Difference between bouldering problem and a climbing route
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At what point would a bouldering problem become a climbing route? |
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I guess it depends on the FA. I climbed a small route in Jtree called Aguilles de Joshua Tree, or something like that. It said it was a 5.5, I think. Not very tall but had a terrible landing. I didn't use any protection or ropes. Just felt like a vb boulder problem to me, although it was a knee knocker to stand on the top. |
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Semantics, climb & call it whatever you want. |
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if the FA was done on toprope, it's a boulder problem |
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Super Fluke wrote:At what point would a bouldering problem become a climbing route?There is no single, clear, line for this. There are a series of gradations of grey between boulder problem, high-ball boulder problem; and climbing route (possibly free-soloed), with definite overlap between the various different categories. At best, I would say the difference comes down to how they are generally climbed/protected. A boulder problem is generally climbed with the protection being spotters and one or more bouldering pads -- or none at all -- at a height where a fall is not expected to result in injury, or in minor injury. A high-ball boulder problem is similarly protected, but at a height where most boulderers would feel uncomfortable falling off, and the risk of serious injury is much higher. A route is something that is generally climbed with a rope for protection, or if climbed without a rope, with the expectation that the climber has no protection and will not fall off. |
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Climb... Climb... Feel the Rock and be happy... Don't panic... |
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Some people think of the difference as mostly mental, and I really like that explanation. That said, it's definitely not perfect, and leads to the conclusion that the difference can vary for different people. |
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I generally just say anything up to 30ft is bouldering after that you are free soloing. So that 55ft climb isn't a boulder problem imo, I would call it free soloing, maybe is still classified as it because they don't want to bolt it and it doesn't look like there is any way to protect / build an anchor to top rope? |