Climbing · The difference

What is the difference between bouldering and rope climbing?

What do you need for each?

Bouldering needs shoes, chalk and nothing else, both of which you can hire here. Rope climbing needs a harness, a belay device and a partner who knows how to use them.

• Nothing at The Crux needs a harness.
• Shoe hire and chalk hire are available at the counter.
• You can walk in on your own and climb a full session.

How high do you go?

Bouldering walls are built to be jumped down from, so the climbing is low and the matting is thick. Rope climbing goes up a full wall.

• Every climb here finishes on a marked finishing hold. There are no top-outs.
• The safety induction covers falling and landing before you start.

Which should you try first?

Bouldering, if you want to climb today. There is no technique to learn before you start and no partner to find.

• No booking is needed for first timers, individuals or small groups.
• The crew run the induction on your first visit.

Does bouldering help your rope climbing?

The movement is the same movement. Bouldering concentrates it into short, hard sequences, which is why many rope climbers use it to train.

• Grip, footwork and reading a sequence all carry across.
• The Grasshopper board is here if you want to train specifically.

How long is a bouldering session?

As long as you like. Entry is all-day access, so you can climb, sit in the cafe and go back out.

• Most climbing happens in short efforts with rests between.
• The cafe and the gym-equipment area are both inside the same building.