Bouldering is a form of
rock climbing that is performed without the use of ropes or
harnesses. While it can be done without any equipment whatsoever, most climbers use
climbing shoes to help secure footholds,
chalk to keep their hands dry, and
bouldering mats to prevent injuries from falls. Unlike
free solo climbing, which is also performed without ropes, bouldering problems (the path that a climber takes in order to complete the climb) are usually less than 6 meters (20 ft.) tall.
Artificial climbing walls allow boulderers to train indoors in areas without natural boulders.
Bouldering competitions, which employ a variety of formats, take place in both indoor and outdoor settings.
