Indoor bouldering 101: Sending your first climb

• Proper preparation is essential for climbing, including wearing comfortable clothing, using climbing shoes for better grip, and mental readiness to face fears and challenges.
• Indoor bouldering is an accessible sport for beginners that combines physical activity with strategic thinking, allowing climbers to solve problems as they navigate routes.

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Being a first-time climber can be intimidating, whether you’re afraid of heights, unsure if you’re fit enough, or even feel pressured by the gym. But don’t worry, it is easier than it looks, even for beginners.

Indoor bouldering is a sport where you climb short walls following a set of the same colored holds. More than a physical sport, it also involves strategic thinking, as you have to consider where you will place your hands and feet as you get to the top. Hence, climbers use the term “projects” to refer to what climb they are trying to do, as each route is a small physical and mental problem that you get to solve. 

It might seem difficult, but don’t worry, as you don’t need to know the perfect way up before you start. Trying a move, adjusting, and trying again is part of the climb. To send your first climb, here are some tips that helped me enjoy and keep climbing.

Gearing up and preparing

Before climbing, it is a must to gear up and prepare; this not only applies to your shoes and chalk, but also to preparing your mind and body.

To get started, wear clothes that you can move comfortably in, and give yourself a few minutes to warm up from head to toe before climbing. This will help you avoid muscle strains and prepare your body for physical activity. 

Climbing shoes and chalk are also a must. If you don’t have any of these, every climbing gym will have them in stock. Compared to regular shoes, climbing shoes have a firm sole and allow a tighter fit, helping you to step on small holds better, giving your feet the proper traction. Meanwhile, chalk gives you the proper grip and avoids abrasions or wounds on your hands. For your first climb, focus less on having the perfect gear and more on getting comfortable trying a climb.

Climbing shoes

Ready to get climbing shoes? Looking at the curvature of the soles and their comfort level are the two most important factors to consider so you can get the best pair for your experience level. Here are some climber-recommended options to help you get started.

Budget: ClimbX Rave

If you’re looking for an all-day shoe while still giving you a good fit and performance, ClimbX Rave is a strong pick.

At an affordable price, ClimbX Rave is more of a comfort-oriented shoe with a slight downturn on the soles. So, if you are starting out with climbing, this is a good option for you to find the proper footing and confidence on the wall.

Get ClimbX Rave here. (Also available at Bhive Circuit Makati)

Performance: Scarpa Vapor V and La Sportiva Solutions

For more performance-based shoes, Scarpa Vapor V along with La Sportiva Solutions are two options worth considering. 

One main difference between the two is their downturn curve. Solutions gives an aggressive downturn shape and a stiff sole, making it ideal for steep routes. Their shape gives precision and power on small footholds, as it is designed for demanding projects.

Meanwhile, Vapor V is a moderately downturned shoe, prioritizing support and comfort while still giving you good grip and precision.

Get Scarpa Vapor V here.

Get La Sportiva Solutions here.

Splurge: Scarpa Dragon LV

If you just want the top of the line, this shoe is a one-stop shop. Despite its aggressive curve, climbers often find it comfortable due to its soft build aimed at sensitivity. This allows you to feel and hold on to smears, small, and complex holds.

If you’re ready to invest in your climbing journey, this could be a splurge worth considering.

Get Scarpa Dragon LV here.

Mental preparation

It is normal to feel nervous about falling, not being strong enough, or simply climbing in front of other people. I felt those same worries, too when I started. But bouldering gave me the chance to face them one climb at a time. And after realizing that it wasn’t as difficult as I made it to be, bouldering became much more enjoyable.

As an example of facing my fear of heights, a pre-briefing for beginners on proper falling technique taught me how to confidently fall from heights that seemed too high. Furthermore, there are also easy-to-grab holds across all walls that are mainly for assisting me as I climb down; hence, even when jumping off feels scary, climbing down gives me the peace of mind that I can reach a safe height. You do not have to conquer your fear before you start climbing, but starting small can help you build that confidence.

Climbing levels and proper technique

You do not need to be super strong before trying bouldering. Climbing gyms use “tags” to show how difficult each bouldering project is, helping climbers choose a level that suits them best, from V0-V1 being the easiest and beginner-friendly, to V8 being the hardest (some gyms go beyond V8). These are usually color-coded in climbing gyms, so make sure to check, as they vary per gym.

When I started climbing, I depended on my strength to pull me up. This was one “not to do” lesson I learned that led to early fatigue. To guide you on the right path, here are a few basic techniques that can help you rely less on strength and more on technique:

• Push with your legs instead of relying only on your arms.
• Keep your arms straight when you can so you are not holding yourself up with bent arms the whole time.
• Turn your hips toward the wall to help shift your weight from one hold to another.
• Use the tip of your climbing shoes to place your feet more precisely, allowing you to pivot.
• Pay attention to which direction the holds point and grab it in that direction.

Remember: Climbing is not about rushing to a higher grade. It is about finding new ways to move and enjoying the climbs along the way.

All the technicalities aside, what matters most is whether you enjoy climbing. For me, more than a sport, bouldering taught me how to appreciate doing hard things, facing my fears, having courage, and constantly trying even after experiencing setbacks. 

Bouldering might not be the sport for everyone, but it is definitely a sport everyone can do. So if you feel a connection with bouldering, try to send your first project! – Rappler.com

This piece was written by Rappler intern Sebastian Vincent U. Ngo. Basti is a multimedia creative storyteller who focuses on the everyday details that make ordinary moments feel special. He seeks stories and uses design, words, and motion to help people see the familiar in a new light.