What is Bouldering?

Bouldering is for everyone!

Bouldering is a style of climbing done close to the ground without the use of ropes and harnesses, and with crash matting for protection. This popular branch of rock climbing practices climbing moves and problem solving skills to move up the wall.

Bouldering is an Olympic Sport!
All three disciplines of rock climbing will feature at the 2020 Olympics: Bouldering, Lead Climbing and Speed Climbing.

Bouldering is a fun and social sport to increase physical fitness and flexibility. Bouldering is a fantastic alternative to the gym - in just 60 minutes you can burn up to 600 calories!

There are many more benefits including -

  • Provides a full body workout
  • Build lean muscle and core strength
  • Improves physical fitness
  • Improves cardio vascular health
  • Improves muscle tone & strength
  • Improves flexibility
  • Focusses the mind & improves concentration for better mental health
  • Builds confidence, self esteem and social skills
  • Weight loss
  • Suitable for any age - there is no upper or lower age limit!
  • It’s fun!

Benefits of bouldering for children

Children have a natural instinct to climb from a young age as they develop their balance, flexibility and co-ordination. Climbing is a fun way for children to increase their physical fitness and burn off excess energy.

Durham Climbing Centre offers a safe environment to practice climbing and develop the five main areas of child development. 

Cognitive Development is the child's ability to learn and solve problems. In bouldering, climbing routes on the wall are known as 'problems'. Problem solving skills are promoted through route reading as children work out sequences of moves to reach the top of the wall. 

Social and emotional development is the child's ability to interact wth others, their ability to help themselves and have self control. Group climbing sessions promote social and emotional development through communication with each other, turn taking and interacting in group activities. 

Speech and language development is the child's ability to to understand and use language. Speaking and listening skills are promoted through listening to instructions from coaches, learning climbing terminology, and interaction through climbing games and activities.

Fine Motor Skills Development is the child's ability to use small muscles, specifically their hands and fingers. Different types of climbing holds offer opportunities to practice different grips therefore developing these skills.

Gross Motor Skills Development is the child's ability to use large muscles. Children learn climbing techniques to push and pull their bodies up the climbing walls using their larger muscles groups.