Starting Bouldering as a Woman: Everything I Wish I Knew Before My First Route

 

A beginner’s guide to bouldering for women

How I Discovered Strength, Confidence and Community

By Greet Volders

From First Try to Obsession: How I Fell in Love with Bouldering

 

In 2023 I tried bouldering for the first time.

Not because I had always planned to start climbing, but because a friend asked me to join her. She had been climbing for a while and thought I might enjoy it. Honestly, I didn’t really know what to expect.

 

A few weeks later I found myself back in the gym — this time because of a date who suggested we go bouldering.

Apparently it’s quite a popular date activity.

 

What started as simple curiosity quickly turned into something I wanted to keep doing.

 

There’s something about climbing that pulls you in.

 

Maybe it’s the puzzle of the movement.
Maybe it’s the quiet focus when you’re on the wall.

Or maybe it’s that moment when you suddenly realise you’re stronger than you thought.

 

My First Impression of the Climbing Community

 

What surprised me most during my first bouldering session wasn’t the climbing itself.

It was the atmosphere.

 

I was climbing very easy routes and struggling with moves that were probably basic for most people in the gym. But every time I managed to finish one, people around me were cheering.

 

Not in a polite way — genuinely.

 

People I had never met were encouraging me and seemed honestly happy that I reached the top, even though the level was very beginner.

 

That moment stayed with me.

 

Because I quickly realised something about the climbing world: people celebrate effort, not just performance. And that makes bouldering a very welcoming sport, especially when you’re just starting out.

Why Bouldering Is an Amazing Sport for Women

One of the biggest surprises when I started bouldering was realising that it’s not about brute strength.

 

Before my first sessions, I assumed climbing was all about strong arms and pulling yourself up the wall. But very quickly I discovered that good climbing is much more about how you move.

Each route is like a small puzzle. The challenge is figuring out how to use your body efficiently — where to place your feet, how to shift your weight, and when to push instead of pull.

 

That’s also why bouldering can be such a great sport for women.

 

You don’t need to start strong. You simply learn step by step. With every session you start noticing small improvements: trusting your feet more, moving more confidently, or finally finishing a route that felt impossible before.

And that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding.

What You Actually Need to Start Bouldering

 

One of the best things about bouldering is how easy it is to start.

Most climbing gyms rent everything you need.

 

For your first sessions you only need:

• climbing shoes
• chalk (and chalkbag)
• and a pants which moves with you

Unlike rope climbing, bouldering happens on lower walls with thick crash mats underneath. This makes it very accessible for beginners.

 

Many gyms also offer introductory sessions where you learn basic techniques and safety.

 

You don’t need to be strong yet.
You don’t need expensive equipment.
And you definitely don’t need to be “ready”.

 

The best way to start climbing is simply to start.

A Sport That Brings More Than Just Exercise

When I started bouldering, I thought I had simply found a new way to exercise.

 

But it quickly became more than that.

 

A typical climbing session is a mix of movement and socialising. You climb a route, take a break, and talk with others about how to solve the problem.

People share tips, encourage you to try again, or celebrate when someone finally finishes a route.

 

Over time you start recognising familiar faces. Conversations become easier and slowly it starts to feel like a small community.

 

For me, bouldering brought much more than just physical activity:

·        a new group of people

·        more confidence

·        physical strength

·        a way to clear my mind after a busy day

 

Although climbing is often seen as an individual sport, the community around it is one of its strongest aspects. Climbers cheer for each other, share beta (tips), and celebrate even the smallest wins.

 

For many women, climbing with other women can be especially empowering. You realise you’re not the only one learning, trying new things, or stepping outside your comfort zone.

And that’s one of the reasons I keep coming back to bouldering. It’s the perfect balance between sport, connection and fun.

Feeling Comfortable on the Wall

Something you also notice quickly when you start bouldering is how important comfortable clothing is.

 

Climbing involves a lot of movement: stretching, high steps and dynamic moves. If your clothes restrict you, you notice it immediately.

 

That’s why good climbing apparel makes a difference. Brands like RainyDays focus on sportswear designed for women who climb — clothing that moves with your body and allows you to feel confident on the wall.

 

When you feel comfortable, you can focus on the climb instead of adjusting your outfit.

Thinking About Trying Bouldering?

If you're curious about bouldering but unsure where to start, my advice is simple: just try it.

Bring a friend, join an introduction session or say yes when someone invites you to the climbing gym. You might start climbing because of a friend.
Or because of a date. But chances are you'll keep coming back because of the challenge, the community and the feeling of discovering what your body is capable of. If you’re curious about climbing, here are three simple tips to start: 

That’s exactly the idea behind RainyDays — sportswear designed for women who want to feel comfortable, strong and confident on the wall.

My Favorite RainyDays Item?

My Favorite Boulder Gyms

 

If you’re just starting bouldering or looking for places with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, these are my favorite gyms in Flanders — each with its own vibe and advantages 👇