Sport originally derived from
sport climbing, consisting in short sequences of "moves" (movements of the arms allowing the body to be moved up a climbing wall, a
rock boulder or even a
house wall) that requires huge levels of strenght on the forearms & fingers, and different
special tecniques. This sequence is normally called a "problem". The climber is not roped, and the only protection allowed is a
thick foam mattress called "crashpad". Bouldering problems rarely
go higher than 3 or 4 meters above the ground.
"Solving" a problems often forces to make unlikely movements, like "pinching" a hold with your heels, or literally jumping from hold to hold (doing a "dyno"). Style is important, but what really counts is to reach the last hold (the "
top")
Bouldering was developed in the 60's in France and in California (by John Gill, the "human fly") as a pastime for
bored rock climbers in off-season. In the 90's, however, the growth of indoor climbing walls (often homemade) and rock climbing gyms has made bouldering
popular with the urban / hip-hop crowd, transforming it - in France and UK - in a "signature" sport like skateboarding. Part of the popularity of bouldering is due to the fact that it's being quite cheap - the only thing you need is a pair of climbing shoes (and the crashpad if you'
re bouldering outdoor).
There's a lively competition circuit around the world, and there are now bouldering sites (often simple concrete walls) almost in every city of the world. In fact, bouldering is now more a urban sport than an outdoor activity.
