Bouldering’s hot. It sizzles. And with the grand opening of The Hive just around the corner, one might say it even stings. OUCH! Feel the burn? You will when you try it…
If you’re new to the sport, here’s the DL: Gym bouldering is essentially rope-free rock climbing. All you need to play are climbing shoes, chalk, and nail clippers.
Once you’ve trimmed and chalked your digits, scour the kaleidoscopic jutting wall for tape marked V0 (the easiest grade). Then, pretend you’re a little crimp monkey and go pull on some plastic!
You’ll find tackling your first bouldering route – or ‘problem’ as we call them – to be a special blend of brains and brawn. The puzzle is in figuring out what limb to place where and in what sequence. The workout comes from dynamic movements and repetition. When it comes to bouldering, persistence pays off.
And ladies, if you stick with it once or twice a week, your arms and abs will get more toned than any Pilates or yoga class. That’s my personal money-back guarantee. (Some restrictions apply, please read the fine print.)
Watch Canada’s top boulderers crush de bloc in this national circuit competition. One of the best ways to get better at the sport is to learn from the best, so charge up your new camera, and make a day of it.
Where and When
Climber’s Rock, Burlington, ON: Jan. 14
Calgary Climbing Centre, Calgary, AB: Jan. 28
Centre d’Escalade Vertical, Montreal, QC: Jan. 28
Coyote Rock Gym, Ottawa, ON: Feb. 11
The Hive, Vancouver, BC: Feb. 11 buzzz
U of A Climbing Gym, Edmonton, AB: Feb. 18
The Edge, Vancouver, BC: Feb. 25
True North Climbing, Toronto, ON: March 10
Altitude Gym, Hull, QC: March 24
Project Climbing Centre, Abbottsford, BC: March 24
©Photos Bonuel Photography
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