Why the Boulder-Climbing Community is So Welcoming
Bouldering is a great way to exercise both body and mind. Working out on the courses helps build muscles while challenging your puzzle-solving skills. And being a part of the boulder climbing community is one of the best social experiences available in sports these days. Yes, bouldering provides a workout for the body, tests the mind, and adds value to your social life. But what is it about bouldering that makes the community so welcoming? Why does a non-team sport provide such strong bonds and friendships?
Safety
There’s safety in numbers, and that’s true even in a solo sport. Bouldering gyms have several safety precautions in place, and you can buy or rent your own safety equipment for on-location climbs. However, the nature of bouldering still proves dangerous. Having a spotter with you is a great way to ensure your safety. A spotter can help you think on the go and adjust your path if it becomes too difficult. They can also help control your fall, so you are less likely to be injured if you have to bail out. The sense of camaraderie that is built by trusting someone else to help protect you is the basis for strong bonds and welcoming communities.
Shared Knowledge
Everyone brings new ideas to the table, and climbers are always eager to learn more. There’s not a lot of competitiveness to bouldering – at least not to the point that climbers keep their tactics a closely-guarded secret. In fact, climbers love to share their workouts, techniques, and paths with others. The sharing of knowledge in the boulder climbing community is a longstanding tradition. Whenever you go for a climb, you can almost always find someone willing to help you with your route if needed. And studying other climbers as they go is a great way to build your own skills.
Non-Climbing Activities
Bouldering gyms are a great place to socialize, even when you aren’t actively climbing. Most gyms offer a variety of events and social gatherings, some of which aren’t related to bouldering in any way. This gives you and other climbers the opportunity to get to know each other beyond the rocks and holds of the sport. By interacting in a non-climbing setting, you build stronger bonds and form great friendships with like-minded individuals. Being part of such a fun and varied community makes welcoming new members easy and exciting.
Getting Involved in the Boulder Climbing Community
If you aren’t already convinced that the boulder climbing community can provide a great source of comfort and social engagement, come on down to Blocworks and see for yourself how welcoming our community can be. Our bouldering gym is a great place to either start or continue your climbing journey. With routes for every climbing level and fun activities abound, you’ll never want to leave. You can visit our gym for a tour at 104 S. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034, or give us a call at 405-225-6090 for more information.