BOULDERING

We are offering beginner bouldering classes for our Winter 2024 session! Please see our home page for schedule.

What is bouldering?

Bouldering is a form of free climbing that is performed on small rock formations or artificial rock walls without the use of ropes or harnesses. The sport was originally a method of training for roped climbs and mountaineering, so climbers could practice specific moves at a safe distance from the ground. Additionally, the sport served to build stamina and increase finger strength.

Beginner (V0-V2)

The Beginner Bouldering class is for students who are projecting routes with a difficulty ranging from V0-V2.

In the beginner level Bouldering class students will learn the fundamental movements and terminologies of climbing. By the end of the 12 week session, athletes will have been exposed to terms such as “dynamic movement”, “static movement”, “flash”, “beta”, “flagging”, and “projecting”. The names of the rock holds will also be taught so that athletes can communicate with each other about the holds seen on the wall, (crimps, jugs, pockets, pinches, etc.). Participants will be introduced to “projecting”, and how to make progress on a climbing route that may not be possible in just a few attempts.

Each class will consist of a group warmup, (which will often be a game), group conditioning, learning activities, individual projecting time, and free time. The majority of the class will take place on our new bouldering wall, but students will occasionally move to the ninja warrior floor to test their climbing skills in a more urban and dynamic environment.

Sections of the Bouldering wall will be reset every week, so students can expect a new challenge each class! Some of the harder problems may be left up for an extra week or two so that students can continue working on a climb that they weren’t able to complete during the previous week.


Intermediate (V3-V4)

The Intermediate Bouldering class is for students who are projecting routes with a difficulty ranging from V3-V4.

Climbing routes that are graded V3-V4 are more difficult as they often include bigger jumps, longer reaches, smaller holds, longer climbs, and more intricate solutions to get to the top of the wall. Students in the Intermediate class will continue developing their capabilities of static (slow) and dynamic (fast) movement with harder climbing routes. Athletes will have a lot more time for individual projecting in this class, and they will be encouraged to “flash” as many routes as possible each class. (Flash: complete a climb on the first attempt).

Intermediate climbers will be taught how to figure out the sequence of moves necessary to complete a climb on their own. This sequence of moves is called the “beta”, and at this level, students will be encouraged to share their own beta with other climbers to help them complete their projects. Students’ climbing vocabularies will grow with the exposure to terms such as “undercling”, “mantle”, “dyno”, “toe hook”, “gaston”, “cross”, and more, thus facilitating the group effort of beta-sharing and teamwork.

In order to climb routes that are graded higher on the “V” scale, climbers will need to improve their grip strength, finger strength, coordination, flexibility, and overall upper body strength. Group conditioning will become more intense so that students can gain the strength needed to complete their projects, climb harder grades, progress towards the advanced class, and thrive in SMC’s climbing competitions.

Students in the Intermediate class will have the opportunity to participate in mock competitions that will prepare them climbing competitions hosted by SMC.


Advanced (V5+)

The Advanced Bouldering class is for students who are projecting routes with a difficulty of V5 or higher.

When routes are graded with a difficulty of V5 or higher, the holds are often “pretty bad”, and hard to move past. Sometimes, the climber has no idea how to even approach a V5, because the bouldering problems at this level can resemble an intricate puzzle of movement. Advanced classes will consist mostly of individual projecting time, where students will try their best to solve the new puzzles that have been put up on the wall for them. There will also be a bigger emphasis on “flashing” as many routes as possible each class, (completing a climb on the first attempt).

Students in this class will have the opportunity to try complete the hardest climb that they can. For example: If a climber wants to complete a route that is graded V6, then a coach will put up a problem on the wall that is graded V6. The coach will then show the student the intended beta and give them tips to help them complete it.

Students in the advanced class will be encouraged to compete in bouldering competitions hosted by SMC, as they will have a very high chance of making it to the finals, and even finishing with a spot on the podium.


FAQ:

Q: Do students need specific rock climbing shoes?
A: Nope. Specific rock climbing shoes help with careful foot placement on small foot holds, but the majority of the climbing routes that will be set here at Serratus will be done with the understanding that not everybody has access to these specific shoes, (which can be quite expensive).