As with any social activity, there is an unspoken code of polite behaviour when it comes to bouldering. Avoid committing a faux-pas by keeping these top 6 bouldering etiquettes in mind.
#1: Be aware of yourself and others
To keep yourself and everyone else safe, always check that your route (also known as "Problems" in bouldering) doesn’t intersect or go near someone else’s problem before you start. Problems can go sideways as well as up! This applies when you’re climbing down too. Not sure which holds belong to a a problem? Familiarise yourself with these bouldering basics.#2: Sharing is caring
Don’t hog the wall! We know it’s very tempting to keep trying a problem especially when you’re close to sending it, but notice when someone else is waiting to climb and give them a go by getting out of the way when you fall. Having a rest will also increase your chances of success next time.#3: Keep yourself and your belongings away from the wall
Always maintain at least 2 metres away from the wall when you’re walking past, and try not to walk underneath archways with holds on them. Keep your chalk and water bottles off the mat as someone could step on them and roll their ankle.#4: Don’t dish out unsolicited beta
Trying to figure out the problem is part of the fun, so don’t give out advice unless someone asks for it.#5: Brushing holds means dibs
Brushing removes the excess chalk on the holds that makes the holds slippery. If you see someone brushing holds on a problem, it means they intend to work on that problem. Let the climber who brushed the hold experience their lovely clean holds first since they've earned it.#6: Support the stoke
Climbers are a friendly bunch. When someone sends a project, everyone gets in on the celebration regardless of the grade, especially if they’ve worked hard for it. Giving some much deserved props to climbers really adds to the good vibes.
Ready to head outdoors? Be mindful of your environmental impact. Check out this article on how to reduce your environmental impact when climbing.
