Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that is performed without the use of ropes or harnesses. Unlike traditional rock climbing, boulderers typically climb no higher than 20 feet (6 meters) off the ground. Bouldering is often used as a training ground for serious climbers, as it requires strength, endurance, and problem-solving skills. It can also be a fun and challenging sport in its own right.
Understand the fear
Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that is typically done without the use of ropes or harnesses. The climbing is done on shorter walls or boulders, and the goal is to reach the top of the wall or boulder without falling.
Bouldering can be an intimidating sport, especially if you are afraid of heights. But it is important to understand that the fear is usually not of the heights themselves, but of falling from the heights. So if you can get over your fear of falling, you will likely be able to enjoy bouldering without any problem.
There are a few things you can do to help you get over your fear of falling:
- Start small. If you are just starting out, don’t try to climb the tallest wall or boulder right away. Start with something small and work your way up.
- Visualize success. It can help to close your eyes and visualize yourself successfully completing a climb before you even start. This will help build confidence and make it more likely that you will actually succeed.
- Get some experience. Sometimes the best way to get over a fear is to face it head on. If you can find a way to get some experience bouldering, even if it’s just on a small wall or boulder, it will help you understand that the fear is often worse than the reality.
Overcome the fear
The best way to get over any fear is to face it head on. When it comes to bouldering, this may mean starting small and working your way up. Find a friend who is also interested in bouldering and go with them to a beginner-friendly gym. Or, if you’re feeling really brave, try going outside to an easy bouldering spot. Remember, the key is to take it one step at a time.
Facing the fear
Once you’ve decided that you want to start bouldering, it’s important to understand that your fear is perfectly natural—and there are ways to work through it. Every climber was a beginner at one point, and everyone had to learn how to deal with the fear of falling.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Watch other people climb: Bouldering is a really social sport, so take advantage of that by watching other people climb. Not only will this give you some ideas of different routes to try, but it will also help you see that falling is not the end of the world. If someone falls, they just get back up and try again.
Start small: Don’t try to tackle a big climb on your first day out—that will just make your fear worse. Start with something easy, and work your way up as you get more comfortable with the sport.
Take your time: There’s no rush—take as much time as you need to get comfortable with each move before moving on to the next one. If you take your time and focus on each individual move, you’ll be less likely to make a mistake—and less likely to fall.
Focus on your breath: When you start to feel scared or overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths and focus on the present moment. This will help you clear your head and refocus on the task at hand.
Remember that falling is part of the sport: Falling is going to happen—it’s inevitable. The important thing is how you deal with it when it does happen. Try not to focus on the fall itself, but on the fact that you were able to get back up and try again afterwards. This mindset shift can help make falling feel less scary and more like part of the process.
Understand the risk
The first step to overcoming your fear is understanding the risk. And with bouldering, the vast majority of the time, the consequences are pretty low. Sure, if you fall off a V8 problem and smack your head on a pad, it could be bad. But in general, as long as you climb within your ability and take proper safety precautions, the risk is minimal.
Of course, that doesn’t mean there is no risk—bouldering is an inherently dangerous sport. But if you can accept that risk and understand that it comes with the territory, it will be much easier to get over your fear.
Another way to overcome your fear is to start small and work your way up. Don’t try to Boulder V8s when you’re just starting out—that’s a recipe for disaster (and injury). Start with some easy V0s and V1s until you get comfortable with the moves and the heights. Then gradually move up to harder problems.
You should also try to boulder with experienced climbers who can show you the ropes (literally—they can help you set up top ropes for harder problems). Not only will they be able to give you beta (climbing tips), but they can also help spot you if you fall. And knowing that someone has got your back will help boost your confidence and ease your fears.
Find a support group
Chances are, if you’re afraid of bouldering, someone else is too. Find a support group of fellow climbers who are also working to overcome their fears. This can be an invaluable resource, providing both moral and practical support.
In addition to being a great way to make friends, a supportive group can offer helpful tips for conquering your fears. Seasoned climbers can share their own experiences with fear and offer insights into how they’ve managed to keep climbing despite their fears.
Additionally, your group can provide a sense of community and belonging that will help you feel more comfortable at the gym. When you know that you have friends who are going through the same thing, it’s easier to stay motivated and inspired to face your fears.
Boulder safely
When you’re starting out, it’s totally fine—and even advisable—to boulder with a buddy who can spot you. That way, if you do fall, they can help prevent you from hitting the ground too hard. It’s also a good idea to start small, both in terms of the height of the boulder and the difficulty of the moves. As you get more comfortable and confident, you can gradually work your way up.
As with anything else in life, gaining experience is key to getting over your fear of bouldering. The more you do it, the more accustomed you’ll become to the sensation of being up high and trusting your grip. But that doesn’t mean you should just hurl yourself at every tough climb you see. Take things slowly at first, and focus on enjoying yourself rather than pushing your limits. Over time, as your skills and confidence increase, so will your enjoyment of the sport—and your willingness to tackle bigger challenges.