How to Fall Safely While Bouldering: My Hard-Learned Lessons from the Wall
Hey climbers! Alex here. You know what's funny? The other day at my local gym, I overheard a new climber say, "I'm not planning to fall, so I don't need to learn fall technique." Man, did that bring back memories! 😅
I used to think exactly the same way until... well, gravity had other plans. That's actually a pretty wild story - picture this: There I was, reaching for what I thought was the perfect jug hold on my first V4, feeling like Spider-Man, when suddenly... it wasn't so perfect. Down I went, landing like a sack of potatoes! My buddy Jake (bless him) still has the video and loves showing it at climbing meetups. 🤦♂️
The "Oops!" Moment: Learning the Basics
So here's the real deal about falling - and trust me, I've done PLENTY of it. That scary stat about 40% of climbing injuries happening during falls? Yeah, I was almost part of that statistic until I got my act together.
Quick story time: Last summer, I was teaching my little sister to boulder. She asked me, "But what if I fall?" The look on her face when I told her falling is actually part of the fun? Priceless! 😆 But it's true - once you know how to fall properly, it becomes just another part of the adventure.
The Ninja Landing (Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Fall)
Okay, real talk - my first attempts at the "ninja landing" looked more like a drunk giraffe trying to ice skate. But stick with me here, because this is important (and eventually, you'll look way cooler than I did).
Here's what finally clicked for me:
Bend those knees! Not like you're doing a full squat for leg day, but like you're about to jump up and surprise someone
Your feet should be as quiet as a cat sneaking up on a laser pointer
Think "soft and squishy" not "stiff as a board" (learned that one the hard way 😬)
Pro tip from someone who's eaten crash pad more times than I'd like to admit: Practice these landings from the height of your coffee table first. Your future self will high-five you for this, I promise!
Crash Pads: Your Best Friend (No, Really!)
Let me tell you about my friend Mike. This guy - absolute beast on the wall, but for some reason thought one tiny crash pad was enough for his highball problem. Spoiler alert: it wasn't.
You know what's cheaper than a hospital visit? More crash pads! Here's my personal checklist (written in blood, sweat, and a few embarrassing falls):
Pretend you're building a pillow fort - more padding is always better
Cover that landing zone like you're wrapping a Christmas present - no gaps!
If you're traversing, either bring a friend or get really good at the crash pad shuffle (it's kind of like a dance move, but less graceful 🕺)
Spotting: Your Climbing BFF
Funny story - my first time spotting, I was so nervous I forgot to actually move when my partner fell. They landed safely on the pad, looked up at me, and said, "Um, thanks for the moral support?" 😅
Here's what I've learned since then:
Be the spotter you wish you had
Keep those eyes on your climber (Instagram can wait!)
Communicate like you're directing traffic in New York City - clear and loud!
Positioning is key - think "ready to catch a falling star" not "casual sidewalk stance"
Indoor vs Outdoor: A Love Story
Indoor climbing is like ordering from your favorite takeout place - predictable and comfortable. Outdoor climbing? That's like trying to cook a new recipe while camping in the rain. Both are awesome, just... different.
My first outdoor session was a humbling experience. Those nice, flat gym floors? Gone. That perfect padding everywhere? Nope. Instead, I found:
Rocks that appear out of nowhere (seriously, they multiply when you're not looking)
Weather that changes faster than my climbing shoes wear out
Landing zones that look like a game of "The Floor is Lava" (except it's rocks, roots, and that one suspicious-looking hole)
Staying Alive (More Than Just a Bee Gees Song)
Look, I'm not your mom, but I do care about you staying in one piece! Here's my personal "don't be an idiot" checklist (developed through many, many mistakes):
Warm up like you mean it! (Cold muscles are sad muscles)
Check your landing zone (every. single. time.)
Listen to your body (if it's screaming "NO!", maybe listen?)
Know when to say "not today, Satan" to that sketchy move
The Bottom Line (Pun Intended!)
Here's the honest truth - we all fall. I fall. That super strong climber who makes everything look easy? They fall too. Even Alex Honnold probably trips over his own feet sometimes (okay, maybe not, but you get the point).
The other day, a new climber at my gym stuck their first proper fall and did this little victory dance. That's the attitude we need! Every fall you walk away from is a lesson learned and a story to tell.
Ready to practice? Grab your bestie (or that cute climber you've been trying to talk to 😉), head to the gym, and start small. Remember my motto: "If you're not falling, you're not trying hard enough... but please, for the love of chalk, fall correctly!"
Stay safe, climb hard, and see you on the wall! 🧗♀️✨
P.S. True story: I wrote this while icing my knee from trying a new dyno move. Worth it? Absolutely. Would I do it again? ...probably tomorrow. 😂
Safety Note: While these are my personal experiences and tips from years of falling (gracefully and... not so gracefully), getting some proper instruction from a qualified teacher is still super important. Most gyms offer technique classes - they're usually cheaper than an ER visit!
#ClimbOn #SendIt #BoulderingLife #FallWithStyle