Bouldering Equipment

Bouldering is a very minimalist form of climbing, requiring very little specialist equipment or monetary investment to get started.

Indoor bouldering requires only 3 essential items of equipment and these are available to hire or purchase at Beacon Climbing Centre.

• Climbing Shoes to provide significantly enhanced grip.
• Chalk for absorbing moisture on sweaty hands.
• Chalk Bag for storing chalk.

In addition, it is common for boulderers to possess a few additional handy items.

• A small, hard toothbrush used for cleaning excess dirt and chalk off holds.
• Sports tape such as Strappal, for covering cuts and blisters as well as providing support for sore fingers.

Any type of clothing can be worn, but bouldering is much easier if you wear looser, flexible clothing that allows free movement and stretching. Remember that as with any physical activity, if you get really enthusiastic, you will get hot! It is always best to layer clothing so you can easily regulate your body temperature. A t-shirt and jumper is a good starting point.

Climbing Shoes

Specialist climbing shoes are the single most important item of equipment for climbing since they allow a much higher level of grip and precision to be achieved than regular training shoes. They are specifically designed to transfer as much body weight as possible through the foot to help reduce upper body fatigue when climbing.

Unlike a regular shoe, climbing shoes do not have tread on the sole, rather the sole is constructed entirely from smooth high friction rubber designed to provide maximum grip and control. This high friction rubber extends around the rand, across the toes and encases the heel, allowing the climber to utilise the entire shoe to maintain contact while climbing.

Climbing shoes are designed to fit tightly and are constructed with little or no padding to aid sensitivity and feel with the foot hold. Fit is paramount to climbing shoe design since a loose fitting shoe will offer significantly reduced precision and a fit that is too tight will be very uncomfortable.

Beacon indoor climbing centre has an extensive range of climbing shoes available to hire or to purchase. Our experienced staff are always available to help you choose the correct style and fit for your requirements.

Chalk

Available in loose powder or as a chalk ball, climbing chalk is rubbed into the hands and fingers to improve grip by reducing perspiration. Chalk balls are most appropriate for an indoor climbing wall since they leave little mess and do not spill like loose powder.

Chalk Bags

Chalk bags are inexpensive draw cord storage bags designed to securely accommodate climbing chalk. They are usually worn around the waist using a simple nylon snap buckle waist belt or length of thin cord. The drawcord closure locks the bag securely for storage and prevents chalk flying everywhere when you accidentally stand or sit on the chalk bag!

Available in a huge variety of sizes and colours, there is no science to choosing the correct chalk bag. Make sure the opening is large enough to fit your hand inside, then choose a funky colour of your choice.