EP 154: Fundamentals — How to Go on a Bouldering Trip

Fundamentals (Part 2 of 6) — In part 2 of this series, Jesse and I dive deeper into specific tips and pitfalls for going on a bouldering trip. We covered a wide range of topics including training and preparation, crash pad and kit recommendations, how to manage skin and energy, good bouldering ethics, how to boulder in a group, and much more.

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Jesse’s Original Episode:

EP 127: Jesse Firestone

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Show Notes:

thenuggetclimbing.com/episodes/fundamentals-part-2

Nuggets:

(00:00:00) – Intro

(00:04:22) – A favorite memory from Jesse’s trip to Rocklands, and my week-long trip to Bishop in 2017

(00:11:12) – Top out views

(00:12:06) – Jesse’s Tip #1: Try to have a mix of crash pads

(00:16:55) – Steven’s Tip #1: Make your preparation as specific as possible

(00:20:21) – Bonus Tip: Two things that people miss in their bouldering training

(00:22:51) – Steven’s Tip #2: Decide really quickly whether or not the boulder you’re trying is important for you (and have an intention for the trip and each climbing day)

(00:24:56) – Bonus Tip: Be mindful of the language that you use with yourself (e.g. “I should be able to do this.”)

(00:25:35) – Jesse’s Tip #2: Organize your gear and car before your trip (and stash some emergency snacks in your bag!)

(00:30:01) – Steven’s Tip #3: Bring everything you think you might need to the boulders

(00:32:41) – Jesse’s Tip #3: Know basic bouldering ethics, and know how to move efficiently in a group (and be polite at the boulders)

(00:35:01) – Steven’s Tip #4: Take breaks to run around and look at cool stuff

(00:36:28) – Bonus Tip: Take your climbing shoes off between every try

(00:36:49) – Steven’s Tip #5: Sleep on a decent bed (and bring your pillow!)

(00:39:06) – Steven’s Pitfall #1: Blowing through all of your skin on day 1

(00:40:22) – Jesse’s Pitfall #1: Getting socially exhausted (i.e. be mindful of how much social energy you have)

(00:41:46) – Steven’s Pitfall #2: Spending the whole day “warming up” to do the hard thing

(00:42:59) – Bonus Tip: Learn how to warm up with minimal climbing (and be ruthlessly realistic about how much time you have and what you can do in a day)

(00:44:35) – Jesse’s Pitfall #2: Not being mindful of how much total energy you have

(00:46:45) – Steven’s Pitfall #3: Blowing it with timing when it comes to conditions and sun/aspect

(00:48:02) – Bonus Tip: Try to find out when your project goes into the shade

(00:48:26) – Jesse’s Pitfall #3: Not taking responsibility for your own safety

(00:52:40) – Jesse’s Top Tip: Know good bouldering ethics

(00:53:23) – Steven’s Top Tip: Decide quickly whether the bouldering you are trying is important to you