Bouldering Skills

Alpine bouldering requires way more effort and consideration than a casual day at your roadside rocks.

From the print archive: "Having one leg created new balance points, and understanding them was crucial for progressing to the point where I am able to climb routes now that I wasn’t able to climb pre-accident."

It seems simple in theory—throw your heel around a hold or feature to use those powerful leg muscles to pull you into the wall—but it’s much more nuanced in practice. Here's how to perfect it.

Bad landings, bad spotters, a fear of falling that makes you more likely to fall—don't make bouldering more dangerous than necessary.

Understanding how to climb a boulder before stepping on is crucial to (a) maximizing the usefulness of each effort and (b) sending fast. Nina Williams shares tips for how to visualize a boulder problem and break it down into small, easily digestible parts.

Check out David Flanagan's author page.

Almost every climber has ambitions, but often we simply don’t know how to move forward or at what pace—and so, perhaps, we plateau. Fortunately, there are five simple ways to track your goals and encourage steady progress.

Is it true that the most effective way to improve your climbing is to simply climb? Yes. At least up to a certain point.

Don't just stand there—spot!

Check out Nina Williams's author page.

Check out Nina Williams's author page.

Expert advice for climbing tall boulders