Bouldering: why you should try things you think you’ll hate
23.8.2025
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Sometimes, a single evening is all you need to shake up preconceived notions. In any case, it’s exactly how I discovered a new hobby and made a fundamental realisation.
If you’d invited me to go bouldering a year ago, I’d have looked at you with raised eyebrows or a questioning smile and given you an ironic «Oh yeah, suuuure». And now… I’m hanging from the wall and trying to grab the next handle.
Source: Gabriel Grob
But let’s start… at the start.
Climbing hippies
It was during university that I first came into closer contact with hobby boulderers and sports climbers. My lecture halls were filled with bare feet, hiking boots and sneakers as well as a couple climbing shoes. And I can't say I took a shine to the people in them.
Maybe it was the sight of them drinking maté out of a Patagonian calabash in their washed-out tank tops. Or that excessive self-confidence I projected onto them because they were constantly showing off their muscles. Bouldering didn’t seem like a sport to me, more like a whole personality. And I certainly wanted nothing to do with all that.
I was firmly convinced that nothing could lure me into a stuffy bouldering hall. The mere thought of placing my hands on the rough surface of those coloured handles sent a shiver down my spine.
Source: Stefanie Lechthaler
But then a childhood friend recently got in touch. He was looking for people he could work out with. «Sounds good», I replied enthusiastically. However, my joy was dampened by his response: «Bouldering, for example».
On to a new hobby
But since we’re usually on the same wavelength, his «I know you’ll love it» was enough to convince me. I value his judgement, so there must be something to this sport.
Three days later, I was standing in front of the Minimum bouldering hall in Oerlikon. It felt as if I was looking through the floor-to-ceiling windows into an oversized terrarium. Inside, I watched climbers criss-cross the overhanging walls. They twisted their heads like chameleons, placing their feet on the steps one after the other. Their mates were crouching on the ground below, watching. Everything was in motion, no spot remained untouched. And how couldn’t it be? After all, the whole of Zurich seemed to have gathered in the bouldering hall that day. At least that’s how it felt to me.
Inside, I rented a pair of those ugly shoes, the same my fellow students were wearing. We warmed up, and my gaze lingered on a guy studying the bouldering challenges from the ground and miming the handholds. My colleague grinned: «Some people stand in front of the wall for hours, only to run to the next one without ever having touched a handle.» I had to laugh, but things were already getting serious.
Fired up after the very first grip
Afraid of embarrassing myself, I hoped for a hidden wall to begin with, but this felt almost impossible given the crowd. Still, we found what we were looking for, and my friend explained to me which route was the easiest. He was up first. Within seconds, he touched the top handle, indicating the end of a route. I powdered my hands with magnesium, placed them on the first handle, positioned my feet on the steps and moved from jug to jug. By the way, that’s the official name for handles. Before I knew it, I was three metres off the ground and hungry to tackle the next project – sorry, bouldering jargon again.
Source: Stefanie Lechthaler
If you’re open to life, you’ll get more out of it
At some point, my muscles gave way and reminded me how quickly time passes when you’re having fun. I realised that my preconceived notions were wrong and that bouldering requires creativity, skill and agility as well as some strength. What’s more, it’s not just showy climbing hippies cavorting around the hall. There’s also plenty of friendly faces who motivate and support each other. An open and colourful community, all looking to solve puzzles together.
Source: Gabriel Grob
Altogether, that evening gave me some wonderful hours with my childhood friend, and I was rewarded with a new hobby I want to pursue. Indeed, even I have to rethink my prejudices continually to avoid getting stuck.
Mind you, don’t expect to see me out on a real rock face any time soon. That’s really not for me…
Right?
What experiences you’ve lived turned your initial scepticism into enthusiasm? Let me know in the comments!
Header image: Stefanie Lechthaler
Painting the walls just before handing over the flat? Making your own kimchi? Soldering a broken raclette oven? There's nothing you can't do yourself. Well, perhaps sometimes, but I'll definitely give it a try.
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