Bouldering Basics – Small Bouldering Guide for Beginners
Bouldering is the wild little brother of climbing – no ropes, no harnesses, just you, your muscles, and gravity trying to pull you back down to earth. Sounds simple? It is. But anyone who's ever clung to a tiny ledge while their legs flail frantically in the air knows: simple doesn't mean easy!
What is the difference between climbing and bouldering?
Imagine climbing as an epic mountain ascent with ropes, helmets, and all the necessary safety equipment. You climb high, secured by your partner and a thick rope. Bouldering, on the other hand, is the short-distance discipline: small, incredibly challenging routes—usually between 2 and 4 meters high—where finding the perfect move is crucial. And if you fall? No big deal! There's a thick mat underneath you to cushion your fall.
Difficulty levels in bouldering
Bouldering has its own rating system to assess the difficulty of a route. In Germany, the Fontainebleau scale is often used (from 3A – for beginners – to 9a+ – for absolute experts). In climbing gyms, you'll often find color codes to help you choose the right challenge.
What do you need for bouldering? – The equipment
Bouldering is minimalist – but you still need a few things:
- Climbing shoes – your most important tool! They should fit snugly, but not so tightly that you want to cry.
- Chalk (magnesium) – your secret weapon against slippery fingers. Chalk from Kletterretter is a great choice – sustainable and high-quality.
- Crash pad – If you're bouldering outdoors, you'll need a portable mat.
- Bouldering brush – no, not for your hair. You use it to scrub the holds clean.
- Comfortable clothing – trousers that move with you. For example, our " Poonhill " – lightweight, durable and super flexible!
- Functional shirts – Our range includes breathable shirts that are ideal for intense sessions.
What should you wear when bouldering?
Bouldering isn't a catwalk, it's a festival of movement! So, above all, comfortable clothing is essential. Jeans? Too stiff. Jogging pants? Too baggy. The best choice: functional bouldering pants like our " Poonhill " – robust enough for the outdoors, flexible enough for the splits between holds. Pair them with a breathable shirt from our range – lightweight, quick-drying, and perfect for movement.
Indoor or outdoor? Where can you boulder?
- Indoors: Perfect for training. Bouldering gyms offer varied walls with color-coded markings that show you which holds you're allowed to use. Good gyms includeElys Boulderloft and K11 in Cologne.
- Outdoors: The ultimate challenge. Bouldering on real rock is more intense, more direct – and not for the faint of heart. Well-known spots: Fontainebleau (France), Ticino (Switzerland), or Franconian Switzerland.
Tips for your first day of bouldering
- Warm up! Your body is not an indestructible boulder.
- Start easy. Don't go straight to the steepest wall.
- Look at the route. Bouldering is like playing chess with your body.
- Don't tense up! Staying relaxed saves energy.
- Celebrate the fall! Falling is part of it. Laugh about it and try again.
Whether indoors or outdoors on the rock face – bouldering is a fantastic sport that demands strength, technique, and brains. So grab your shoes, your "Poonhill" outfit, and get going! The walls are waiting for you.