Bouldering Mats

The photo to the left shows a bouldering mat waiting patiently to ease a landing, at the base of a boulder in Fontainbleau.

Since bouldering has grown in popularity, the market for bouldering mats has grown.  Once you have tried one, you won’t go back!  The main reasons for using one are:

1. Save your ankles; small rocks that would otherwise turn your ankle over are safely hidden.

2. Save your knees; repeated jumping / falling off boulder problems onto a hard surface is not great for your knees.  PArticularly because rock shoes don’t generally have any cushioning.  The cushioning provided by the bouldering mat really helps!

3. Save your back; just as the shock of jumping off isn’t great for knees, it obviously doesn’t do your back any favours either.

4. Give you a comfy seat for lunch!

To choose your bouldering mat, look at your other kit and the colour of your eyes, then ask a girl (or yourself if you are a girl) to tell you which one suits best.  Generally, the more money you spend, the bigger the mat will be.  Most fold in half for carrying & storage.  Do check the dimensions before you buy and make sure it fits in your car and in whatever space it’ll be stored in at home.

In the UK, Rock and Run often have great deals on bouldering mats.

If you’re heading out bouldering, don’t forget your guidebook: There are now loads of bouldering-specific guides to make your trip more productive.  Whilst it can be great fun to hunt out new boulders and problems, using a guidebook can save valuable time and give you an idea of suitable areas.  View the TryClimbing selection on Amazon here.  To book an instructor to take you bouldering, contact us here.