Comments on: Defining a Boulder Problem

By: ol1arm

ol1arm — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:59:25 +0000

3.145926… and 1.618033 and e=mc2.
you havent discussed and of the predetirmined constraints and the REAL rules. we are all programmed as humans and as climbers we are programmed even further.

By: B3

B3 — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:16:41 +0000

@ErikM You realize that by commenting, you are part of it?
I care greatly about what the first ascentionist does and I also care about having the opportunity to push myself mentally and physically, and movement, rock quality, being outside etc etc. i don’t find the two mutually exclusive and I think there are many climbers that feel the same.

By: ErikM

ErikM — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:58:41 +0000

I think everyone that cares about this subject should ask themselves why they climb. If you climb for self fulfillment, enjoyment of the movement over the rock, the freedom, the opportunity to push yourSELF mentally and physically, then you shouldn’t give a rats ass about what a committee, “the community”, or even the first ascentionist says is the right or wrong way to climb a rock. If you climb for recognition or acceptance, then knock yourself out with your rules. I want no part of it, and the whole discussion seems petty and self involved to me. Listen to Fred.

By: cj

cj — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:15:35 +0000

The dictionary.com definition of bouldering is the reason why i don’t like to hang out with non-climbers (especially the ones who think climbing is about heights and speed) . Its impossible to create a definition of a boulder problem that works for everyone, but all i know is the first time i looked at a problem i was psyched and hooked for good.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:53:06 +0000

An entire post/discussion could be devoted to the idea that “the progression of our sport is going to be based on the achievements found on rock”. Integral to the conversation would be a definition of “progression”.

By: sidepull

sidepull — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 03:24:42 +0000

@B3 – I’m not sure why you included “The Ground” unless you feel that ethics have slipped so much that it needs to be made explicit. I’ve never met anyone who considered a “dab” okay, unless they were just doing laps / training. As cj notes, a dab on a FA would mean the FA still hasn’t been done. At the very least, that issue is black and white.

By: campusman

campusman — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:40:13 +0000

If you have silver fillings in your teeth, you are not doing boulder problems at your highest potential without the fillings.
Silver and mercury amalgam fillings are simply poisonous and I have not improved at rock climbing ever since the dentist put this poison in my mouth. At least I finally found out why I feel the way I do.

By: slabdyno

slabdyno — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:21:25 +0000

i can’t believe you are still talking about what a boulder problem is. haven’t you been climbing for like 3 years at least?

By: B3

B3 — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:58:46 +0000

I am running off to Mt. Evans, so I have this to say quickly, thanks everyone! And I am not suggesting there should be a governing body. More on this later…

By: cj

cj — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:32:06 +0000

I think in order for bouldering to exist there needs to be exact lines that should be followed. If i do a variation of a specific problem, how am i to say that i climbed the problem if i did not do the exact line. If you go off track or start on a different hold than intended, than the movement will change and it will not be the same problem. Sure you still did a boulder problem, but you cannot add the intended problem to your tick list if you don’t follow the line. This is why guidebooks are so cool! They tell you were to start and show you where you climb. Well, I would love to cover all topics but that would take all day, but it is necessary to say that the dab is something all boulderers need to agree on. If you dab, especially on a problem that is hard for you, it is necessary to bite the bullet and try the problem again. Never have i heard of an F.A with a dab.