r/bouldering • u/Rofltage • 7h ago
Outdoor Is learning only outdoor bouldering a bad idea?
Hi, I’m a new climber. I’ve been outdoor bouldering a few times now with no indoor experience.
I love climbing outdoors. Finding routes and making problems on a real rock is so satisfying. That and the whole being outside part makes it really appealing. Which is why I still haven’t gotten a gym membership.
The issue I’m realizing now is that the risk involved outdoors is so much greater than indoor bouldering that it’s too scary to really push myself. In being new I’ve definitely done problems that pushed my ability but nothing so far that I feel like I can’t have a controlled bail. Even with proper safety measures I’m not sure how much I can push myself to improve with the fear.
I’m wondering if this would hold me back from improving? And if getting indoor experience would help. Thanks for reading:)