Bouldering is climbing with no strings attached.
Literally - bouldering doesn't use any ropes or harnesses. Climb to the top of our 16' walls, then hop off onto the cushy pads below. As an added bonus, not using ropes means you don't have to schedule a long safety lesson and pass a certification - instead, you can get right to the fun part.
Bouldering is a physical test and a mental challenge.
Every climb (aka "problem" or "bloc") is uniquely built to challenge your agility, strength, and mental flexibility. Some problems send you straight up, some problems send you sideways. Some problems climb up a shallow incline, some send you through the steep part of a cave! Regardless of the wall, you'll find different problems suited to every level of experience.
Bouldering can be as social or solitary as you desire.
Some boulderers are looking for an escape from the world, while others want an activity to enjoy with friends. Because bouldering doesn't require a partner to work safety equipment, you can boulder alone at a moment's notice. Alternatively, it also means you don't need to climb with people at your skill level: climbers of all levels can cheer each other on.
HOW DO YOUR PROBLEMS WORK?
Climbs follow one colour of rock. Grab the holds marked START, and you're done when both hands are on the hold marked TOP.
PS: You can always grab and/or step on gray volumes (those big geometric shapes). And don't forget: sometimes you can use the wall itself, too!
How hard is bouldering?
Bouldering is meant to be challenging, but that doesn't mean it should feel impossible! Our colour circuits make it easy to find climbs that are right for you: if you're a new climbers, start at the easy end on the white, yellow, and orange circuits. If you're a World Cup veteran, then our ultra-difficult pink circuit should keep you busy!
Do I need lots of upper body strength?
No. Some climbs will be easier if you do 100 chin-ups every morning, but you can compensate by using the rest of your body efficiently and finding creative solutions to each move. Plus, your strength will improve as you climb. One day you'll be the one cranking chin-ups before breakfast!
Heights are not my thing. How do I get down?
Our bouldering walls are covered in handholds and footholds, giving you lots of freedom to move up and down at your own pace. Frightened of falling? Our thick mats create the perfect landing surface to learn on, and climbing back down is always a safe way to avoid taking a fall. Lots of climbers start with these fears! We give you the tools to get more comfortable in a zero-pressure environment.
WHAT DO I NEED?
Climbing shoes, chalk, a water bottle, and comfortable clothes.
If you don't have your own equipment, we offer a fleet of rental shoes and chalk bags to get you started.
FROM BEGINNER TO ROCKSTAR
Climbing at Up The Bloc is designed around a set of 8 colour coded climbing circuits. Each circuit includes 10 to 12 problems and is designed to provide climbers with a varied set of challenges from technical slab climbing to powerful overhangs and everything in between.
By encouraging our community to progress through each complete circuit, our vision is to help every climber, at every level, develop a well-rounded set of skills. To keep you motivated and challenged in new ways, we reset a section of the wall weekly. From our beginner yellow circuit to the advanced pink circuit, there is something for everyone.
READY TO GET OFF THE GROUND?
Our Welcome Pack includes a Bouldering 101 lesson, plus a one month membership with access to our rental shoes and chalk, for only $70. Contact us to learn more, or book your lesson now.
