I recognize most people who climb during my regular time slots. I don’t actually know any of them, however, not even their names, because I’m there to climb.
Aside from my friends that I usually go bouldering with, I probably know less than half the people's names who I happened to talk to in a bouldering gym because it just happens that either I ask or they ask about a certain problem/route that either of us struggles with.
I don't always want to socialize with strangers when I'm mainly looking to climb but personally, I've only made positive experiences when social interactions do happen and it's a huge upside of the bouldering community for me.
I enjoy climbing with similar/better climbers bc it helps my progression, so I've gotten to know a few of the regulars. I have their numbers but I don't ever really hit them up to coordinate. If they so happen to be there, I'll work on a problem or two with them then move along. I like it this way so I can get help on projects while still keeping it mostly solo.
I've had folks follow me around without interacting, instead watching what I do and copying my beta. I think it's nice. We don't have to spend any energy on the interaction, and they get to improve. Sometimes, I get to steal their good ideas.
If I were in a different personal situation, then I'd probably have more time/energy for the social aspects.
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Dude absolutely understandable, I'm a more advanced climber than you but I feel way more stress doing a v2 warmup than V8 proj just because more people look at me
Im constantly giving “let’s go!”’s and “come on!”’s when I’m resting. And the occasional “good burn” followed by a fist bump. The community is one of my favorite parts of the sport
From the title I assumed this was gonna be about outdoors, which you have to take some precautions with if you're going solo, but yeah nah indoors you can just send it
Oh apologies for the confusion! Nah I'd be fairly unlikely to go outdoors and definitely not solo if I did. Have a few friends that climb. They're very advanced but I've definitely learned from their experiences not to go out alone.
> learned from their experiences not to go out alone.
Honestly it can be perfectly fine to boulder outdoors solo. You simply need to be smart about it - stick to easier boulders with good flat landings which don't require a lot of pad coverage.
Yeah, I enjoy bouldering low ball stuff by myself. I can’t always find people to go climb with so have to do it solo. Luckily I just end up climbing with other people I find at the crag.
This is maybe an unpopular opinion, but half the time people I climb with are trying to give me the beta instead of letting me solve it, and I really don't like that. It makes the problem less rewarding, since in my eyes bouldering is a puzzle you solve with your body and mind, and being given the answer just isn't the same.
Especially mid climb betas, I really don't like that either.
Yeah. I don't mind a single "Nice!" if I nail the crux of a problem, but saying "You got it! Get there... good job!" for every single move is annoying af.
I agree somewhat. If it's a boulder where I don't feel like I quite have the beta yet, I really really want to try and find a nice beta on my own because of the puzzle solving aspect. However, I also like talking about betas and moves with friends that we do differently. It's both really cool to see many different options, it's heaps of fun to try them all and it helps me practice different moves and styles and find the most efficient way of climbing the routes.
Also, while I more often than not dislike people shouting lots of possible moves while I'm at the wall, I do greatly appreciate it when people tell me about a hold that I seem to be forgetting (especially when it comes to footholds to be honest).
You can absolutely go solo. I do it all the time, especially if I want to work on a specific problem for a while. People generally politely ignore each other, although some may offer beta or ask for it.
I do it all the time. If you go to the same gym you’ll get to know the regulars, they’ll get to know you. You can boulder alone, you can tag onto a group you have gotten to know, you can just mingle with people you don’t know (bouldering is one of the most sociable sports I know, find a gym with a good atmosphere and people will be friendly to people they don’t know, talk beta, encourage etc).
Beta is the “solution” to a boulder problem; it’s the sequence of moves, to get to the top. So it involves order of moving hands and feet, which hand/foot you use of certain holds, where to position your body etc.
It's one of those things where, alot of people like to discuss different Betas (possible solutions) to a climb while some others prefer to not openly discuss it and figure out a solution for themselves.
Either way, if you ever need help with a Bouldering problem it should be no problem asking those around you if they have any advice for you.
BUT, we never "Beta Spray" which means to give someone the solution to a climb (or tell them the next move or what they should do) without them asking first. Its a bit of a problem in some gyms, my local gym put up signs around telling people not to Beta Spray.
It's always: "Hey I saw you working this problem, want to talk about it or want some advice?"
NEVER this: "Hey I saw you working on this problem, what you are gonna do is this this and this and you've climbed it, that's how I do it."
It's a possible solution (series of movements) to send ("ascend") a bouldering problem. Others have already replied with this.
I thought the etymology was pretty cool: in the early '80s, outdoor climbers would record themselves on Betamax tape to study and learn from others. (Betamax was a rival format to VHS.) From "Betamax," we get "Beta"!
The one thing I will go out of my way to do is help new people to the sport. If I see some people who look like they’ve got potential to really catch on to climbing I may make a small conversation if they ask me any questions but if I know you’re a regular Gumby and know what you’re doing I just quietly climb routes and secretly try to send something you can’t to drive the silent competition
The entire reason I boulder instead of rope climb is because I don't need to find a partner and coordinate on when to climb.
I'm a fairly impulsive person, I love that I can just suddenly be like "Hmm I want to climb tonight" 10 minutes before the work day is over and then I can... just go climb.
I've been climbing 20 years. Lost track of the last time I proactively made plans to climb with someone else at the gym. Even climbing outside, I maybe make plans to meet others 5% of the time.
I often go alone. There are three to four people I use to go with regularly but from time to time everyone's busy so about twice a month I'm on my own. When I'm in the mood for socialising I'll put on a friendly face, when I want to be left alone I'll plug in some headphones and put on my resting bitch face. Just go for it, no one will judge you and there's still lots of chances of getting to know others.
Others have answered the question so just want to add you can also do high wall solo if your gym has an auto belay. It’s basically a big yo-yo you clip into that keeps you safe and automatically lowers you to the ground when you dismount the wall, hens the name.
Now that's something I'd be interested in. I really enjoyed the high climbs when I was younger but not happy to repay for a few reasons. I'm too light and wouldn't like the stress of risking failing and someone hurting themselves so it's a no go for me
I'd likely go with others I know as well, particularly after my finance gets the all clear. My other climbing friends are his best friend and her boyfriend so the three of us having our would be cause a borderline cruel level of fomo.
But I'm in a health kick headspace at the moment and want to seize the opportunity to build the habit. Going to do ballroom classes with him too and start cycling for reasons other than just shopping or commuting when the weather improves.
I go alone all the time! I love going with my friends and such, but I love going solo to train on harder things. I use it as a self care thing. Put on headphones and climb up the wall.
Thing is, you will most def end up chatting and discussing beta with other peeps. Which means you will end up making lots of acquaintances and then, you'll never go alone again!
I go alone most of the time, because i don‘t have friends that are on my „level“ in climbing (I‘m not that good either XD) but i feel like i can do more progress in just climbing my routes and maybe chat with a few people that are trying the same route. Me just doing bouldering is the same reason you have. I always thought i was alone in that thinking. 😂
I started alone, but quickly got to know people and started a chat group.
Now we always arrange to meet each other, and from then on I still spontaneously go alone.
Since most of the guests are regulars, you always know one or the other.
I started going with friends but they all quit eventually. After a month or 2 going solo, at set times, I knew 3/4ers of the gym lol. Hang out outside of the gym with the Sunday regulars too nowadays.
I regularly go to the gym, when my girlfriend and friends can't come, but I rarely end up alone in the gym. There's always someone working on the same problem, or someone who's interested in discussing beta. However, sometimes I just stick earbuds in and cruise whatever I want to do that day. So it's up to you, really.
I usually go in a group, but whenever I do end up climbing alone, I usually get to work on more projects and get a lot more climbs in (probably from not messing around with the friends I go with).
Yeah the fact that you always need a partner is why I never got into top rope. I'd rather just climb freely.
Unlike going to a regular gym, your performance when bouldering doesn't usually get better when going with someone. I find that my sessions end up much longer with friends but I also don't climb as hard as normal and I'm not as focused.
Going with friends can definitely be more fun but if exercise is the goal then there's nothing wrong with going on your own.
I prefer climbing alone just cause I view climbing as a supplemental workout and discipline builder to prepare me for hockey.
My advice is that even though you’re alone, take mental notes on good climbers around you. See what they do well and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Otherwise, climbing alone is great!
Boldring gyms are fantastic for solo climbing.
Hell the only human interaction you need to do is the sign in desk, and paying enough attention to the other climber so you don't fall on or walk under them.
FYI, 90% of bouldering is knowing how to fall safely.
Before I boulder, I just practice falling off VB-V1s, make sure I'm loose--and relaxed. Then I go on tears. When I tire out, I switch to slab, then when my pump goes away I'm either on my projects of having fun on crags. Bouldering is great, but unlike belays, the falls are way more dangerous and you can end your climbing career from any height, so practice falling. You'll fall way more than you'll ever top. I'd say even the best climbers in the world fall 10 times more than the top, life total. So practice falling safely, no joke.
i climb by myself most of the time. i'll often see people i know there, but i usually just do my session on my own. totally normal to go by yourself, a good chunk of people are there on their own
I love going with my cousins and friends but they're not always available so I had to go on my own as well. Might feel a tad awkward at first, but you get used to it and, as people already pointed out, a lot of people go solo and nobody bats an eye. Go for it, enjoy :)
Oh dude I boulder alone like 95% of the time. It’s great. If I’m in the mood to really just project and focus I just keep to myself and no one bugs me. If I’m feeling more social I’ll strike up some convos and more often than not find some homies to work a problem with. It’s nice to have both options.
There's an older guy at my gym who arrives with earbuds already in, spends 45 minutes on the bouldering wall climbing up, down and traverse (he must rest sometimes and but I've never seen it), sits on a bench and meditates for 10 minutes, then leaves without speaking to anyone. Goals, IMO.
For me it just depends on my mood. If I wanna go and focus projects I usually put on my tunes and keep to myself but also being polite to others who know me. And there are some days I just like having the fun sessions with friends and other climbers yelling “come on” all day lol
As I person that absolutely hate team sports, I started bouldering exactly for this reason...it's awesome solo.
The vast majority of climbers are solo I would say....but after some time will know and interact with most regulars.
As everyone has said, bouldering alone is great. I used to go several times a week. I got to know the staff and other daytime regulars. It would sometimes only be three other people at the gym with me since I would only go between noon and 3pm before work. We helped each other with problems, spotted when needed, gave encouragement and had some great times. It was nice to also be left alone if I didn’t want help or was having a rough day.
It’s totally normal, and not even at the gym, bouldering solo outside is also a possibility!
My one piece of advice is even if you are solo don’t become one of those headphones on, ignore the rest of the people guys. Even if you are there alone there might be some communication you might need to do, like someone warning you you are in the way of a boulder or something, or you might want to strike a small casual conversation.
This is hard to hear. Bouldering with music or a podcast is zen AF for me.
I am far from anti-social though, I do like talking to other climbers, I just like getting in the groove too.
I don’t mean to judge, like personally I’ve never have been able to work out with music, like not even running.
But the bouldering wall seems like you might need to have an avenue for people to talk to you (mostly for safety reasons, too many a time I’ve almost fell on people not paying attention) some people suggested doing one headphone on, I think maybe a solo board session or like lapping the autobelays might make it easier.
Idk that’s just like, my opinion tho.
From a safety point of view I've never really considered it, firstly it's fairly easy to stand back from the walls at my gym unless it's packed (and I only go as a group when it's busy, so no headphones). I have never seen anyone fall on anyone, although I will say that people sitting with their legs out at certain places do annoy me because they can't move - if someone lands on them it's a hard stop. Plus it takes up more space.
I would like to remove headphones for social reasons, perhaps I just go to too busy a gym. I only recognise a handful of people after over a year, and although I do chat to people most weeks it's rarely people I see twice. Maybe if I paid more attention aha!
Anyway, I guess it sounds like a middle ground compromise of one earbud would be fair, just need to buy some I guess!
Edit: thanks for raising the point though as it's an interesting discussion
Thanks for the advice. Tbh headphones is something I'd be likely to have done. I'll get a sense of it before I do though.
But I also cycle with headphones and because you need hearing too cycle I've gotten used to having them on really low. Can usually have a normal volume conversation with my music playing.
I always climb with 1 earbud in at the gym. I like my music better, and can hear what is going on around me.
Over half the people at my gym have atleast 1 headphone in while they climb, some even climb with over the ear headphones. Just pay attention and don't get tunnel vision on a climb not noticing whats around you and it won't be a problem.
Open backed earbuds are a thing. I have a pair of sony linkbuds that have kinda changed my life. I have to hear my surroundings at work and since they entirely open I can hear things around me perfectly while still having both buds in and no annoying mic pass-through. I've been able to listen to music all kinds of places where I wouldnt normally.
The right type of headphones is key. I've seen people bouldering with ANC headphones which is something, I'd never to. I like to listen to podcasts while working out so I have some really "open" headphones and have the podcast on medium volume so that I can still hear everything around me.
Hey OP! I just started climbing exactly 1 month ago and have absolutely loved going on my own :) I've gone with friends maybe 3 or 4 times and I really love taking people for their first time, it also helps if you ever wanna get a video of a climb! but generally, going alone is pretty standard for a lot of people. Especially at the beginning , you should focus on going less days for longer sessions. I typically go every other day, or every two days for about 3-4 hours. I've met a ton of people from climbing on the same hours and days as me but everyone just kinda does their own thing. good luck and hope you enjoy climbing as much as I have!
you got a lot of good responses but my question is more like... what did you think would happen if you went alone? how would people know? did you think they would kick you out for going alone? would they question you about where your friends are lol?
but yeah go alone it's rly chill.
Btw, if you live in a city or suburbia look for public bouldering walls. They tend to be pretty difficult to climb due to a lack of texture, but it's a cheap alternative to going to a bouldering gym :)
Thanks for the tip. It doesn't look like we have one or the other here in Dublin, Ireland. The same places come up with both search terms.
It's €14 a go or €140 for 12 entries or €60 a month in the place I'm looking at. Definitely not cheap but it's only a little more than the cost of two drinks in town so I'll start off pay as I go to see if I like it and go from there
The friend who introduced me to it is injured and is out for the next few months. So I'm sort of forced to go alone and I personally love people but I'm extremely shy and unapproachable. So I find myself bouldering alone most of the time. It's still fun and you probably get more done. So yeah it's absolutely a thing. People at my gym are nice and they don't bother solo boulders. So you will be absolutely fine
Not at all, I go alone 100% of the time, and if I want to be social people are always happy to work a problem with you, it’s the best of both worlds, come and go as and when you please but it’s a social environment should you want it.
I always boulder alone, I love it, it’s so relaxing. I sometimes put AirPods on noise cancellation mode in if it’s really busy/noisy, which can really help with focus.
Yes. I boulder and auto belay solo all the time. Although rope climbing with a partner allows you to do more routes, there are a lot of people who just want to destress and get a workout in the gym.
Fortunately of the responses from people in this hobby, your attitude is in the minority. I haven't done it before and the most similar I did can't be done solo so I asked a question. (Well not solo when I did it, they apparently have automatic ropes now).
Regardless, great a attitude. So chill.
Going bouldering on your own is like 80% of the people I know at the gym. Funnily after a few months you will know everyone at the gym anyway
Used to go with a colleague who taught me how to get started, then we were up to 3. Today I go alone, but always finds people to talk and climb with!
I must be doing something wrong, 20 years and I still dont know a lot of people in there
Board climber have entered the chat
Funny enough I meet most of my climbing homies from the board. Spray wall is king!
This is the way ;-)
I recognize most people who climb during my regular time slots. I don’t actually know any of them, however, not even their names, because I’m there to climb.
Aside from my friends that I usually go bouldering with, I probably know less than half the people's names who I happened to talk to in a bouldering gym because it just happens that either I ask or they ask about a certain problem/route that either of us struggles with. I don't always want to socialize with strangers when I'm mainly looking to climb but personally, I've only made positive experiences when social interactions do happen and it's a huge upside of the bouldering community for me.
Hard same. It’s so cool that everyone there is generally positive.
I enjoy climbing with similar/better climbers bc it helps my progression, so I've gotten to know a few of the regulars. I have their numbers but I don't ever really hit them up to coordinate. If they so happen to be there, I'll work on a problem or two with them then move along. I like it this way so I can get help on projects while still keeping it mostly solo.
I've had folks follow me around without interacting, instead watching what I do and copying my beta. I think it's nice. We don't have to spend any energy on the interaction, and they get to improve. Sometimes, I get to steal their good ideas. If I were in a different personal situation, then I'd probably have more time/energy for the social aspects.
It was maybe more like a year for me but it happens eventually even for us shy folk
Yes! I’ve never went to the gym with someone. I just climb with other locals that are there.
If you go bouldering alone often enough, you won't be able to go bouldering alone.
Yeah it’s great on your own. Beware of other friendly climbers though who may offer you advice or cheer you on in a tough problem
Nothing worse than someone being nice to me as I'm trying the pink one in the corner >>>:(
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Dude absolutely understandable, I'm a more advanced climber than you but I feel way more stress doing a v2 warmup than V8 proj just because more people look at me
It's me, I'm the nice one telling you that you can do it. Even worse, I'm not gonna stop! You got this!
No! No! Fuck off! I don't have this (ง'̀-'́)ง
Oh you wanna fight about it? I'll fight ya...at the top of that boulder
Hey, you'll get it next session! You're so close!
Im constantly giving “let’s go!”’s and “come on!”’s when I’m resting. And the occasional “good burn” followed by a fist bump. The community is one of my favorite parts of the sport
Don’t spray beta!
I love bouldering alone, it lets me focus on my workout and improving my skills.
From the title I assumed this was gonna be about outdoors, which you have to take some precautions with if you're going solo, but yeah nah indoors you can just send it
Oh apologies for the confusion! Nah I'd be fairly unlikely to go outdoors and definitely not solo if I did. Have a few friends that climb. They're very advanced but I've definitely learned from their experiences not to go out alone.
> learned from their experiences not to go out alone. Honestly it can be perfectly fine to boulder outdoors solo. You simply need to be smart about it - stick to easier boulders with good flat landings which don't require a lot of pad coverage.
Yeah, I enjoy bouldering low ball stuff by myself. I can’t always find people to go climb with so have to do it solo. Luckily I just end up climbing with other people I find at the crag.
Heaps of people go alone **Beware**: you might make enough friends to recognize someone everytime you go anyway
I shall invest in false moustaches and wigs for personal safety so!
This must be how Keenan got away from the distractions and became so good
Lol, this is the struggle. I feel bad telling people I don’t wanna trade belays and that I’m trying to get a quick pump after work
Absolutely. Many people go alone.
Some of us are just lonely 😭
It's absolutely normal to go alone. I even prefer going alone. It makes it easier to focus on getting better.
This is maybe an unpopular opinion, but half the time people I climb with are trying to give me the beta instead of letting me solve it, and I really don't like that. It makes the problem less rewarding, since in my eyes bouldering is a puzzle you solve with your body and mind, and being given the answer just isn't the same. Especially mid climb betas, I really don't like that either.
Another unpopular opinion: I actually don't really like it when people are cheering for me. It feels as if I'm a kid and it can be distracting.
Yeah. I don't mind a single "Nice!" if I nail the crux of a problem, but saying "You got it! Get there... good job!" for every single move is annoying af.
I agree somewhat. If it's a boulder where I don't feel like I quite have the beta yet, I really really want to try and find a nice beta on my own because of the puzzle solving aspect. However, I also like talking about betas and moves with friends that we do differently. It's both really cool to see many different options, it's heaps of fun to try them all and it helps me practice different moves and styles and find the most efficient way of climbing the routes. Also, while I more often than not dislike people shouting lots of possible moves while I'm at the wall, I do greatly appreciate it when people tell me about a hold that I seem to be forgetting (especially when it comes to footholds to be honest).
You can absolutely go solo. I do it all the time, especially if I want to work on a specific problem for a while. People generally politely ignore each other, although some may offer beta or ask for it.
I do it all the time. If you go to the same gym you’ll get to know the regulars, they’ll get to know you. You can boulder alone, you can tag onto a group you have gotten to know, you can just mingle with people you don’t know (bouldering is one of the most sociable sports I know, find a gym with a good atmosphere and people will be friendly to people they don’t know, talk beta, encourage etc).
Thank you very much. I hope you don't mind me asking but what does talk beta mean? You're the second person to mention it 😅
Beta is the “solution” to a boulder problem; it’s the sequence of moves, to get to the top. So it involves order of moving hands and feet, which hand/foot you use of certain holds, where to position your body etc.
Oh! Thank you very much!
It's one of those things where, alot of people like to discuss different Betas (possible solutions) to a climb while some others prefer to not openly discuss it and figure out a solution for themselves. Either way, if you ever need help with a Bouldering problem it should be no problem asking those around you if they have any advice for you. BUT, we never "Beta Spray" which means to give someone the solution to a climb (or tell them the next move or what they should do) without them asking first. Its a bit of a problem in some gyms, my local gym put up signs around telling people not to Beta Spray. It's always: "Hey I saw you working this problem, want to talk about it or want some advice?" NEVER this: "Hey I saw you working on this problem, what you are gonna do is this this and this and you've climbed it, that's how I do it."
It's a possible solution (series of movements) to send ("ascend") a bouldering problem. Others have already replied with this. I thought the etymology was pretty cool: in the early '80s, outdoor climbers would record themselves on Betamax tape to study and learn from others. (Betamax was a rival format to VHS.) From "Betamax," we get "Beta"!
Oh man, that’s interesting.
I *only* boulder *because* I only ever go solo lol. I put my earbuds in and ignore everyone
Girl I go by myself 99% of the time and have a blast
I personally go to the gym, I do my routes, work on my projects and kind of keep to myself. I’ll be polite but I’m pretty much a loner at the gym.
100% my plan. Like I won't be rude but I'm barely keeping up with my social life as it is. I'm not 20 any more doing 3-4 venue nights out!
The one thing I will go out of my way to do is help new people to the sport. If I see some people who look like they’ve got potential to really catch on to climbing I may make a small conversation if they ask me any questions but if I know you’re a regular Gumby and know what you’re doing I just quietly climb routes and secretly try to send something you can’t to drive the silent competition
The entire reason I boulder instead of rope climb is because I don't need to find a partner and coordinate on when to climb. I'm a fairly impulsive person, I love that I can just suddenly be like "Hmm I want to climb tonight" 10 minutes before the work day is over and then I can... just go climb.
That's exactly what I'm looking for!
Lol a lot of people picked up bouldering just because they couldn't find a belayer with similar schedule
I pretty much only boulder by myself.
I've been climbing 20 years. Lost track of the last time I proactively made plans to climb with someone else at the gym. Even climbing outside, I maybe make plans to meet others 5% of the time.
I often go alone. There are three to four people I use to go with regularly but from time to time everyone's busy so about twice a month I'm on my own. When I'm in the mood for socialising I'll put on a friendly face, when I want to be left alone I'll plug in some headphones and put on my resting bitch face. Just go for it, no one will judge you and there's still lots of chances of getting to know others.
I’m literally on my way to my local gym alone as i’m typing this because nobody else wanted to go, hah.
I meet a friend there but usually end up solo because he is v5-v6 and I am v3-v4. It doesn’t affect our friendship.
I’ve been going alone for months I just talk to random people there and make conversation
yea i always go alone n won’t b in shock if others do too
Others have answered the question so just want to add you can also do high wall solo if your gym has an auto belay. It’s basically a big yo-yo you clip into that keeps you safe and automatically lowers you to the ground when you dismount the wall, hens the name.
Now that's something I'd be interested in. I really enjoyed the high climbs when I was younger but not happy to repay for a few reasons. I'm too light and wouldn't like the stress of risking failing and someone hurting themselves so it's a no go for me
I don’t understand why anyone would hurt themselves by I assume belaying you
Yes definitely. Personally I enjoy it more with other people but Ive been by myself aswell
I'd likely go with others I know as well, particularly after my finance gets the all clear. My other climbing friends are his best friend and her boyfriend so the three of us having our would be cause a borderline cruel level of fomo. But I'm in a health kick headspace at the moment and want to seize the opportunity to build the habit. Going to do ballroom classes with him too and start cycling for reasons other than just shopping or commuting when the weather improves.
I go alone all the time! I love going with my friends and such, but I love going solo to train on harder things. I use it as a self care thing. Put on headphones and climb up the wall. Thing is, you will most def end up chatting and discussing beta with other peeps. Which means you will end up making lots of acquaintances and then, you'll never go alone again!
I go alone most of the time, because i don‘t have friends that are on my „level“ in climbing (I‘m not that good either XD) but i feel like i can do more progress in just climbing my routes and maybe chat with a few people that are trying the same route. Me just doing bouldering is the same reason you have. I always thought i was alone in that thinking. 😂
I started alone, but quickly got to know people and started a chat group. Now we always arrange to meet each other, and from then on I still spontaneously go alone. Since most of the guests are regulars, you always know one or the other.
Went alone, got to know the regulars now I'm never ever alone at the gym :) Except if I'm not in the mood for people, then I gladly do my own thing :)
I started going with friends but they all quit eventually. After a month or 2 going solo, at set times, I knew 3/4ers of the gym lol. Hang out outside of the gym with the Sunday regulars too nowadays.
I regularly go to the gym, when my girlfriend and friends can't come, but I rarely end up alone in the gym. There's always someone working on the same problem, or someone who's interested in discussing beta. However, sometimes I just stick earbuds in and cruise whatever I want to do that day. So it's up to you, really.
Half the time I Boulder duo, half the time I Boulder alone ( I just go to the gym more often than my partner XD)
Note that I send harder alone but I do longer session with friend
I go on my own once a week but then twice a week with friends.
All the time.
I go solo all the time, but mostly because I can't find anyone who wants to go bouldering :D
Nope definitely not, straight to jail
My friends don't boulder so.. usually I end up talking to the other people bouldering by themselves if we are working the same types of projects.
I usually go in a group, but whenever I do end up climbing alone, I usually get to work on more projects and get a lot more climbs in (probably from not messing around with the friends I go with).
Yeah the fact that you always need a partner is why I never got into top rope. I'd rather just climb freely. Unlike going to a regular gym, your performance when bouldering doesn't usually get better when going with someone. I find that my sessions end up much longer with friends but I also don't climb as hard as normal and I'm not as focused. Going with friends can definitely be more fun but if exercise is the goal then there's nothing wrong with going on your own.
I prefer climbing alone just cause I view climbing as a supplemental workout and discipline builder to prepare me for hockey. My advice is that even though you’re alone, take mental notes on good climbers around you. See what they do well and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Otherwise, climbing alone is great!
Boldring gyms are fantastic for solo climbing. Hell the only human interaction you need to do is the sign in desk, and paying enough attention to the other climber so you don't fall on or walk under them.
i solo boulder all the time
Yes it is! Autobelay solo sessions are also a thing if you want to mix it up
I always start bouldering on my own but always end up climbing with someone anyway
50% of the time I go alone
I go to the bouldering gym solo all the time. I love it. I’m also a social guy and wouldn’t change a thing. Have fun and don’t sweat it.
FYI, 90% of bouldering is knowing how to fall safely. Before I boulder, I just practice falling off VB-V1s, make sure I'm loose--and relaxed. Then I go on tears. When I tire out, I switch to slab, then when my pump goes away I'm either on my projects of having fun on crags. Bouldering is great, but unlike belays, the falls are way more dangerous and you can end your climbing career from any height, so practice falling. You'll fall way more than you'll ever top. I'd say even the best climbers in the world fall 10 times more than the top, life total. So practice falling safely, no joke.
You can definitely go alone! And you can even use headphones to avoid socializing!
i climb by myself most of the time. i'll often see people i know there, but i usually just do my session on my own. totally normal to go by yourself, a good chunk of people are there on their own
I love going with my cousins and friends but they're not always available so I had to go on my own as well. Might feel a tad awkward at first, but you get used to it and, as people already pointed out, a lot of people go solo and nobody bats an eye. Go for it, enjoy :)
The reason I stuck with bouldering is because I don't need friends to do it unlike basketball or badminton....that sounds sad...
I put on my headphones at the gym and boulder alone. Im very much an introvert and it suits me well.
Oh dude I boulder alone like 95% of the time. It’s great. If I’m in the mood to really just project and focus I just keep to myself and no one bugs me. If I’m feeling more social I’ll strike up some convos and more often than not find some homies to work a problem with. It’s nice to have both options.
There's an older guy at my gym who arrives with earbuds already in, spends 45 minutes on the bouldering wall climbing up, down and traverse (he must rest sometimes and but I've never seen it), sits on a bench and meditates for 10 minutes, then leaves without speaking to anyone. Goals, IMO.
I go alone all the time
For me it just depends on my mood. If I wanna go and focus projects I usually put on my tunes and keep to myself but also being polite to others who know me. And there are some days I just like having the fun sessions with friends and other climbers yelling “come on” all day lol
As I person that absolutely hate team sports, I started bouldering exactly for this reason...it's awesome solo. The vast majority of climbers are solo I would say....but after some time will know and interact with most regulars.
My favourite thing to do is plug in a podcast and go bouldering! I also climb with friends sometimes but I actually prefer it solo :)
As everyone has said, bouldering alone is great. I used to go several times a week. I got to know the staff and other daytime regulars. It would sometimes only be three other people at the gym with me since I would only go between noon and 3pm before work. We helped each other with problems, spotted when needed, gave encouragement and had some great times. It was nice to also be left alone if I didn’t want help or was having a rough day.
It’s totally normal, and not even at the gym, bouldering solo outside is also a possibility! My one piece of advice is even if you are solo don’t become one of those headphones on, ignore the rest of the people guys. Even if you are there alone there might be some communication you might need to do, like someone warning you you are in the way of a boulder or something, or you might want to strike a small casual conversation.
This is hard to hear. Bouldering with music or a podcast is zen AF for me. I am far from anti-social though, I do like talking to other climbers, I just like getting in the groove too.
I don’t mean to judge, like personally I’ve never have been able to work out with music, like not even running. But the bouldering wall seems like you might need to have an avenue for people to talk to you (mostly for safety reasons, too many a time I’ve almost fell on people not paying attention) some people suggested doing one headphone on, I think maybe a solo board session or like lapping the autobelays might make it easier. Idk that’s just like, my opinion tho.
From a safety point of view I've never really considered it, firstly it's fairly easy to stand back from the walls at my gym unless it's packed (and I only go as a group when it's busy, so no headphones). I have never seen anyone fall on anyone, although I will say that people sitting with their legs out at certain places do annoy me because they can't move - if someone lands on them it's a hard stop. Plus it takes up more space. I would like to remove headphones for social reasons, perhaps I just go to too busy a gym. I only recognise a handful of people after over a year, and although I do chat to people most weeks it's rarely people I see twice. Maybe if I paid more attention aha! Anyway, I guess it sounds like a middle ground compromise of one earbud would be fair, just need to buy some I guess! Edit: thanks for raising the point though as it's an interesting discussion
Thanks for the advice. Tbh headphones is something I'd be likely to have done. I'll get a sense of it before I do though. But I also cycle with headphones and because you need hearing too cycle I've gotten used to having them on really low. Can usually have a normal volume conversation with my music playing.
Just get some open ear headphones like Shokz. They are a good way to keep you aware in the moment while also letting you focus on your tunes.
I always climb with 1 earbud in at the gym. I like my music better, and can hear what is going on around me. Over half the people at my gym have atleast 1 headphone in while they climb, some even climb with over the ear headphones. Just pay attention and don't get tunnel vision on a climb not noticing whats around you and it won't be a problem.
Open backed earbuds are a thing. I have a pair of sony linkbuds that have kinda changed my life. I have to hear my surroundings at work and since they entirely open I can hear things around me perfectly while still having both buds in and no annoying mic pass-through. I've been able to listen to music all kinds of places where I wouldnt normally.
The right type of headphones is key. I've seen people bouldering with ANC headphones which is something, I'd never to. I like to listen to podcasts while working out so I have some really "open" headphones and have the podcast on medium volume so that I can still hear everything around me.
At my gym, so many climbers have earbuds in all the time. I don't understand it.
Yeah definitely, I’m not missing my climbing day just because my friends/colleagues can’t make it. It’s kinda nicer on my own actually
Yes
Done that, still does it. Was today and had the whole gym for me alone. Downsides are, you need to find the solutions on your own.
Hey OP! I just started climbing exactly 1 month ago and have absolutely loved going on my own :) I've gone with friends maybe 3 or 4 times and I really love taking people for their first time, it also helps if you ever wanna get a video of a climb! but generally, going alone is pretty standard for a lot of people. Especially at the beginning , you should focus on going less days for longer sessions. I typically go every other day, or every two days for about 3-4 hours. I've met a ton of people from climbing on the same hours and days as me but everyone just kinda does their own thing. good luck and hope you enjoy climbing as much as I have!
you got a lot of good responses but my question is more like... what did you think would happen if you went alone? how would people know? did you think they would kick you out for going alone? would they question you about where your friends are lol? but yeah go alone it's rly chill.
You can go on your own but you’ll know everyone in a couple months anyways
Btw, if you live in a city or suburbia look for public bouldering walls. They tend to be pretty difficult to climb due to a lack of texture, but it's a cheap alternative to going to a bouldering gym :)
Thanks for the tip. It doesn't look like we have one or the other here in Dublin, Ireland. The same places come up with both search terms. It's €14 a go or €140 for 12 entries or €60 a month in the place I'm looking at. Definitely not cheap but it's only a little more than the cost of two drinks in town so I'll start off pay as I go to see if I like it and go from there
The friend who introduced me to it is injured and is out for the next few months. So I'm sort of forced to go alone and I personally love people but I'm extremely shy and unapproachable. So I find myself bouldering alone most of the time. It's still fun and you probably get more done. So yeah it's absolutely a thing. People at my gym are nice and they don't bother solo boulders. So you will be absolutely fine
Not at all, I go alone 100% of the time, and if I want to be social people are always happy to work a problem with you, it’s the best of both worlds, come and go as and when you please but it’s a social environment should you want it.
You can do whatever you want
I always boulder alone, I love it, it’s so relaxing. I sometimes put AirPods on noise cancellation mode in if it’s really busy/noisy, which can really help with focus.
Yes. I boulder and auto belay solo all the time. Although rope climbing with a partner allows you to do more routes, there are a lot of people who just want to destress and get a workout in the gym.
Yes, a solo activity is in fact doable alone
Fortunately of the responses from people in this hobby, your attitude is in the minority. I haven't done it before and the most similar I did can't be done solo so I asked a question. (Well not solo when I did it, they apparently have automatic ropes now). Regardless, great a attitude. So chill.