LOCALadk Magazine

Fall 2016 LOCALadk Magazine 44 LOCALadk Banta, who has climbed a number of the problems outlined in the guidebook, described the difference between rope climb- ing and bouldering. Traditional and sport climbing rely on ropes and bolts, and a safety harness and helmet for climbs of up to hundreds of feet. These climbs offer breathtaking views. Heavy coils of rope are hauled into the woods along with the rest of the gear. Rope climbing is endurance-heavy, like long distance run- ning. The shorter climbs of bouldering rely on bursts of intense energy and powerful moves. Bouldering is a different experience from rope climbing. Climbs aren't hundreds of feet; boulder problems generally run 12-15 feet, though some are taller. The visual rewards of bouldering are certainly more subtle than doing a few pitches up a rock wall, but climbing deep in the woods with the sun casting dappled shadows through the leaves holds its own reverent beauty. As for falling, climbing cliffs requires a rope, helmet, and harness. On boulders, expect a ground fall, and another, and another. The relatively shorter heights may not seem like a hazard, but the climber needs to be protected with crash pads and a spotter - a partner to help guide a fall and advise about dangerous areas to land - as any form of rock climbing is an extreme sport and carries inherent dangers. In his book, Sanford stresses the importance of having spotters to prevent injuries. For all of the differences between bouldering and rope climbing, both share the ultimate goal: to defy gravity and make it to the top. What kind of person would love this sport to the extent that it becomes all-consuming? One who strives to accomplish his per- sonal best. One with a passion for the outdoors. Bouldering re- quires hours and sometimes days spent in the wilderness. Some locations sit conveniently off the highway, others require a mod- erate hike, and at sites like Second Pond Boulders in Saranac Lake, pack your canoe for paddle-in access. The abundance of bouldering here allows climbers to choose sites that have drive- in access for a quick afternoon session, or boulders that lie a mile or more into the woods for a longer venture. This is not to limit the sport to one type of person. For climbers, the motivation and thrill lie in ascending a problem on a rock, in persisting at the same climb for weeks or months until the fi- nal heart-pounding top out crowns them a champion. A top out simply means reaching the top of the boulder and climbing over, often the most challenging part. But for those less experienced or inclined, the sport innately includes other perks — like hiking, Keith Banta

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