Some basic rules of bouldering will save you from lots of awkward situations. Most people find their local wall by searching for Bouldering Near Me on their phone, walking in off the street and then stumbling upon these rules for the first time.
Stay Clear of the Fall Zone
When someone is climbing on a boulder keep a safe distance, ideally at a right angle to the climber a couple of metres back. That way there is a safe area for the climber to land should they fall off.
Give Climbers Space to Focus
Also remember to give climbers space and quiet to focus on the boulder, avoid walking in front of climbers on the boulders, the climbers may be focused on trying the boulder and the last thing they need is you walking in front of them in mid move. It only takes a couple of seconds to pause and go around the back of them.
Take Turns on Busy Problems
Similarly, if three people want to try the same boulder problem, for example ‘The Bulge’, simply nod to the other people in turn and let them have a go first. There is more on Bouldering Near Me at https://www.270climbing.com/bouldering/.
No Unsolicited Beta
Beta or advice on how to complete a boulder problem is a very sensitive topic. It is common for people to give unsolicited beta. People often forget that everyone learns differently and what worked for one person may not work for another. Don’t be that person. Only give beta when it is asked for.
Keep Crash Mats Tidy and Shared
The Crash Mats are your to use for falling and spotting and then return them to their original stack so others can fall safely as well. Don’t move a Crash Mat and then go off and leave it elsewhere on the floor, taking a mat with you to a boulder to sit on while you’re resting or eating a snack is also a bad idea and considered to be very rude.
So go to your local bouldering wall armed with this knowledge of the 5 simple unwritten rules that will save you from any potential discomfort and ensure that you can go back for more, relaxed and having a good time.
