Bouldering at Høyt Under Taket Skien

What is bouldering?

Bouldering is – put simply – climbing without a rope. Bouldering is a type of climbing that has been popular ever since it was invented in the 1850s. Back then, bouldering was used for play and training – and it still is today! The word "bouldering" comes from the English word "boulder", meaning a block of stone. "Bouldering" therefore became the name of the activity where you climb on large rocks and cliffs without using a rope, with climbing shoes as the only equipment.

Read about bouldering here

Common questions about bouldering

We have both beginners and expert boulderers at our climbing centre. Many people have questions about bouldering, so here we have gathered some of the most important ones for you.

Is bouldering difficult? Absolutely not!

A big advantage of bouldering is that you can start without learning complex knots or taking a course. All you need is climbing shoes and perhaps a little chalk for a better grip, and you're ready to try the bouldering wall.

Is bouldering safe?

Many people wonder whether bouldering is safe. At Høyt Under Taket Skien there are thick mats under every boulder. If you lose your grip or jump down after finishing a boulder, you land softly. PS! We call these mats "crash mats" when bouldering indoors, and "crash pads" when bouldering outdoors.

Why do people say "climb a boulder"?

It's not unusual to hear someone say they're going to "climb a boulder". It's an expression used when you complete a boulder. Climbing a boulder can involve anything from mastering a single, challenging move to completing the whole boulder (the route that has been set).

Is bouldering good exercise?

Absolutely! Bouldering builds core strength and gives you better body awareness and movement control. Bouldering is like a puzzle, where you have to work both mentally and physically. In traditional climbing we call it a "climbing route", while in bouldering it's called a "problem". Each problem requires unique moves and techniques to reach the top. All the body's muscles work at the same time, and you can get both out of breath and sweaty.

How many difficulty grades are there in bouldering?

At Høyt Under Taket Skien we use colour codes so you can choose routes that match your skill level. Each colour represents a difficulty grade on what is called the Fontainebleau scale. For example, a route graded 3 will suit beginners, while a route graded 7 is for the most experienced boulderers.

Indoor bouldering at Høyt Under Taket Skien

Indoor bouldering is an excellent introduction to all forms of climbing! Bouldering is an activity that suits both beginners and more advanced climbers. It's also a social activity where you can bring friends, make new ones, or get to know our instructors better. Our bouldering walls are lower than the climbing walls, which makes it easier to communicate with others while you boulder.

BuldreJam

We absolutely love bouldering! BuldreJam is Høyt Under Taket Skien's own concept where we gather climbers for an informal bouldering competition! At BuldreJam you can get better acquainted with bouldering and other boulderers. There's plenty of room for everyone and lots of opportunities to challenge yourself and have fun!

Keep an eye on our website for the next BuldreJam date.

See you at the next bouldering session!