Words by Brianne Schaer (Instagram: @brianneschaer)
Images by Crystal Tan (Instagram: @madambackwords)
Bouldering games are a creative way to let loose and have some fun with your friends at the gym. Games can create a fun and casually competitive environment where you can push yourself beyond just trying to climb at the next v-level.
Sender One has some of the best setters around, and while the bouldering area is full of engaging problems, sometimes you want to shake it up and play by your own rules, so grab some friends and read over this list of our favorite bouldering games to spice up your next session!
Add-On
Number of people: 2+
Rules: This game begins when the first climber selects two start holds and makes a single move. The next climber must repeat the same move, and add another. This process continues with each climber adding an extra move to the climb. If you fall, you're out! The game ends once everyone has fallen, when someone tops out, or when you run out of wall space.
Modifications:
- You can allow climbers to use any foot holds or you can specify which foot holds are on/off.
- Extend the length of each game by doing the moves in reverse order/down-climbing.
Eliminator
Number of people: 1+
Rules: Pick a route that everyone in your group can easily climb. The first player climbs the route, skipping one hold. The skipped hold is now off limits for both hands and feet. The next climber must climb the route, skipping that hold, as well as skipping an additional hold of their choice. The game continues until there is only one player left standing!
Twister
Number of people: 3-5
Rules: Climbers stand in front of a wall section that has four different colored holds. Just like in the party game of the same name, one person will call our the move (e.g. right hand blue) and the climbers will have to make that move. You can do this by simply by having one person call out the moves, or if you want to get more technical, you can download a twister spinner app to your phone. If you fall, you're out! Play continues until there is only one player left on the wall.
Pointer
Number of people: 2+
Rules: Find a portion of the wall with lots of varied holds. One person (or group of people) stands on the ground and points out the next hold the climber must use. Use a pointer or if you don't have one, then simply point with your finger and call out the hold name. See who can stay on the wall the longest as you and your friends call our the moves.
Simon Says
Number of people: 3+
Rules: This classic schoolyard game can also be fun on the climbing wall! One person stays on the ground while the rest of your group finds a place on the wall. The person on the ground will call out moves (e.g. Simon Says, right hand on blue). You are out if you fall, are unable to make a move, or make a move without the 'Simon Says' command.
Bonus Games!
If you have less time, less wall space, or just a shorter attention span, these easy mini-games can still make your session different and fun!
Dyno:
Have some fun practicing dynos. Find a spot where you can dyno from one hold to the next. Then, try to dyno to a higher hold! See who can make it the furthest from the original holds. Add to the challenge by seeing who in your group can complete the most dynos in the gym. (Hint: The setters sometimes set a route that has fun dynos in it -- look for 'DYNO' on the route tag!)
Follow the Leader:
Pick one person to lead your group on a traverse. Each person must hold the same hols as you move across the wall. Take turns being the leader as you make up new moves each round. (Just be mindful of your surroundings and that you aren't climbing underneath anyone or cutting off anyone from starting their project!)
Race:
Choose two problems that are next to each other and similar in difficulty. See who can make it up their problem the fastest, then switch problems and race again. You can also try to beat the clock when you're climbing alone - pick a problem that you can comfortably onsight, and climb it quickly! Time yourself to see how fast you can send it, and if you can beat your personal best!
Campusing:
Pick a problem below your usual grade and climb it without using your feet. Play with a group of friends to see who can make it the furthest, or send the problem first. If a full campus isn't in your wheelhouse, then you can also play by using only one foot, or one hand! Get creative!
These bouldering games can spice up your next gym session by adding variety and excitement. While some of the games are just for fun, others can work on specific training elements, like stamina, onsight ability, or power! Of course, while spicing up your bouldering routine, please be aware of your surroundings and respectful of other climbers trying to send their projects around you!
If you have any bouldering games that you like to play, share them on our facebook community pages (SNA) (LAX)!