Get Your Climb On

Get Your Climb On

More and more young Victorians are trying out climbing including traditional rock climbing, sport climbing, and bouldering as a fun way to get moving.

What is bouldering? Think rock climbing, but with shorter walls and padded mats, so no need for ropes or other climbing gear.

With bouldering, every climb is a puzzle and the key to solving it is to experiment with how your body moves on the wall. Gripping the wall’s pegs with your hands, using your mind to plan your climb, and pushing yourself along with your legs and feet, bouldering is a great way to get your entire body moving.

You can go bouldering with friends, family, or on your own. Climb as high as you like, or keep close to the ground, the key is to just give it a go!

You can go bouldering with friends, family, or on your own. Climb as high as you like, or keep close to the ground, the key is to just give it a go!

Get Your Move On ambassador Kaman Ng is a Melbourne-based climber who has been bouldering across Victoria. She shares the following tips for people keen to give bouldering a go:

• Consider using chalk on your hands to help hold your grip,
• Only climb as high as you feel safe,
• Make sure you have a clear landing area,
• Plan out your route before you climb, so you know where you are going,
• Make sure you are not crossing paths with another person,
• Use your legs to push you as you climb, rather than using just your arms to pull you along,
• And most importantly, get your body moving in any way you feel comfortable and have fun!

Keen to try climbing? Start here!

• Watch more tutorial videos online about how to climb safely
• Search online for rock climbing and bouldering centres near you (please check if entry fees are charged before arriving)
• Ask your local council if there is a free council-run bouldering site in your area. To find and contact your local council, visit Know Your Council.
• See the list below for some of the free bouldering sites and playgrounds across Victoria

Free bouldering sites in Victoria

• Burnley Bouldering Wall, below the Monash Freeway, Richmond 3121
• Hopkins Bridge Bouldering wall, Maribyrnong River Trail, Footscray 3011
• Wilson Avenue Bouldering Wall, Brunswick 3056
• Alistair Knox Park, Eltham 3095
• Benalla Splash Park, 1 Bridge St East, Benalla 3672
• Aurora Estate, Wollert 3750
• Brompton Estate Pump Track, Cranbourne South

Playgrounds that include small climbing walls

• Broughton Avenue Reserve, Cobblebank 3338
• Princess Park, 17 Gellibrand St, Queenscliff 3225
• Belvoir Park Playground, Huon St, Wodonga 3690
• Morwell Town Commons Playground, Elgin St, Morwell 3840
• Gardenia Street Park, Horsham 3400