Climbing’s a fun sport. There’s no two ways about it.
But, every now and then it helps to mix things up a bit and add a bit of excitement to your session. That’s where the four bouldering games below come in.
Whether you’re looking to liven up your warm-up, push your grade, or just have fun with mates, these are guaranteed to help. Enjoy.
Flash, Send, Fail
Start with the lowest grade circuit in the centre (e.g a green climb). If you flash a climb, move on to a bloc in the the next grade circuit. Keep going up through the circuits until you drop a climb.
You then have three attempts to send it (and then try to flash another of the same colour to progress) or fail and drop back down a grade.
For a better idea of how it works, check out Louis Parkinson, aka Captain Cutloose, playing it at Vaux East here.
Plus One
Get a group (2 or more climbers) together and find a splatter board, woodie, or a section of wall with plenty of holds.
The first climber chooses starting holds and ‘sets’ a first move to a third hold. The next climber then does the first move, before adding another move to a fourth hold.
Keep going, climbing the route from the start and adding on a move as you go around the group. If someone drops a move or an attempt to add a hold, they’re out!
Finish by reaching the top or by being the only one to reach the highpoint.
Plus One is best played when centres are quiet, please allow others around you to get on the wall/board!
Straight Arms
This one’s pretty simple…
When you’re climbing, keep your arms straight (and tell your partner to call you out if they bend!)
This is a great warm-up exercise that’ll help you focus on body movement and footwork to progress up the wall, rather than just hauling yourself with your arms. Give it a go and see why!
No Re-adjusting
Like straight arms, this is pretty simple and perfect for warm-ups.
Start climbing and, once your hand or foot touches a hold, it has to stay where you put it, with no adjustments.
It’s a great way of teaching yourself precision and efficient movement.
Now it’s time to give these bouldering games a go!
Ready to challenge your mates to a game of Plus One? Or fancy a solo session seeing how far you get with Flash, Send, Fail?
Then you better join us at any one of the seven London Climbing Centres.
Both HarroWall and VauxWall West boast impressive splatter boards for a game of Plus One. There are also woodies, moon boards, and a range of problems from Vintro – V8+ to sink your teeth into at every centre.
Find your closest one here. We’ll see you soon!
