Need something to do with the homies this weekend? Well, Rock climbing sounds like a fun activity to do, but why not up the challenge with bouldering instead!
BOULDERING BACKGROUND
Bouldering is very similar to rock climbing but it’s very different at the same time. Bouldering doesn’t involve the use of harnesses or ropes instead it only consists of a high-density mat that will absorb all of the impacts of your fall. It sounds dangerous, but it really isn’t! You just got to learn how to fall properly and you’ll be good to go. Unlike rock climbing, you will only climb to a maximum high of about 1-2 levels. Bouldering involves a lot of technique rather than strength. Boulder gyms usually have various types of handholds to mimic boulders that can be found in nature. Each route taken by a climber is different. These routes are commonly known as boulder problems. This is why boulder gyms are constantly changing their handholds and testing out routes, to keep their climbers active and consistently thinking, solving and improving.
FUN FACT! Bouldering is now an official sport in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics!
Boulder+ Singapore
Boulder+ is an urban bouldering gym located in the heart of Singapore. It is the only boulder gym with a view of the Singapore skyline. Boulder+ was started by four friends that had a passion for bouldering. They wanted to create a sunlit space with the Walltopain design which is great for both the beginner monkeys or the seasoned mountain goats out there! To Top everything off, they created Boulder+ with a good sense of humor and a slight Singaporean twist. If you do stumble upon their website, you’ll see their quirky flare throughout their website! If you ever do get the chance to visit their boulder gym, feel free to approach any of the staff for help. Their customer service is top notch! Everyone is so friendly and helpful there’s really nothing to worry about especially since it’s your first time! They’ll be more than happy to help guide you to help you to kick start your bouldering journey.
The Bouldering Experience
Personally, exercise isn’t something that I necessarily like. I keep my love for food very close to me and seeing me exercise is pretty uncommon. This explains my lack of arm muscles. To be very honest I was quite worried about bouldering because I would be to fully rely on my own body for safety. But surprisingly, despite my lack of arm muscles, bouldering wasn’t as hard as I thought. It requires more skill than muscles. I was talking to one of the co-founders Chin Yuan and he mentioned that it is pretty common to see a bulky muscular guy struggle on the wall, while a skinner scrawnier person might fly through the different boulder problems. So if you’re like me and worried you might not be fit enough, fret not!
The bouldering gym might also seem quite daunting with so many different color holds, but it’s actually much simpler than it looks. The color of the handholds actually signifies the difficulty levels of the different boulder problems. For beginners, always start with the white ones. As the levels increase, the type of handholds gets smaller and harder to grip. It may also have an increase in gradient, so there will be not only more skill but more strength involved in those boulder problems.
If I said I didn’t struggle, I’d be lying HAHA! It was pretty challenging for me but with Chin Yuen’s helpful tips I did manage to complete two boulder problems. A huge tip would be to step using the tip of your shoe and use your legs to push your body upwards. It is also very important not to hesitate! The faster you go up a wall, the less energy you spent trying to hang on to the wall. Momentum helps you get up the wall more easily.
Bouldering is definitely a fun challenge but its totally worth the effort! It’s a great way to bond with your friends and family. At the same time, it teaches you more about your body and it also trains your self-confidence. Bouldering is definitely a must try experience for everyone!
Location: Aperia Mall #03-17Singapore
Telephone: 62827530
Operating Hours:
Monday : 12pm to 10:30pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 7:30am – 10:30pm
Wednesday & Friday: 10am – 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9am – 8pm
Instagram: @boulder_plus
Facebook: @boulderPlusClimbing
Rates:
Day pass
$24 Magically grants you access for the whole day. Re-entry is cool too!
Early riser pass
$12 Up and about in the morn? Come in 7.30am and exit by 10am for your alone time in the gym. Tues & Thurs only!
Youth pass
$16 For fresh faces below 19 years old only! Valid on weekdays before 6pm – you’ll have to go home and finish your homework after that.
Parent-child pass
$30 Someone told us parenting is expensive… So we have a special pass for those of you looking for more bonding time with your kids.
Kids pass
$14 For younglings below 13 🙂
Shoe rental
$5 We’ll tide you over until you decide to get your own.
Socks
$2 You’ll need a pair if you’re renting shoes!
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