LOCALadk Magazine

43 Fall 2016 LOCALadk Magazine LOCALadk In the world of bouldering, a climb is referred to as a problem. First, it's not easy. There is nothing easy about hauling yourself up a daunting, vertical surface using only the aid of your scream- ing fingertips and climbing shoes. There is nothing easy about reaching the end of the climb and topping out. But, bear in mind, the other option is falling. Second, it's an incredibly mental pur- suit. Cracked fingers and shuddering muscles and pinched toes aside, it's the endurance of the mind that gets the climber off the ground. Here's the problem: either get to the top or risk falling. Falls occupy a large and natural part of the bouldering world; it's the yin to the topping-out yang. The goal is to respect the inher- ent danger and create a safe environment through awareness of the surroundings, using ample pads and having trustworthy spotters. In every safe climb and fall, the mind recognizes fear — of falling or of failing. Third, a problem is a larger-than-life puzzle. In an indoor rock gym, hand and foot holds, while still challenging, are coated in neon colors and are the only obvious objects to grab. Not so in the wild. Part of the fun, the creativity and mental exertion and experience of bouldering is to solve the problem. There may be an established line to the top, or it may not yet exist, but either way the climber has to figure out how to get from point A to point B. When most people picture rock climbing, they imagine climbers scaling cliffs hundreds of feet above the ground, defying gravity with ropes, bolts, harnesses and their own sheer will. A different climbing experience exists, and it's gaining momentum in the Ad- irondacks. Welcome to the world of bouldering: another kind of climbing that's as far different as it is similar to rope climbing. "Be prepared for it to consume your life," Keith Banta advises. "All you need are shoes, a crash pad and chalk." There are no ropes to haul in, no quickdraws or protective gear. There are no vertical walls of nauseating heights. There is no rope to catch you when you fall. There are, however, boulders-and the dedicated group of peo- ple who climb them. The sites are hidden gems, tucked into the vast forest, some gems still waiting to be discovered. Climbable routes (boulderable boulders?) are detailed in New York: Adiron- dack Park Bouldering Guidebook by Justin Sanford, published last spring. It is available at www.southernadirondackclimber. blogspot.com. By Nicole Banta Erratic Activities: The Growing Sport of Bouldering

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