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Certification

Bouldering

Ropeless climbing on short walls over pads, its own ladder.

  • Free reference
  • No signup
  • Find an operator to get there

Bouldering is climbing without a rope on shorter walls, protected by thick pads and (outdoors) spotters. It strips climbing down to pure movement and power, which makes it a fast way to get strong and an accessible entry point, with no belay partner required. It uses its own grade scale (the V-scale, V0 and up).

Many climbers boulder alongside roped climbing rather than instead of it. Outdoors, learning to fall, spot, and place pads safely is the key skill a coach or experienced partner teaches.

What you'll learn

  • Falling and landing safely on pads
  • Powerful, precise movement and reading boulder problems
  • Spotting and pad placement outdoors

Find an operator who teaches Bouldering

Browse climbing gyms & guides and connect with the people who can get you to this level.

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Common questions

Do I need a partner to boulder?
No, and that is part of the appeal indoors. Outdoors, a spotter and crash pads are strongly recommended.