Bouldering Safety

Bouldering entails climbing without ropes on walls no higher than 4.5m (indoors), above matting designed to provide a softer landing. While impact flooring and matting aim to reduce injury severity, they do not eliminate the risk. Uncontrolled falls can still result in injuries to climbers or others. Traversing involves climbing sideways at a low level, typically without bouldering matting in areas like the traverse corridor, where climbers remain close to the ground at all times.

How the risk is managed for Foundry members (unsupervised climbers):

• The club's membership registration process ensures climbers understand safe bouldering practices.

• Climbers are encouraged to stay within their skill level and descend by down climbing rather than jumping off.

• Only climbers are allowed on the matting.

• Climbers should inspect the immediate area under the problem before starting.

How the risk is managed on internal instructed sessions (delivered by Foundry Climbing Coaching Ltd):

• Our instructors hold National Governing Body qualifications and undergo regular in-house reviews.

• Instructors set height limits appropriate to the age and ability of individuals in the group.

• The number of climbers simultaneously climbing is controlled, typically with a maximum of 3 climbers in most sessions and 2 for younger groups.

• Climbers are instructed to climb down whenever possible.

• Instructors may spot (provide support when climbers fall) as needed.

• Climbers are expected to follow the instructor's briefing throughout the session.

Updated March 2024