. It's all about climbing without using ropes or a special harness. You climb on shorter walls or big rocks, usually not so high that a fall would cause serious injury. To keep climbers safe, special soft mats called bouldering mats are placed on the ground below them. You can try bouldering outdoors on natural boulders or indoors at special climbing gyms.

What is Bouldering?

In bouldering, each climbing path is called a "problem." Think of it like solving a puzzle with your body! You have to figure out the best way to move to reach the top. These problems are usually not taller than 3 to 5 meters (about 10 to 16 feet). This keeps the risk of getting hurt lower.

Sometimes, other climbers stand on the ground below you. They are called "spotters." Their job is to help protect you if you fall. They try to guide you onto the crash pad safely, especially keeping your head and spine safe.

What Gear Do You Need?

Bouldering doesn't need a lot of special equipment. Here's what boulderers typically use:

• Climbing shoes: These are special tight-fitting shoes that help you grip the rock or wall better.
• Bouldering mat: This is a thick, soft pad that you place on the ground to cushion your fall.
• Brushes: Small brushes are used to clean chalk or dirt off the climbing holds. This helps you get a better grip.
• Sports tape: Climbers sometimes use tape to protect their fingers or wrists.

The History of Bouldering

Bouldering started a long time ago, in the late 1800s. People first wrote about it in places like France, England, and Switzerland. For many years, it was just a way for climbers to practice for bigger mountain climbs.

But in the 1930s and 1940s, something changed. In a forest called Fontainebleau in France, people started bouldering just for the fun of it! They saw it as its own sport and a challenge.

Today, many rock climbers love bouldering the most. It has become a very popular and exciting sport all on its own.

Images for kids

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  An indoor bouldering gym

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  A competitor at a Boulder World Cup in 2012

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  Gill on the Scab in the Needles of the Black Hills 1963

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  Christian Core on Gioia (Varazze, ITA), first 8C+ (V16) boulder in history, 2008

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  Michael Rael Armas on Midnight Lightning, Camp 4 (Yosemite National Park, USA), one of the world's most famous bouldering problems

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  A modern climbing shoe manufactured by Quechua

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  Climber with crash pad and spotters for safety

See also

In Spanish: Búlder para niños