Bouldering: Life One Problem at a Time

Imagine a feeling of conquering a problem you have worked on for hours, days, even years. That feeling is realized everyday in a boulder climber's life. Whether it is at a bouldering gym, or on real boulders in the most beautiful places on earth, bouldering is a rush that can leave you feeling like you are on top of the world.

I have always been the type to try new outdoor activities, such as: hiking, biking, kayaking, snowboarding (not as great as people make it out to be), and rafting, but nothing compared to bouldering. Unlike the quick rush or work out the others give me, bouldering gives me a sense of accomplishment.

It was when I moved to San Luis Obispo that I was introduced to bouldering by a friend who had been bouldering for years. My first impression was that bouldering was not that difficult and that I would muscle my way to the top. However, that was not the case, in fact I struggled a lot my first time and wanted to give up. There was one thing that kept me going, it was the addictiveness of bouldering that did not allow me to give up. Like with any addiction, the only way to satisfy your cravings is to do more of what you are addicted to.

Probably the greatest thing about bouldering has to be that you can never be on top of your game. Chris Sharma, arguably the best rock climber in the world, has been climbing for 26 years, but still says he can improve greatly.

Although I like to climb at the gym, there is no substitution for the real thing. Distinct from a lot of other outdoor activities that can break your wallet, bouldering requires only three essential items. Those items are climbing shoes, chalk bag, and a crash pad (landing pad), that all together can average a cost of under $300.

Like most outdoor activities, bouldering requires trips to the great outdoors, and there are many places to boulder in the state of California. In a list I put together of my five favorite climbing spots in the state, some of them are only a couple of hours away from each other.

Joshua Tree National Park is number five on the list, mainly because it is farther away from where I live than the rest. The park offers enough climbing problems that can last you years if not decades. The only problem with the park is that it is in a desert and some of the rocks are powdered with sand that can cause your hands to slip.

Next on the list has to be the hills off of Santa Barbara. It made the top five for its close proximity to San Luis Obispo. It does not offer as many problems as the others, but it gets the job done. Black Mountain near Palm Springs is a favorite spot, not only for me but for professional climbers as well.

The last two are recognized for rock climbing around the world. Yosemite National Park is well known around the world for its sites, but for climbers the rocks are its most precious gems. Finally the greatest spot for climbing in California has to be Bishop, California. There you can find climbers like me who have only months of experience, to climbers like Chris Sharma who have traveled the world and still think Bishop is one of the greatest areas to climb.

Hope this helps local climbers. Remember climbing is dangerous, so climb with a friend and be safe.