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Want to start bouldering - how?


By samf - Posted on 08 July 2009

Hey there,

I'm a 25 year old British guy who used to climb as a teenager and is jonezing hard to get back involved. I'd rather do some outdoors stuff but haven't found any decent sources of information yet (apart from this site).

I've been thinking about getting involved with bouldering mainly because it needs less equipment and a old friend used to rave about how fun it is.

Martin's picture

So what exactly are you looking for...outdoor? indoor places? pads? training? tips? all of the above?

Well, I suppose i'm looking for a group or club that I can join so I can start bouldering. Or a group of friendly people who don't mind showing someone new how it's done..

I could just go out to central park and start doing it solo but slightly worried about breaking my neck..

If I have to i'll do indoor bouldering. But to be honest, I think a lot of the fun of outdoors stuff and climbing is the people you do it with, which is why i'm trying to gauge which gym might be the most fun in terms of people. OR if they are any groups who seem like a good bunch of people.

Martin's picture

Nah, you won't break your neck. Go to Rat Rock in Central Park, there's always someone there bouldering. Or go to the gym, strike up a conversation and take it from there. I don't there's a club or meetup group for bouldering. Usually, if you go to a spot long enough, you see the same people.

Yeah, RR is great, and Northern Manhattan (Fort Tryon, etc.) has some good boulders that I've been exploring lately. If you're feeling adventurous once you've gotten back into it at Rat, let me know.