Reddit bouldering or top rope. to build up resistance/ stamina).
Reddit bouldering or top rope I'm a fairly new climber (2 months) I'm desperately wanting to get outside more and start climbing roped problems instead of just bouldering outside. It’ll be my main focus/goal for this outdoor season. Background- 10 years of climbing outdoors, two years climbing retail, and I'm an AMGA guide. Is top rope climbing just like belaying or is it different somehow? With top rope climbing, the anchor is at the top of the climb, with the rope going down one side to the belayer, and the other side to the climber. Dec 4, 2022 · If you have ever watched climbers climb outside on the side of a cliff or indoors in a gym using a rope, chances are you were spectating top rope climbing. Most beginner's at my gym use the maxim equinox because its the cheapest rope that the local MEC carries. 13 would have maybe v7-8 moves, but a 60 foot 13 would have v4-5 moves. But then augment at the rope gym to get route endurance before the outdoor season. I've found that it's generally easier for boulderers to get into rope climbing, than for sport climbers to get into bouldering, just because of the base level of strength. 10d and 5. I've been using rentals for months and think it is time for an upgrade considering my membership fees could've bought me several pairs of shoes by now. . I live in Norway and you need to have a course and certificate in order to climb in gyms that are lead only. it's a top rope climb because it's a paraclimbing event. Quick question/thought/request for feedback: Background/context (not sure it matters, but in case someone asks): 49 year old; climbing 3 years since 12 years off; currently climbing V9 in Tahoe area; doing V8 in gym with work (1 to 2 sessions); regularly flash V7. Or you can just go bouldering, because rest-day sounds kind of weak ;) There are some pretty good sales right now. I've been bouldering for about half a year and want to try top rope. I feel a mix of top rope and boulder has been the perfect combo of fun and training benefits for me! What I gain from bouldering translates into better strength and climbing past cruxes during top rope. 11 or something like that). I mainly top rope and i boulder with my friends as well, but i prefer top rope. 10d-5. I was kind of afraid because of the high but when I start to get into the routes I even enjoyed the feeling. 1? Welcome to /r/orangecounty, the Reddit community for all things related to Orange County, California. As others have said, you’re more likely to get injured bouldering than climbing on a rope. In this article we explain the pros and cons of each! Feb 21, 2025 · Bouldering and top rope climbing are two popular forms of rock climbing. Subreddit about rock climbing, bouldering, and other types of climbing in Japan. the problem is: my city only have one climbing gym, it's a small place with 3 bouldering walls. Technique to do moves is the same for both but I think bouldering improves it faster because you're doing moves at your limit all the time. Top contenders right now from looking around the web seem to be Dragos, Instinct VS, Solution Comps, Otakis, and Hiangle Pros, but I'm open to being sold on something else. Hello all! Ive been climbing in Evolv Kronos and while they are great, im wanting something more for top rope, for the small footholds and overhang/slight overhang. In top rope im doing consistent 5. The fear of taking a bouldering fall is something I still struggle with, especially towards the end of an overhang problem. I dislike hanging from a rope hanging from the ceiling / top of a cliff. Experienced climbers: add muscle or lean out to improve bouldering and top rope? I've been climbing for a little under a year now and feel like I have plateaued. I 100% prefer bouldering, in part because I have a pretty intense fear of heights and appreciate that boulder routes don’t go as high. My arms usually feel pretty good while top roping but always feel like they're on the brink of injury while bouldering. Indoors I really enjoy top rope and bouldering. I also fell bouldering, and sprained my ankle which meant no physical activity for a few weeks. Check out this Mammut. I would think that top rope poses less risk for acute injury (so long as the knots and ropes are double checked) due to less impact with the ground. If you tell yourself from the jump that you’re going to be scared - you will be. Compare climbing methods today! My experience with the top rope wall at the corec has been that the routes at the corec are much more difficult than the ones at my gym at home, but I’m not sure if that carries over to bouldering as well. Add your thoughts and get the conversation going. Jun 15, 2025 · Explore bouldering basics and top rope essentials, from gear to safety, in this comprehensive guide. Lead / top rope takes more technique than bouldering because in addition to climbing technique you need resting and clipping technique as well. Mostly Bouldering, some Top Roping. Top rope only as all the routes at my gym have top ropes permanently mounted. The Southie one has bouldering and top rope, I think. Hey everyone! I am looking to acquire my first pair of shoes for rock climbing here soon. Bouldering improves my ability to think about how to get through a crux on ropes. If you Hi all! I’ve been climbing for 2 years now and I just started outdoor rope climbing (woohoo!). There is a new gym opening up soon (also from CCC) and called Rocky mountain in spring/summer. I can do the moves individually, I just get so exhausted. I've read different theories as to what will help a climber advance into tougher routes. 10a on top-rope. We're decent at climbing (can boulder between V3-V5, top rope 5. Is there a reason for this? We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. I know Climb Lafayette is a pretty popular alternative. Do whatever is more fun for you though, having more fun will bring you the most satisfaction in climbing. I know it’s hard to say without knowing how I climb, but is top lining relatively easier in terms of having to know technique vs bouldering? Reply reply Morningstar_111 • Reply reply _ledonny • Reply reply More replies Pennwisedom • Reply reply _ledonny • Reply reply Pennwisedom • Reply reply More repliesMore replies SnooPeppers1940 Let's say a route is set at a certain difficulty for top rope. Bellevue has really good bouldering too but some of it is closed atm. 10s) and all have some outdoor experience. Dec 8, 2020 · Top roping is more involved than bouldering, and requires at least two people to do. Reddit's rock climbing training community. It's really hard to equate the grades of bouldering and rope because if a route is 30 feet, a 5. What are some tips for endurance, finding rest positions, that kind of thing? In november I'll participate at my first competition. Why do people who boulder have different physiques vs people who top rope? I've noticed that usually people who top rope regularly are usually thin and lanky, while those who mainly boulder are basically ripped, six packs, muscular. I’ve been wondering if I should quit bouldering and stick with top rope. The only minus which I think is pretty typical for most basic non-extreme shoes, is that you have to break the rubber in during the first few climbs. You must also learn how to use a special device, commonly referred to as a belay device, to belay (or hold up) your climbing partner. Golden grades are harsher and the facility is more sport-climbing focused than bouldering. 10b-c, while projecting 5. 9s in my gym regularly. Wall, San Francisco) Had friends break legs taking a huge fall over a lip outside and slamming into the rock wall. To top rope, you must wear a harness and learn how to tie a rope into your harness using a special knot. After some warming up, I tried some 6+/7 (I think is like 5. 5-3 hours on training days, 6-8 hours outside (but not a ton more actual climbing time) V6 short project, V7 occasionally, V8-V9 limit projects. Top rope/lead climbing will increase your endurance a lot imo. May 15, 2025 · Explore the key differences between bouldering and top-rope climbing to find the perfect style for your next adventure at Flip N Fun’s climbing wall! Dec 5, 2024 · Generally considered safer than bouldering, top roping offers constant support from the rope. If you could just post that jazz in the comments below, that would be much appreciated! Go for the bouldering gym with day passes at the rope gym. And when I fell, I panicked and Annapolis Rocks, MD, which is up past Frederick, MD, and has a few good lines - trad or top-rope - and some bouldering. Seems most people like other shoes for indoor bouldering better. She proceeded to strongly suggest I don’t climb at all for risk of falling even though I explained you don’t actually “fall” on top rope. Everybody's different though, so if it's truly horrifying for you, then stick to bouldering and don't sweat it. Talk to people who are better than you. HH - Tons of good top roping, and I think I remember them having some lead climbing too, but not a whole lot of beginner/intermediate stuff if you’re into bouldering. It all depends on the height of the route. I believe a tabular form with ticks on the features, and pricing will probably help to get everything all in one place and allow someone to quickly see which gym will fit their needs best. How do I I see no point to this. The "problems" more often involved figuring out body positioning and were more likely to involve lateral movements and overhangs. Bouldering injuries are common and can be bad but rope injuries when they occur are more often than not also horrific and life changing, and sometimes deadly. For the Top Rope and Lead tests, you will get a little tag to hang on your harness that says "Top rope certified" or "lead certified". Top rope climbing is a favorite amongst climbers because anyone can learn how to climb, it doesn’t require much gear to get started (indoors), and it’s relatively safe You can watch Magnus on YouTube! You can think about the next cilterboard session and find routes. Thanks! I’ve been going to Denver Bouldering Club for a while now and it’s great, but I miss ropes. 11s, bouldering V0+), and they've been great. 8 It'll be thin and supple, but beefy and durable enough to last you a Here to offer a different take on top rope (as someone who favors rope). I think if you’re paying under $150 for a name brand rope you are doing pretty well. Top rope/bouldering - either Stronghold/Chinook Bouldering - bolder climbing community. At a rope gym, you are climbing at most 50% of the time (belaying 50%). Can probably categorise the gyms by the type of climbing gym as well, since there's top rope, lead climbing, bouldering, speed climbing facilities. I believe if someone wants to rehearse a boulder problem on TR prior to Anyone looking to do some bouldering! I’m gonna be running around with pads bouldering. I wasn't sure if there was a good rule of thumb about lead climbing adding a certain amount of grades of difficulty or not. My questions are: -What are some classic climbing spots/routes/boulders you'd recommend? -What First time going to a climbing gym! Highest grade I got to was V4 bouldering, and a 5. Go as high as you normally would on bouldering and try to take a few extra steps from there concentrating on the wall, your Jan 4, 2024 · Top rope climbing is a beginner-friendly style of climbing where the rope runs from the climber's harness up to an anchor system at the top of the route and back down to the belayer on the ground. I'm mainly needing to know which rope I need to buy for simple top roping and maybe a few lead climbs once I learn how to belay and clip in. The movements on the route and the kind and number of holds was perfectly I like bouldering because compared to my experience with top rope (which was limited to one facility), bouldering seems more like a puzzle. Thinking about switching to top-rope climbing from bouldering, any advice for a beginner-intermediate boulderer? Hey there r/climbing! I've been discussing this conundrum with climbing friends offline but I'd love some impartial advice from you people. Climbers are secured, minimizing how far they can fall, significantly reducing the injury risk compared to bouldering. Bouldering definitely is hard at first and the best way to get better, imo, is to watch other people. But I think you'll get these cross-benefits I broke my foot bouldering a month ago - I fell unexpectedly and landed poorly. It's happening next saturday and I've only been training for bouldering. My climbing gym only has 24ft top rope/autobelay walls. Dedicated to increasing all our knowledge about how to better improve at our sport. You can prepare healthy food. This means you might have to climb with slightly sore I've climbed for about a year now, same situation as you. That being said, I’ve Figured out how to setup a top rope anchor from a bunch of YouTube videos and went climbing for the first time outside. You're in the right place, as we’ve dissected everything you need to know to kickstart your top-rope climbing After four years of only indoor bouldering I’m now transitioning to sport climbing. 8 routes. On a multi-pitch route, successfully climbing all pitches without falling (weighting the rope). Can I do top rope in my bouldering shoes, or is that dangerous? I think it's because almost every move requires thought about your technique whereas lead/top rope routes tend to have a lot of filler and you can power through the few tough moves. 11a’s. Probably 1/2 the bouldering area or less compared to RiNo or Englewood. Mostly top rope (2x/week) but try to boulder at least once a week as well. I'm wanting to learn to boulder as well but I am afraid of falling because of multiple fractures in my ankles and feet over the last decade (three broken toes and breaking the same ankle twice a few years apart). The last thing I want to do is come off the wall the wrong way and break something. Married with 2 young girls. Interesting. Reply reply squareswitcher • I have questions about the difference between top rope climbing and lead climbing. Title pretty much says it all. 8 top rope climb at the end of the session. Some sources say bouldering We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Most of my anticipated outdoor projects this year are at least double that length. Share your experiences, ask questions, and connect with both locals and visitors alike. It’s easier to climb higher when you trust your belayer, but it’s also a mind thing. Vertical world's bouldering is just okay imo. Hey guys! So I'm currently trying to plan a trip to Yosemite for some bouldering, top roping, and lead climbing and am looking to get some input from guys who've been there. Top rope climbing is one of the most popular styles of climbing. Climb consistently to build up a base level of forearm endurance and recovery. After some times (~9 months) I felt like my muscles could handle more and started doing twice a week. That will possibly become the best mixed gym type in Calgary. Feb 21, 2025 · Our indoor crags boast sky-high fake rocks and some of the best bouldering in the country. Which leads to the question: How do On a single-pitch route (sport climbing or top rope) complete the climb from the ground to the anchors without falling (weighting the rope). Could lead climbing that same route increase its grade in theory? In my gym there are walls where you can climb top rope or lead with the permadraws along the same routes. I find I can do harder grades top roping because I’m more comfortable making big moves with the rope attached, assuming my belay partner has all the slack. The hike in is on the AT (although not really a remote section of it), so you get a little ambiance with the climbing. Today’s climbing gyms are modern, massive, and packed with adventure — offering bouldering, top-rope, and lead climbing walls for all skill levels. Other friends nearly paralyzed because of inattentive belayer decking them. Switched to bouldering after 3 months for again once a week. You don't have to get AB certified first, it is included in your TR cert if you aren't learning it. It is a popular form of rock climbing that is relatively easy and fun way to get into climbing. You won't be discerning enough to tell the difference between it and a tip top Petzl 8mm. or people who can climb 12s but can't boulder v3/4s. I've tried bouldering as well, but I still enjoy the top rope a lot. recent bad ankle sprain. My background prior to climbing is in Olympic weightlifting, so I doubt that general or even specific strength is the issue. Though I do take on the occasional mat-unnecessary boulder. This creates a continuous loop that protects the climber in case of a fall. (Beaver St. Plus: Seattle's best free outdoor rock climbing spots. The main two are adding much more muscle mass or going for a lean muscle type build. $120 for 60m is pretty fair. 10d (top rope), but I was confronted with a whole new set of problems. Check /r/climbing for more content. Hello! I am very new to climbing (started about 2 months ago) but I am loving it immensely so far. I also recently switched to top rope from bouldering due to a foot injury. edu/ -> Climbing and Challenge Climb Lafayette Looking for more of a focused climbing experience on awesome bouldering walls? Climb Lafayette is for you! This is the smaller rock climbing community on reddit. This beginner's guide to top rope informs you with all you need to get started climbing top rope. I also just favor the type of movement that is required for bouldering in comparison to what I have experienced on the belay wall. Anyways, I'm a female in my early twenties, and I started bouldering in September 2014. So one of the things I decided was not to do top-rope at all, only lead (the only exception is when I do laps but those are always easy routes that I up climb and down climb for endurance). And my habits in top roping have made me boulder in a "power-saving" way. Jun 1, 2025 · Discover the differences between bouldering and top rope climbing, including pros, cons, and tips for beginners to choose the right path. I do t have a rope : ( but if you do, I have a harness and some gear! Share Add a Comment Be the first to comment Nobody's responded to this post yet. Why is there a 5 in front and the easiest wall I can find start with 5. 2. You can do more hard moves at a building gym and have more control over rest and difficulty. Plus I want to dip my toes in some lead climbing this season. While one person is climbing, the other person holds them up. Like the harder moves to me are easier than bouldering because it’s less scary mentally. Any hidden gems?? Also, are memberships not a thing? At my initial 8 week appointment my OB asked about my physical activity and I said I climbed 3 days a week but was switching from bouldering to top rope to avoid impact falls. 11s, and prob lead 5. You pass. I believe this was rated V1. Some find bouldering easier for a beginner, while others think it’s incredibly challenging. Outdoors, pretty much only top rope. Bouldering starts it right at V0. Joshua Tree National Park - in the Mojave and Colorado desert, southern California. Bouldering grade VS Sport Grade (and what to expect) Stumbled across this article and found it quite useful/interesting as I'm a sport climber who basically uses bouldering as a tool to get stronger. While im still a beginner, im looking for Rock Climbing / Bouldering - any top rope gyms with memberships? Curious if anyone knows of any decent top-rope gyms in Tokyo? I know bouldering gyms are a dime a dozen (Apparently B-Pump is the best of that lot?), but it's hard to find a place with any top ropes (let alone autobelayers). It was a great experience. You can do yoga to improve your mobility and flexibility. Biggest thing for me though was when starting to spend some proper sessions mostly dedicated to the spray wall (doing exercises like pyramid etc. Epic - Good mix of bouldering and top rope from what I remember. I was also a climbing instructor for 3 years. Giving up is an option but I'd really rather not. Any recommendations for climbing gyms with good top rope routes and maybe auto belays? Apr 25, 2025 · Rock climbing has exploded in popularity across New York City, New Rochelle, Long Island City, and beyond. The people I know who progress pretty quickly at lower grades on rope split time between bouldering and roped climbing-- progressively shifting towards more bouldering as a percentage of training as their roped climbing grades have gone up. So this is a bit of an expansion from an answer in the Friday new climber thread- I thought I'd put this together in a little more depth and give people the chance to ask questions and give feedback. The Watertown (and I think Stoneham) CRG has bouldering, top rope, lead, and auto-belay too! Rock Spot is also a great one too. Mar 31, 2016 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Both are strictly bouldering though, but they have tons of great climbs and some workout areas as well. When people think of climbing, top roping is the kind of rock climbing commonly imagined by most people. Endurance built from rope climbing will help teach you and your muscles how to relax and recover for prolonged Bouldering sessions, and power from Bouldering may come in handy for harder rope routes. Jun 16, 2021 · The number of opinions about bouldering’s difficulty is probably as many as the number of climbers out there. Your first rope should be a 9. Boulderers who never touch a rope miss out on the flow and endurance that come from sustained climbing. Firstly: endurance! My forearms just said „goodbye“ mid route. My question is, how can I improve my Apr 4, 2025 · We tested 13 climbing ropes from Sterling, Petzl, Edelrid, Mammut, and others to find the best options for you. Let’s look at the differences between bouldering, top roping and rock climbing, and whether outdoor bouldering is harder or not. There's little risk on top rope as long as you pay attention to your gear and systems when setting up and have a good belayer. My current level is 6B or 6B+ on a Font scale when top roping and around 6A when bouldering. Don't even get me started on lead or trad. You can do little intense rope climbing to stimulate blood circulation and regenerate. Hi all, After a year of bouldering, yesterday I tried top rope climbing for the first time. You usually do it on boulder formations or artificial climbing walls. I can boulder V3/V4 indoors but find myself getting pumped really quickly, so I can't do more than 5. Bouldering is the practice of climbing short and challenging routes without the use of ropes or other safety equipment. Feb 2, 2025 · There are significant differences between bouldering and top rope climbing from safety to health and cost. I am looking for shoes that should be primarily good for top rope but still decent for bouldering. They have one in South Boston and one in Dedham. I‘m able to figure some things out on my own or with experienced friends (how to belay, how to check etc. Whether you're looking for the best surfing spots, seeking recommendations for 3 times a week in the gym, one full day outside on weekends for a total of 4 days. Bouldering's fun too. Wall times and reservations for time slots to climb at the top-rope wall are all located at https://recwell. How many of y'all do top roping? Or do most of you exclusively do bouldering? Share Sort by: Best Open comment sort options Add a Comment LiveMarionberry3694 • I know there are conversion tables online, but I’d like to sample r/climbharder on what your highest boulder and rope climb grade is (outdoor or indoor). We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. By the time you've worn out your first rope you'll know what you want your second rope to do. I recently took a fall from a bouldering problem in the gym that left me with some mild whiplash - but to be clear, I was pushing myself at the top of a boulder problem that was at the top end of my grade ability. I started climbing in January on top-rope at the local gym. I'm sort of stuck on which gear to buy to top rope on a few walls. I am really into bouldering, especially problems with steep overhangs. I started out on top rope and moved to bouldering. 6 instead of 5. It was rough for a while, and I was getting super frustrated because I had to rest even on easy 5. Thanks in advance for any recommendations or suggestions! TLDR: I exclusively indoor boulder. So bouldering and has really made it easy for me to solve cruxes in my Jun 18, 2025 · The beauty is that neither style is complete without the other. I started climbing 4 years ago, at first I started with top rope once a week. For a beginner I would recommend getting the cheapest rope that's climbing rated you can find. For top roping / lead climbing Vertical world Seattle and Edgeworks Bellevue are my two favorites because the walls are pretty tall and the setting is really good. ) I was able to immediately 5. Been climbing for almost 4 years. to build up resistance/ stamina). Rock climbing, bouldering, camping, hiking - it's all here. Started with top rope first, so I am more relaxed roped than bouldering. pushing myself bouldering is just not worth the risk of injury for me, especially considering i enjoy sport/top rope climbing a lot more! Bouldering V3+ and top rope 5. This is your one-stop-shop for discussions, news, events, and local happenings in this sunny Southern California region. purdue. I'm the opposite, I love bouldering, but top roping does not spark joy. Top Rope tips for someone who only boulders I misread the guidelines for my first bouldering competition which is actually a combination of top rope and bouldering. I tried researching this online but get conflicting information. I don’t have kids, but this struck me as probably the best family-oriented facility. Particularly useful if you want to branch out to rope (whether it be lead, top-rope, auto-belay) Reply reply TorakMcLaren • I've been climbing in mine for about 5 months (top rope 5. Lead climbing/ropes - go to the hanger at the CCC (Calgary climbing center). I think breathing patterns and shaking arms out where there is an easy rest spot also plays a big factor. However that means that I’m always climbing slightly below my top-rope ability. May 5, 2025 · Top-rope climbing, a popular choice for recreational climbers, offers a safer alternative to lead climbing. Top-ropers who skip the bouldering area often lack the explosive power needed when routes get steep or the holds get small. I climb about v3-4’s. To embark on this journey, it's crucial to grasp the fundamental mechanics, gear requirements, and the pivotal step of obtaining top-rope certification in a climbing gym. What is your grade bouldering vs sport vs top rope? I know that some people boulder v4/5s but can't climb 10s because of endurance. The auto Belay test is just a quick lesson on them, and you climb up halfway and jump off. I'm currently a 3 time a week but with shorter session but more intense. tgavsfpkpzcvlwfchbbvwcmkueazpcaahxxklmisoavamccxxvpvnpgqlvrwixqhfnnfdpzt