How to fall bouldering. Here are our tips for safer bouldering falls.

How to fall bouldering I believe it has something to do with improper landing mechanics. Luckily though, the fear of falling isn’t innate. Jun 23, 2025 · Learn how to fall while bouldering safely, with tips on spotting, pad placement, and fall technique to reduce risk and climb with confidence. Are you learning how to boulder and wondering how to fall safely? In this video, we’ll teach you the essential falling techniques every climber needs to master. Both are awesome, just different. They keep climbers as safe as possible during smaller and bigger falls when climbing rope-free. Additionally, one could make the case that bouldering requires more Feb 8, 2022 · Complete beginner's guide to bouldering training. Apr 13, 2020 · For many new and experienced boulderers the art of falling is one they have still not mastered. At what height does a highball become a free solo? There is not really a definitive answer to this question. The saying goes, “If you aren’t falling, you aren’t trying hard enough. You lay the pads out, everything looks nice, you begin to climb and fifteen minutes later the pads have shifted down the hill. Photo by Dimitris Tosidis/IFSC. ” To progress, you need to try moves that are at the edge of your ability—or beyond—and when you try that hard, you will fall. Mar 13, 2025 · How can awareness while climbing and fall risk management prevent common injuries? Maintain focus while climbing and regularly practice foot placement awareness to prevent slips. I was wondering how dangerous falling down can be, assuming you fall and hit the ground "correctly" (rolling onto your back). Due to most boulder problems being less than 17 feet tall, all you need for bouldering is a crashpad to break your fall. Learning how to fall safely lets you climb with confidence, push your limits, and enjoy every moment on the wall. Those nice, flat gym floors? Gone. Respect Your Community: It is important that we respect natural spaces and Mar 22, 2025 · Learn how to perform safe landings in bouldering to prevent injuries and enjoy a better climbing experience. The climber uses only their hands and feet to scale the rock face. But “you fall more than you send,” says pro climber Nina Williams, who assists coach Justen Sjong in Climbing’s Climb a Grade Harder: 5. To learn how to spot better visit here. As an older climber, I was concerned about the risk of injury and wanted to know the best way to land when jumping down from a bouldering problem at the gym. nlSee the video on the basic roll first, learn to T-Rex, Turtle, Roll!The basic Sep 8, 2023 · Bouldering can seem intimidating to new climbers – especially those who are used to traditional rock climbing harnesses and safety equipment. Jan 30, 2025 · Bouldering is thrilling, isn’t it? I remember my first climb—I felt my heart race as I reached for holds, the excitement bubbling inside me. Climbing gyms often have rental gear and beginner classes for new visitors. In this article, we’ll learn how to practice falling, discuss bouldering pads, and offer a few tips for safer bouldering falls. We’ve put together a few key pointers to ensure you’re using the proper bouldering fall technique and equipment to stay safe at the crag! Before We Start Dec 1, 2023 · Injuries from falling when bouldering are extremely common. proper falling technique As I get older (30+), I notice myself tweaking my lower back sometimes on a bouldering fall. Apr 2, 2022 · Knowing how to fall bouldering is a crucial safety skill that you want to understand before you try to tackle your first problem. You get the bouldering falls insights from the people who do it everyday I'm a beginner at bouldering and started about a month and a half ago. 5 days ago · What is Bouldering? It's free climbing smaller rock formations and boulders, up to 15 feet tall with crash pads to protect your falls. They stay alert, position themselves correctly, and aim to catch or guide the falling climber away from hazards. Although falls are inevitable when bouldering, they don’t have to be scary or dangerous. Alex heads to Central Rock Gym Cambridge and Watertown to talk to the setters and coaches on how to fall when bouldering. Falling isn’t just about luck. This is due to the amount of padding in climbing, the cause of the fall, and the risk of landing on the wrist (which is a necessary/accepted risk in martial arts) This is obviously for controlled falls. What are spotting responsibilities in bouldering? Aug 18, 2022 · Bad landings, bad spotters, a fear of falling that makes you more likely to fall—don't make bouldering more dangerous than necessary. Here are our tips for safer bouldering falls. This has already happened a couple times, and after my friend herniated a disk in her back after a bouldering fall I'd like to get ahead of the issue. Often times, falls occur when you least expect it. It’s a great way to train, learn, or just have a good time. You don't want to fall forward or attempt to break your fall with your arms, contrary to martial arts. Learn how to position your mat here. ” We all know Aug 30, 2025 · Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that doesn't require any ropes or harnesses. Two of the three victims seemed like fairly experienced climbers, which got me thinking if anyone knows how to properly fall while bouldering. Bouldering is really quick and easy to learn. As soon as your feet make The Fear of Falling Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that is typically done without the use of ropes or harnesses. Mar 18, 2025 · Bouldering fall prevention is key to safer climbs—learn how to land, spot, and position your body to reduce injury risk and climb with confidence. Bouldering is often considered to be a dangerous sport due to the height at which climbers can fall. You get the bouldering falls insights from the people who do it every day! We also have a Learning how to fall properly in bouldering is crucial for minimizing injury. It doesn’t require tall walls or complicated knots, and it’s fun in groups. Even I still get chills and thrills if I’m climbing high enough to fall a great distance. In extreme cases when the climber is falling backwards from height, trying to catch their bottom and make a football throw back towards the wall, helps slow the fall and help the climber land moving forwards. After all, every fall is a ground fall. Nov 14, 2024 · Falling is an unavoidable part of climbing. It’s a practiced skill that every boulderer should develop. Oct 31, 2023 · Hazel Findlay walks us through common mistakes that climbers make when falling, including ways to train yourself to become a more confident taking falls, and push yourself further on the climbing Feb 4, 2019 · Alex heads to Central Rock Gym Cambridge and Watertown to talk to the setters and coaches on how to fall when bouldering. Nov 27, 2019 · Three ways to improve falling technique so you can climb more safely and confidently. That perfect padding everywhere? Nope. Safe landings in bouldering? It’s everything. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. While falling, don't try to catch yourself with your hands. A fall Jun 15, 2022 · There are plenty of climbers that have re-trained their minds to conquer the fear of death-defying heights while climbing, bouldering, and mountaineering. Lesson #1: take falling seriously in bouldering. Apr 20, 2021 · It’s bouldering season in Canada, but unlike problem-solving at a climbing gym, outdoor blocs requires skills to stay safe when taking big falls. The recent popularity of bouldering has resulted in an enormous market for crash pads. As a lead climber, learn how to manage the rope, to communicate with your belayer and how to position yourself before and during a fall. Feb 4, 2020 · Bouldering is thrilling because it involves minimal gear—just shoes and chalk—and you’re free to tackle problems on 3-5 meter walls. But with climbing comes falling, and it’s crucial to know how to fall properly to avoid injuries. Oct 13, 2022 · Few pieces of gear are more important in bouldering than crash pads. Why do we fear falling? There are many reasons why people are afraid of falling, and often this fear is Nov 22, 2017 · Tory Powers We tend to think about the skills needed to stick a crux move more than those required for a safe landing. How does bouldering differ from climbing? Conventional climbing activities require a rope and harness to safely climb a rock. Start reading below Aug 6, 2021 · But he’s stuck playing out worst-case fall scenarios because unlike in standard rock climbing, there are no ropes or harnesses in bouldering. Mar 25, 2025 · Master using crash pads effectively in bouldering for safe landings & injury prevention. Bend your knees and be ready to absorb the energy, then roll onto your back while bringing your arms across your torso. “If you get comfortable with falling then you’ll be more prepared to send, because you won’t be Mar 20, 2025 · Safe falling in rock climbing is more than just a crucial skill to mitigate injury — it’s freedom. If it is in fact dangerous, I'd appreciate some advice on how to tackle my fear and go climbing regardless😅 Thanks! Bouldering -- indoors or otherwise -- is much riskier in terms of sprains and broken bones than rope climbing, even if you know how to fall well and have good spotters. I hope you find it useful! How To Fall When Indoor Bouldering [ T-Rex, Turtle, Roll ] Amir Nickname 3. 1 m). How do you overcome the fear of falling when bouldering? By learning how to fall correctly. Mar 15, 2025 · Climbing community safety improves when climbers prioritize fall risk assessment and use safe landing strategies. Dec 1, 2023 · Bouldering is one of climbing’s safer disciplines, but minor injuries do occur, and falling technique is important. 12 and Beyond online course. I don't boulder all that much but over the past eight or so months i've seen three people injure an ankle while falling at my local gym, one of which required paramedics to move him out of the gym. Always communicate beforehand Dec 2, 2021 · Bravado or downright ignorance in bouldering is bizarrely commonplace, even though it’s arguably the most injurious major discipline of climbing. No amount of pad placement will make up for not knowing how to fall. Don’t worry; it sounds tricky, but with some practice, you’ll be a pro at falling. Learn placement, coverage & techniques! Feb 26, 2023 · If you would like to overcome your fear of falling when bouldering or simply learn how to manage risks when bouldering, this video is for you! You will learn the proper technique on how to fall A fall from a highball boulder problem is hard to spot, often all you can do is aid the climber to land on their feet moving slightly forwards and direct them to a bouldering mat. My first outdoor session was a humbling experience. Different techniques can be done by the climber in order to have Mar 27, 2013 · Falling is essential for advancing as a rock climber. Good spotters keep climbers safe. But then there’s falling, and that’s where spotter etiquette comes in. Jun 23, 2025 · Falling is an inevitable part of bouldering—but knowing how to fall properly is what keeps climbers coming back for more. Hence, it is important to master a fall that ensures that you land safely. Pad management is an overlooked skill. Baby Steps You don’t want to start your fall practice too extreme. In this article, we discuss some common bouldering injuries, how to position your crash pads correctly and three falling techniques to help keep you safe. Sep 17, 2024 · At a glance, the correct way to fall off a boulder is to land on your feet, facing the wall. Whether you're bouldering or lead climbing, follow these steps. Nov 16, 2024 · Indoor climbing is like ordering from your favorite takeout place - predictable and comfortable. It is important to keep up your pads and Jan 20, 2024 · Before attempting any of these drills, make sure you have received proper instruction on lead climbing, bouldering, falling, belaying, and spotting techniques from your local gym or a qualified rock climbing guide. In this post May 27, 2025 · For many new climbers, bouldering seems like the most accessible discipline. 6K subscribers 90K views 4 years ago #climbing #Indoor_climbing #climbing_training Mar 2, 2023 · Of all the climbing types, bouldering is unique in the sense that no harness or rope can catch the climber if you fall. Feb 2, 2025 · Knowing how to place a bouldering mat is vital to avoiding injuries while bouldering. When climbing on a steep overhang (45 degrees or more, so more like a roof), if your hands slip first or at the same time as your feet you fall pretty horizontally and can't really use your feet to break the fall. Watching a climber ten feet up, and then unexpectedly down (bouldering falls happen), makes you consider the ground. Getting Over the Fear of Falling (Bouldering) Video by Jenn Sends: • Getting Over the Fear of Falling (Bouldering) How to Fall Bouldering! VLOG! by Central Rock Gym: • How to Fall Bouldering! Feb 5, 2021 · How do I go indoor climbing and bouldering for the first time? Many cities have climbing gyms, which are big facilities with walls that have hand- and foot- holds and imitate climbing on real rock. Whether you’re projecting highballs or pulling onto a warm-up block, how you fall can be the difference between walking away laughing or limping back to the car. With a crash pad, some chalk and a pile of stoke, almost anyone can go outside and enjoy the beautiful boulders that define local crags. As a result, it usually performed at heights lower than 20 feet (6. Mastering the right techniques can make your climbs safer and more enjoyable. Bouldering is a fun, high-intensity sport which appeals to people of all ages, genders and strength levels. Jumping down safely from a bouldering wall was one of the first things I looked up when I started the sport. The best way to land when jumping down from a bouldering problem is to do what is called a soft fall. Here's some advice to avoid common injuries while bouldering. Especially in cities, bouldering is the most common form of indoor climbing. Jun 22, 2023 · Conquering our fear of falling is a crucial step to progress in climbing. I've had whiplash for about 3 times now (this isn't a normally occurring injury for most boulderers May 8, 2023 · Conquer your fear of falling in climbing! Learn how to understand, practice safe falls, and shift your mindset for a more confident climb at BKB. Outdoor climbing? That's like trying to cook a new recipe while camping in the rain. Oct 22, 2024 · Upside-down whippers falls are both very dangerous and almost always avoidable. Bouldering can be practiced outdoors, on suitable rocks and boulders, or indoors at artificial climbing walls. In the following paragraphs, we will highlight some key things in order to know how to fall bouldering. To help Sep 23, 2024 · Stay safe while indoor climbing and bouldering with these 5 essential safety tips, covering gear checks, proper falling technique & more. Here's how to keep your climbing falls safe. Learn about gear, nutrition, hangboarding, on-the-wall workouts, and more! For many people who are new to bouldering, falling and jumping off the wall often seems very scary, especially to those who have a “dodgy knee. If you land on your feet, bend your knees, and roll backward onto the padded mat. Though bouldering is arguably the most accessible type of climbing, there are a few things to keep in mind. I occasionally climb up to just to practice falling to get comfortable with falling and learn my timing on adjusting my body mid-fall as needed. I especially have a hard time trying to keep my neck tucked in after an unexpected fall. Toprope falls are the safest, but falling also can be quite safe on well-protected lead climbs, as long as you have good technique Jan 28, 2021 · How to fall safely when indoor bouldering! More information: http://valcursus. I am climbing just v0s and v1s. I keep having issues with getting whiplash as a result of my falls that are more than 7 foot drops. Jan 31, 2017 · This guide by Nina Williams outlines proper techniques so you can feel safe and confident about climbing your next highball boulder. With multiple types of crash pads and dozens of brands to choose from, how can you choose the best model for you? In this article, we cover 15 Jul 20, 2023 · What is Highball Bouldering? Highball bouldering is a sub-discipline of bouldering in which climbers seek out tall, imposing lines to climb ropeless above crash pads. In this post, we explore the techniques to fall correctly, and how to apply them. The safety and security of the climber will be trusted to the padding on the ground, which will catch the climber after the fall. Aug 16, 2020 · #bouldering #climbing #indoorclimbing #climbinggymI decided to make this little tutorial on how to take falls in a bouldering gym. And I’m what many would call a lifelong climber. In some cases, the line between highball bouldering and free soloing can be a bit blurry. Bouldering requires a little know-how to get the most out of the experience. . To mitigate the risk involved, a climber must learn how to fall when bouldering. What makes bouldering different is that you don’t need a rope or a harness. Hi there, I want to get back into bouldering after having tried it a few times already, but I remember being quite scared of falling down the last times. Learn simple ways to avoid strained ankles, wrists or worse! At my rock climbing gym they have a wall to teach new climbers the basics and part of it is learning how to fall. #1 Aug 2, 2022 · Bouldering is among the newest forms of climbing, and these days it may be the most popular. It is not as easy as it sounds and there are some things you need to watch out for! Mar 18, 2025 · What are the best fall prevention techniques for bouldering? Bouldering safety starts with fall prevention techniques like controlled descent, falling awareness training, and identifying dangerous moves before committing.