I’ve been climbing for nearly a decade now, and I’m still learning every day. It’s easy to get in over your head, lose focus on what’s important, or push yourself too hard.
Thankfully, there are lots of resources out there to help you avoid these common mistakes and save you from injury. Here are some of the most common mistakes boulderers make and how to avoid them!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Learn from common mistakes to improve your bouldering and climbing technique. |
| Proper warm-up and protective gear are essential for injury prevention. |
| Strength and endurance development can enhance your climbing skills. |
| Seeking expert advice and support can help you advance in your climbing journey. |
| Get started safely and confidently with bouldering and climbing for beginners. |
Forgetting Your Crash Pad
A good crash pad will help you avoid injury, but it can be hard to find the right one. The first thing to look for is size: your pad should be large enough to protect both you and your spot partner if they fall near or on top of you.
The ideal pad will also be soft enough to absorb impact, but firm enough that it doesn’t fold in around the climber’s body during a fall.
Crash pads are expensive and take up a lot of space; they’re not exactly light or portable when stuffed into their carrying bags or strapped onto backpacks!
So make sure that wherever you go bouldering with your friends whether in an outdoor setting or inside at an indoor gym you bring along a cloth bag (or use plastic grocery bags) for keeping all those dirty old crash pads clean until next time!
Finding the right gear is essential to enhancing your bouldering experience. Discover the best bouldering gear for every budget and level of expertise to improve your performance on the wall.
Getting In Over Your Head
It’s easy to see why bouldering can be dangerous. Without ropes or harnesses, you’re bound to fall at least partway down the wall as you grab for handholds and footholds.
But even if you do everything right, it’s still possible to get hurt and that’s why it’s so important for climbers to know their own limitations and stay within them.
In addition to being mindful of your physical limits (no matter what level of experience you have), there are certain mental factors that affect your ability level:
Table: Common Risks of Getting In Over Your Head in Rock Climbing
| Risk | Description | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Falling | Climbing beyond your level of experience or skill can increase the risk of falls. | Attend climbing courses and practice with an experienced partner. Consider using safety equipment like a harness or rope. |
| Equipment failure | Inadequate gear or incorrectly used equipment can potentially fail and lead to accidents. | Always use well-maintained and certified gear. Learn proper equipment usage and maintenance. |
| Route misreading | Misreading or underestimating the level of difficulty of a route can lead to unexpected challenges or hazards. | Study the route beforehand. Consult with experienced climbers or route setters. |
| Exposure to weather | Climbing in harsh or changing weather conditions can pose additional risks and affect your physical and mental capacity. | Check weather forecasts and prepare for the terrain. Wear appropriate clothing and always carry adequate food and water. |
Using Too Much Chalk!
Chalking your hands is a quick way to get a better grip, but if you use too much, it can make the holds feel slippery and uncomfortable for other climbers.
The best way to find the right amount is by experimenting with different amounts of chalk on each hand. When it seems like you’ve reached peak saturation (no more will stick) rub the chalk into your hands until it feels dry and tacky, then re-chalk.
You’ll notice that after doing this, there’s no excess left over—it won’t just be sitting there getting all over everything!
If possible, don’t use chalk at all! It’s only useful when climbing outdoors (not indoors in gyms). In fact, many gyms have banned its use because they believe that too much dust gets tracked on floors/around equipment/etc., which isn’t good for other gym patrons or employees who work there.
Don’t use it excessively while climbing either: Be careful not to rub too much into any one section of holds because this can make them slippery; instead focus on getting an even coating across all surfaces by rubbing lightly throughout each hold.
Don’t let others use yours either — especially not children whose hands are small enough so that they may end up covering themselves in white powder!
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Not Warming Up Properly
Warming up properly is vital for a number of reasons. First, it helps your muscles and tendons stretch out and prepare for the day’s activity.
Second, it gives you time to get your fingers working properly again after being in a cold room all night long (yes, even if you live somewhere warm). Third, warming up helps prevent injuries by making sure everything is ready to go!
If you’re bouldering at one of those outdoor crags where there aren’t any holds marked out on the boulders themselves (as opposed to at an indoor gym with routes), sometimes it’s hard to tell exactly where the next hold will be.
If this is the case, make sure that when you’re warming up beforehand whether by climbing easy routes or by doing some simple dynamic stretches
that each hold has been grabbed many times before going into more difficult moves. This way, when it comes time for harder climbing later on in practice or competition, your body won’t freeze up while trying something new because it hasn’t done so before with sufficient frequency yet.
Table: Common Risks of Getting In Over Your Head in Rock Climbing
| Risk | Description | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Falling | Climbing beyond your level of experience or skill can increase the risk of falls. | Attend climbing courses and practice with an experienced partner. Consider using safety equipment like a harness or rope. |
| Equipment failure | Inadequate gear or incorrectly used equipment can potentially fail and lead to accidents. | Always use well-maintained and certified gear. Learn proper equipment usage and maintenance. |
| Route misreading | Misreading or underestimating the level of difficulty of a route can lead to unexpected challenges or hazards. | Study the route beforehand. Consult with experienced climbers or route setters. |
| Exposure to weather | Climbing in harsh or changing weather conditions can pose additional risks and affect your physical and mental capacity. | Check weather forecasts and prepare for the terrain. Wear appropriate clothing and always carry adequate food and water. |
Losing Focus
Focus is the most important skill set for a boulderer. It keeps you focused on the task at hand, and lets you see the next move in your head before attempting it. It’s what allows you to climb confidently through each stage of a problem without making mistakes or falling off.
But focus isn’t just something that exists when climbing; it’s also a state of mind that can be used in other aspects of life too! If nothing else, focusing on one thing at a time helps reduce stress and anxiety by giving us something specific to do or think about instead of getting overwhelmed by all our responsibilities and worries.
And if this is something you struggle with, then I have some advice: take it one step at a time! Instead of trying to conquer everything right now (which will probably lead to failure), try just focusing on one thing at once instead whether that’s eating healthier food or organizing your schedule better and feel accomplished when those little accomplishments add up over time!
Starting a new sport can be intimidating but understanding the basics is a great way to get started. Check out our step-by-step guide to bouldering for beginners for an explanation of the basics and everything you need to know to begin your bouldering journey.
Pushing Yourself Too Hard, Too Soon
It’s common to be afraid of being left behind when your climbing partners progress faster than you.
But remember that they all started at the same place as you, and they worked hard to get where they are today.
If someone else can do something that seems impossible for you, it’s probably just because the other person has more experience or muscle memory built up from years of practice.
You should also keep in mind that pushing yourself too hard in a workout session can actually be counterproductive if you aren’t yet ready for an increase in difficulty level and believe us when we say this: there will come a time when your fingers ache from overworking them on plastic holds!
Always listen to that inner voice telling you when it’s time for a break or new challenge.
Common Mistakes Boulders Make – Pushing Yourself Too Hard, Too Soon
| Common Mistakes | Impacts | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Starting with routes that are too difficult for your skill level. | Leads to discouragement and injury. | Begin at a comfortable level of difficulty, then gradually increase as you progress. Consider taking a class to learn techniques for proper form and injury prevention. |
| Overtraining without proper rest and recovery. | Increases risk of injury and burnout. | Allow for proper rest and recovery time after each session and vary your routine with activities such as stretching or yoga. |
| Focusing on completing routes rather than improving technique. | Hinders progress and leads to repetitive strain injuries. | Focus on techniques such as footwork, balance, and body positioning. Consider training exercises to help strengthen specific muscle groups. |
| Comparing yourself to others or feeling ashamed of your progress. | Negatively affects motivation and enjoyment of the sport. | Celebrate your own personal achievements and progress instead of comparing yourself to others. Connect with boulderers in your community to share tips and experiences. |
| Ignoring pain or discomfort for the sake of finishing a route. | Increases risk of injury and hinders progress. | Listen to your body and take breaks when needed. Stop immediately if you feel sharp pain or discomfort and seek medical attention if necessary. |
Note: While it may be tempting to push yourself to the limit, it’s important to remember that bouldering is a sport that requires technical skill and proper training. By avoiding common mistakes like pushing yourself too hard, too soon, you can stay safe while experiencing the many benefits of climbing.
Not Giving Yourself Enough Rest Time Between Climbs
One of the most common mistakes boulderers make is not giving themselves enough rest time between climbs.
Resting between climbs is an important part of recovery, and it also helps prevent injury. If you don’t give yourself enough time in between climbs, your body won’t have time to recover from the previous move before attempting another one.
Also important: rest time allows you to focus on the next climb (even if it’s a different type of problem).
You can observe what other climbers are doing, or just sit around catching up with friends! It might seem like a waste of precious climbing minutes, but trust us it’s worth it!
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Not Realizing How Shaky You Are Post-Climb
Another common issue among climbers is the issue of shakiness. Many people are surprised to find out that this is such a common problem, but it’s true and you may be suffering from it.
A lot of us don’t realize how shaky we are post-climb, as we tend to ignore our hands until they start getting sore or hurt. But if you end up with severe carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis from climbing too much without giving your hands time to recover, then this may be the reason why!
There are two types of shakiness: firstly there is post-climbing shakeyness (which can last for a few hours after climbing), and secondly there is pre-climbing shakeyness (which occurs when trying to warm up).
Both need different treatments in order for them not to interfere with your climbing experience!
Not Wearing The Right Gear
As a boulderer, you should always be wearing the right gear.
A helmet: It’s tempting to only wear your helmet when you’re top-roping or belaying, but it’s imperative to wear one every time you get on the wall.
Bouldering is dangerous—it doesn’t matter how experienced you are or how many times you’ve done this climb before; accidents can happen at any moment, and wearing a helmet will help protect your head from falling rocks, hitting other climbers’ feet (don’t ask), and more.
The right shoes: With climbing shoes being relatively expensive compared to most other types of footwear out there (and not even waterproof), I’d recommend getting either leather or synthetic uppers instead of canvas if possible when they get wet they’ll dry much faster than canvas!
You’ll also want an ankle closure that provides enough support so as not to roll over while scrambling around on ledges; lace closures aren’t ideal because they can come undone easily during intense moments on the wall (eek).
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Not Asking For Help When You Need It
The good news is that bouldering has a strong community, and you are not alone. There are many people who can help you out when you need it.
This type of error could be seen as an extension of the fear of embarrassment we discussed above, but it’s also related to the fact that most climbers start in gyms from an early age. Gyms have their own culture and norms (which often include being excessively self-reliant), so asking for help isn’t always easy or expected.
The best way to avoid making this mistake is simply by asking: if you’re struggling on a problem or route, ask someone nearby if they could spot your next attempt at it (spotting refers to giving verbal encouragement). You could even ask them for further advice on how to deal with certain moves.
Sure, here’s a table based on the semantic of the point “Not Asking For Help When You Need It”. I’ve also included a new title in H3 format:
Common Mistakes Boulders Make – Not Asking For Help When You Need It
| Common Mistakes | Impacts | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Failing to ask for help when unsure about techniques or equipment. | Increases the risk of injury and hinders progress. | Seek guidance from experienced boulderers or consider taking a class to enhance your knowledge and skills. Talk to experienced sales associates at your local climbing gear store for helpful insights on equipment. |
| Going to bouldering spots alone, especially in remote or unknown areas. | Puts you at risk of injury, attack, or danger. | Join bouldering group events or climbing communities to connect with other climbers who will support and help you out. |
| Refusing to take constructive feedback from experienced boulderers or trainers. | Slows progress and can lead to bad habits. | Pay attention to feedback and coaching from more experienced boulderers or instructors. The feedback given is meant to improve your techniques and skills, so take it positively and embrace change. |
| Avoiding socialization or isolating yourself from the bouldering community. | Mistakenly assumes that bouldering is only an individual sport. | Connect with other climbers in your gym or online. Join forums or social media communities to expand your knowledge and support network. Volunteering to assist and support community events is also a great way to interact and learn from more experienced boulderers. |
| Neglecting proper training and conditioning techniques. | Increases risk of injury and limits progress. | Consult with experienced trainers or coaches on methods, activities, and exercises that are appropriate for your skill level and goals. Always remember to stretch and warm up properly before each session. |
Note: Bouldering is all about community, and there are plenty of resources and support available if you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, as it can be the key to unlocking your full potential as a climber.
Always Going After The Same Type Of Route Or Problem
It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying the same type of route or problem over and over again. You might be comfortable with that style, but it will also lead you down a road of boredom and stagnation.
If you’re seeing the same types of moves every time, you’ll hit a plateau before long—and then what? You’ll soon find yourself stuck on one specific grade, unable to move past it because there aren’t any routes at that grade level for which you have the skills necessary to succeed.
While it’s true that focusing on your strengths can help improve them even further (see tip #1), it’s important not to ignore other areas.
For instance, if you tend toward difficult routes with big moves but struggle with easier climbs where technique is more important than power, working on those kinds of climbs could give your overall climbing ability an edge by increasing flexibility and balance in addition to strength.
Forgetting To Stretch Before And After Climbing Or Exercising
Stretching your muscles is an important part of staying injury-free while climbing, exercising, or doing yoga.
It helps prevent muscle pulls and cramps by increasing flexibility. Stretching will not only make you feel better by reducing pain, but it can also help you climb harder because it makes your muscles stronger and more flexible.
Before climbing or exercising: Stretch out those legs! Make sure to stretch every time before a workout as well as after so that all the stressors on your body are released before they start building up again (like when you climb without stretching first).
If possible, try doing some light cardio like biking or running beforehand as well; this will warm up the muscles and increase blood flow in preparation for the workout ahead.
After climbing/exercising: Take advantage of post-workout stretching by performing static holds at each joint for 30 seconds each time over a few minutes after finishing up just about anything physical (climbing included!).
This might seem like a lot of time spent stretching but think about how much time would be wasted if something were to happen due to lack thereof it’s worth it!
Letting Fear Get The Best Of You
You’re probably familiar with the feeling of fear before you climb a new route or boulder problem. It’s natural to be nervous when you see something that’s unknown and could potentially be dangerous, but if you’re not careful, fear can hold you back from reaching your full potential.
The key is to figure out how to manage your fear in order to have a successful climbing experience without putting yourself at risk for injury.
I personally have had my fair share of experiences where I’ve felt scared while climbing and had to overcome those feelings in order to finish the climb safely and successfully!
Here are some tips on how I deal with my fears:
Believing That Others Know More Than You Do
I think it’s important to remember that everyone has room to grow. Even the most seasoned climbers have things they can learn from others and new things they can teach, especially when you’re a beginner. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help or advice everyone started out at some point and had to learn what they know now.
If someone offers advice or helps you figure something out, don’t hesitate to accept it. And if someone offers you climbing advice, don’t hesitate in turn!
It’s important that we all work together and share our knowledge with one another so that we all advance as climbers together!
Conclusion
And, most importantly, take the time to analyze your climbing and think about what you did right (or wrong).
If you’re looking to improve your bouldering skills, just remember that there are no shortcuts. It all comes down to hard work and dedication, so go out there and get it done!
Further Reading
Want to learn more about common mistakes in climbing and how to avoid them? Check out these helpful resources:
Common Mistakes Climbing “Gumbies” Make & Other Tips I Wish I Knew: Learn from the author’s personal experience of making mistakes as a climbing novice, and how to avoid them.
50 Common Climbing Mistakes: Climbing magazine’s extensive list of common mistakes, and how to fix them, for climbers of all levels.
Seven Mistakes to Avoid as a New Climber: Understand and prevent the most common mistakes made by new climbers, from technique to gear.
FAQs
What are the most common mistakes in bouldering?
Some common mistakes in bouldering include inadequate warm-up, improper technique, overestimating your abilities, and not using the appropriate gear.
How can I build strength for climbing?
Strength training, especially exercises that engage your core, arms, and legs, can effectively develop your body for climbing.
What kind of gear do I need for bouldering?
Essential gear for bouldering includes a crash pad, climbing shoes, chalk bag, and brush, while other pieces of gear like a chalk bucket and bouldering brush can be useful but not necessary.
How can I prevent injuries while climbing?
To avoid common injuries in climbing, always warm up before climbing, pay attention to your technique and form, and be mindful of your limits and the environment around you.
How do I improve my climbing technique?
Working with a climbing coach, practicing regularly, and receiving feedback from other climbers are great ways to improve your climbing technique. Additionally, observing other climbers and studying climbing literature can be helpful.
Welcome to my blog! I’m Hellen James, and I’m incredibly passionate about rock climbing, bouldering, ice climbing, and mountaineering. Join me as I embark on thrilling adventures, conquer vertical challenges, and share my experiences and insights with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
