I'm one of the new wave of climbers. I can't really comment if this whole thing is good or not, it has been good for me. It is probablt the first sport that I actually enjoy in my 33 years of life, and it has done wonders for my physical and mental condition. And indoor climbing makes it possible to do any time when I have 2 hours to spare. So while the old school climbing purists might be upset about all of this, it has been a positive thing in my life.
same. I used to think I simply wasn't a sports person. and then I discovered climbing and all the things my body could do (I am in my 30s as well) and it isn't even boring like jogging! I can do it and completely lose myself in it without it feeling too much like a sport, at least for me, I refuse to do any extra workouts to improve my skills. too boring 😂 once it starts to feel like work, it drains my energy and loses the joy. The way I am doing it is simply perfect for me. I have never been fitter in my life
No i’m such oldschool guy and i can tell you, we’re not upset. Good for you you found climbing and enjoy it. Our best part is, we can go to al remote spots outside were other people can’t go so always fun for everybody
@@s.9899 Climbing having constant immediate and reachable goals is *huge* for motivation. Jogging or the gym you're slowly working towards something while with bouldering you're always working towards a goal that's visibly right in front of you.
@@theoneandonlyAeth absolutely and it's not just that. my mind is so much more occupied. I tried jogging for a few months and I never reached a point where I could let my mind wander (like I do while biking), it always felt strenuous and exhausting and I kept thinking "how long until I can stop that". Never happend to me while climbing or bouldering. Especially while climbing I can reach a point where I am just flowing and thinking about whatever while doing my moves, clipping, resting. Pure meditation high above the ground. I love it.
To Ged’s point about who is a climber: I started climbing as a 35 year old mother of four, 4 years ago. From the very first time I tried I knew I wanted to do it the rest of my life. So I think you’re a climber if you feel like you are. (And to those 10 year climbers saying they’re not really climbers: no one’s definition matters as much as your own. If you love climbing and you do it, you’re a climber!) We all engage with the sport to varying degrees, but one of my favorite things about the current culture in gyms is how welcoming and open it is. Everyone belongs and has a right to be there. Thanks Hannah this is a great video!
100% @amberblackford999 it is how you feel, thats all that matters really, does it bring you joy? The labels are neither here nor there. We promote helping people realise that if you are leaving the ground for fun, you are a climber and what being a climber means is totally up to you too. Liberty to be whatever does seem to scare some people though!
ClimberCore is hot right now. Genuinely though, I think people are just discovering how - once made accessible - climbing is just as foundational as walking, running, swimming etc to our human bodies.
I agree, it feels like a genuine human need, to be climbing, as balance, physical strength and mental strength is all part of being alive. Its rare to develop all at once in other sports, as much as you do so in climbing.
@@Mie_Bunger So true, you get such a wide range of physical/mental benefits by doing something that is fun 99% of the time (can't say I've never had a bad day in the gym but it's still enjoyable even when I have a rough session). I never had fun doing typical strength training in a gym, but now I have motivation strength train for climbing lol.
I started climbing ‘late in life’ at age 43 after years in the gym lifting weights and the stress it puts on the body, joints etc. I’m thankful for the commercialism of “new” climbing culture. It makes the spaces feel vibrant and welcoming, especially to those like me who are very socially awkward. My first few times I got to meet amazing people and see the social culture and was greeted with open arms. Thanks for such a great video Hannah and Nathan.
I started climbing at age 39 having never been a sporty person, and it was the first physical activity I had tried that I felt I could actually make reasonable progress with, and continue to enjoy for a long time. I'm 44 now. It's also such a wholesome, encouraging and expressive community.
I was a couch potato before trying climbing 2 years ago when I was 34.My body, mind and relationship to work has totally changed. I started working out (outside of bouldering) learned to lead climb as well, fell in love with outdoor climbing. This is such a great sport/community
Looking forward to the sequel. If you're looking for problematics to prod, I'd say one particular issue the explosion of indoor climbing is doing to the outdoors is due to the cultural gulf between the two. An indoor climber is basically a customer, and as you said everything is made for them (us), we are cocooned, everything is safe, we have almost nothing to worry about, and 0 care in the world. And there are bins, toilets, even showers. Those who venture outdoors with that mentality may, and I insist on the term (meaning not everyone is in that category) treat the outdoors in the same vein, as customers who think all is done for them, and they are owed it. Yet going outdoors requires a mental shift: you can't do all you do in a gym in nature. You can't leave your packaging in a bush for lack of a bin, or your toilet paper. You can't drag your crashpad along as if you were in a man-made, fixable environment. You can't blast loud music like in a gym, because nature is not a gym or a nightclub. And of course that extends to understanding that bolting will likely be more runout, that anchors may look different and need the learning of new techniques and so on. I'd say indoors you need a bank card. Outdoors you need humility. That is NOT to criticise indoor climbing in the least, not least because I partake several times per week. But it raises questions: should, for instance, indoor gyms educate for the outdoors? I don't have an answer.
Beautiful comment. Well written. I agree for the most part that moving to the outdoors requires a mental shift. I do not however believe that an indoor gym is required to (or even should) attempt to educate their users on the differences of climbing outdoors. I think it is up to us as individuals to learn to respect something that we may not know about, regardless of the thing in question. In the case of being outdoors like you mention: the environment is a) not ours and b) not FOR us. these things ought to be taught by parents as a general respect for nature as well as the people who bring the indoor folk outside. I think that from the gym's perspective, the most they should do is have the information available on request. With all of that said, this is simply my opinion and would love to hear the opinions of others on the subject.
Fantastic comment. This is exactly why I think that to preserve outdoor bouldering, habits like brushing AFTER you climbed a route need to be made part of indoor climbing culture - otherwise outdoor climbing seems doomed. Places like Fontainebleau deteriorate quickly and that is also due to, let's say, not very role-model-esque behavior of famous UA-camrs.
@@fabian-hugsforhikers Cheers. Yep. The problem is that good practices are either present in a vlog but not shown as such (because it's 'boring' and doesn't make for sexy footage) or they are not and some bad ones take their place. There was a famous vlogging 'incident' by Mejdi Shalk in Font last year, among others. I like the idea of the indoor brushing. Maybe it should be made compulsory for newcomers to spend an hour cleaning holds before they get to climb 😁.
@@sirVlinky Cheers. You're right, education is paramount here as in many other aspects of society, and so is common sense (i-e, one should be able to work out that nature is not a gym). I've never taken part in gym-organised trips. Maybe then do the staff explain the dos and donts? Ideally, I'd put a lot of emphasis on the notion of mentoring, for me the best way to pass on knowledge, provided the newcomer is actually willing to learn and listen (or better, try to understand why this and why that).
Came down to the comments to say it was your videos “randomly” popping up in my Ig feed after I told a friend I would love to learn how to climb that got me inspired enough to look up classes and stuff. Sadly there weren’t many options in my country (either you could spend a couple hundred dollars for a weekend intro/crash course a 4-hour drive away, or you had to know someone who practiced the sport and was willing to take you under their wing). Then I moved to Europe and learned climbing and bouldering gyms were a thing and discovered HMB, EKB and Catalyst’s channels, finally overcame the anxiety and fear of ridicule thanks to your display of how supportive and welcoming the community is, and finally joined the local gym in January. A month ago I had my first outdoor experience and now I can’t wait for more opportunities to go out to the crag. I’m eternally grateful to all of you for helping me make the best decision I’ve made in my 31 years of life. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Noah, Hannah, Nathan, Louis, Eric&crew.
Just posted a long ass comment rambling on about how y’all got me hooked on climbing/bouldering and it poofed out of existence. Tl;dr: thank you Noah, Hannah, Nathan, Louis, Eric and crew for helping this 31 year old make the best decision of his life ❤️
I first started climbing at 14yrs old at school 47 yrs ago. We were lucky enough to have a wooden climbing wall inside and a couple of teachers who climbed quite hard outside and took us on trips around the country.I learnt outside trad climbing and reached a good level (extremely severe). Then after being involved in a fatal accident in the lake district I didn't climb again until 5 yrs ago when an indoor gym opened very close to home and I ventured there to try it. I re kindled my love of climbing and have been going twice a week ever since. The indoor gym allows me to meet people of various ages and abilities and I have improved alot .I haven't plucked up the courage to return to trad climbing yet. But hopefully I will at some point. If it hadn't been for the increased popularity and availability of indoor gyms, I wouldn't have returned to something I've always loved. Great video Hannah.
this is so similar to my experience. I started climbing back in 2003 until about 2009 while at uni, then stopped after two fatal outdoor accidents in my climbing community. Just got back in to it about 1.5 years ago - after 14ish years - mostly indoor bouldering due to being able to visit them so easily, some top roping. Still trying to fix my head game though after all this time - plus its harder to build up the technique and strength than it was 20ish years ago!
It’s lovely how a sport using movement that is just as fundamental and natural as running or swimming has now become accessible and popularised. It’s a space where people are getting together to solve problems using movement and it’s no wonder that this creates a unique community feel ❤ Thanks for putting together this video with beautiful footage and insightful information
I think a lot of the increase in popularity is to do with the lower barrier of access. Thirty years ago, most climbing needed ropes, equipment and knowledge, and crucially a friend who had all these things. The increase in bouldering facilities means that anyone can just rock up and enjoy themselves.
Yea! I think so too. I can see how traditional or sport climbing would feel very intimidating if you didn’t already know someone who climbed or hadn’t been shown how whereas indoor bouldering feels more like a safe gateway to explore movement and that movement it super enjoyable and satisfying so people are getting the bug!
The way I see it is that indoor climbing, especially bouldering is a completely new sport. It shares some skills with traditional climbing, but it is just not the same. It is popular because it is good, and it is gaining because people are discovering it. I think the best comparison you can make is to swimming. This too became popular when swimming in a pool was its own thing, not just training for swimming in a lake or in the ocean.
This is it! Amazing video, Hannah-I absolutely loved this style. The editing,animations, and the vibe of sitting on your couch for the talking shots were spot on. I really, really enjoyed it and can’t wait to see more like this!
Never been this early to a Hannah Morris video. All I can say is you make great content and one of my favorite creators on UA-cam period! Thanks for growing a supporting community, Hannah!
I'm 58 and I started top rope climbing a year ago. I was hooked from the first time I topped a route and all I could think was "I want to do that again!" I began pouring over UA-cam videos about technique and training and just watching other people climb. But I knew I was a climber when , after watching content from professional climbers, I realized that even at my beginning level, I was experiencing the very same mind games, challenges and thought processes that they were. Not to mention the same injuries, aches and pains. I seriously could talk about climbing all day! My kids joke that after I retire that I'll go live in my car at a state park and hang out with the boulder bros. In this economy that may be all I can afford! It sounds like a wonderful life! Thanks Hannah for an interesting and insightful video. I really do love your channel!
I've been pushing myself to get into indoor climbing the past few months and I finally gained the confidence and went to my first intro to bouldering session last week. So far I haven't regretted my choice. I never favoured the gym environment due to the fact people can be so judgemental but this is a great substitute for my health and leisure. The people I have met the past week have been super helpful, friendly and I already feel a sense of belonging. Even if I am just a beginner, the sense of motivation from others is unreal!
I'm apart of the new waves of climbers and two of my favorite things about the sport is the exploration of movement and the lack of ego (by and large). I've done many other physical sports but a common experience I would run into other sports were, "I love the sport, but I can't stand the community." I've found it freeing to be in a community that both challenges itself for self development and mastery of the sport, and yet does not project the need for one's development to be sized up against their peers. Of course, you run into the "v2 in my gym" bro online and sometimes in person, but by in large the community isn't like that. Ultimately, I like how we pursue the path towards excellence together, rather than against one another.
My local gym is in an old warehouse with very poor air conditioning. Which is pretty brutal in the Texas summers. But the staff and the environment is amazing.
My child had a go at a school carnival on a portable climbing wall and loved it, that night a Google if there were any local indoor climbing facilities, we were in luck, now he’s hooked. No social media or mainstream media influence or had ever really seen it before. My child had ADHD and ASD and was too anxious in team sports so was pretty much burning off energy playing VR. First session last weekend he was on the wall 3hrs, just taping up blisters and tears and kept climbing. He was so proud of himself which is massive as he’s always struggled with low self esteem. It helps that the facility it was an extremely welcoming and inclusive environment. Will be heading back this weekend, and I plan to join him (slow and steady).
My local gym, used to have only 1 location 13 years ago, and now it has 12 gyms across the United States and has grown into almost a corporation of a climbing gym.
I started climbing back in 2003 until about 2009, mostly outdoors and rope climbing indoors (very little bouldering). After two fatal outdoor accidents in my climbing community it put me off, and I stopped. I've recently got back in to climbing indoors about 1.5 years ago - after wanting to for quite a while, and after getting past my kids being in pre-school. It's been fascinating to return - the sport and community has changed so much over the 14ish years I was away. I'm loving the accessibility of so many bouldering walls, and being able to visit them so easily. However, I still love the style of climbing on an indoor rope more as it feels more akin to the old outdoor climbing style I learnt on - more delicate tension moves over raw power, but maybe that's the styles of the walls that are in my region..... I've found it interesting how the etiquette of climbing in the indoor walls has changed too...
Loving this new look video into both the sport's history and direction, plus interweaved with the more human aspect of someone's first day at the climbing wall. Myself I still count as a beginner despite in theory almost four months climbing. This is mainly due to bad timing with both injury and bad health. I plan to start again as it were this week after a month to forget. Recognising & dealing with the mental side of coming back from an injury is although not new to me it is as regards sport as that was never really my thing. Indoor climbing for me has been a way to get fit plus interact with others in a way I would probably not do. As a 57 year old trans woman not connecting with people beyond my old school friends & family has been a protective tool to keep me safe... climbing has helped me see a better side of life and I have become more outgoing as a result. As Hannah pointed out, climbing in part has been about counter culture & inclusivity so it isn't any surprise many of us in the LGBTQ+ community have gravitated to it. It's refreshing to just be in the moment, talking about technique, anti-styles and overcoming climbing fears.
Been climbing 18 years now, started outdoors. I climb indoors maybe 4 times a week - less when the rock is dry or ice is in. I love how inclusive climbing gyms are, and with the growing popularity I can always find a gym to climb at when I am travelling for work (often). I am definitely a social gym climber. Outdoors I adore long moderate trad multis. I do see two negative things going on: 1. With so many gyms and people climbing, there isn't the same tight knit climbing community. Back in the day most people at the gym knew each other, and if someone new started climbing people would talk to them, and make sure they were included. Now there are so many people coming and going with different cliques all over the gym everyone kind of just keeps to themselves or their own friend group. Sure, it is still a very social space but that wholesome tight knit community vibe was killed years ago. I have been a member at 9 gyms over the years across Canada, this observation is not specific to one area or gym. Same thing at the crag, nobody knows each other anymore. All random people from one of the 26 gyms within a 2 hour drive. If you include university walls and other non-commercial spaces there are closer to 40 gyms within a 2 hour drive. When I started climbing there were 3 gyms in this same area. There is no community now, and I really miss the days of rolling up to the crag and seeing familiar faces. 2. This shift has been disastrous for access and outdoor ethics. We have limited rock where I currently live and a crazy number of gyms (~40) - we have seen endless closures from the hoards flocking to outdoor spaces. I usually try to mentor a few new climbers each season and my friend group volunteers with gym-to-crag programs at our local university. Mindsets around outdoor climbing have dramatically changed in the last few years. A lot of newer climbers expect climbing outside to be safe and feel entitled that a climb should match their skillsets. We don't need to add bolts to climbs or turn good trad lines into sport climbs in the name of inclusivity. Outdoor climbs should have character, they should not be a gym copy-paste. Don't get me wrong, I love climbing some well bolted sport. I also love the satisfaction and mental engagement of climbing past some bad gear, or the feeling of clipping a juicy bolt after a long runout. These things matter and should not be eliminated. Outdoor climbing is not the gym. I started trad climbing to open up more route options and grow as a climber. Run out or scary route, you used to dial it in on top rope and go for the send later. The new climber mindset is to scream that the climbs should be changed for them, with a shocking amount of support from other new equally inexperienced climbers. I genuinely don't get it.
I was introduced to climbing by my little brother a year ago at the age of 38 and honestly it’s been the best for my physical health and mental. The best aspect is the community. I would work out in the gym and have my headphones and really never engage with anyone. As soon as I started climbing, there is a sense of mutual excitement and support for each other to complete the next project. So much so that someone I started climbing with a few months ago has invited me to their wedding. And honestly it’s the most wholesome sport I’ve done! Great video and analysis!
I’m a new wave boulder’er! I’ve been properly at it (at least 2 times a week) for the past 3 months and have also recently climbed on real rock - I love it. I’m so grateful for indoor climbing gyms because coming from The Fens we have one of the flattest parts of the UK and have to travel a fair distance to be able to experience real rock climbing on anything higher than a roundabout 😂 I first tried it about 3 years ago but never stuck at it; now I look forward to every session and I’ve met such a great community at my local gym 🩵
I think a huge part of it was the lack of contact with eachother throughout lockdown left people craving community and connection again and climbing not only offers that but it also offers a way to remain active and heathy; win, win. Again the sense of identity and style also plays a part into it literally and figuratively for example you can be more drawn to overhang so your a more powerful climber and prefering holds such as pinches but then it also, like skateboarding, has different ways to dress and express yourself that way, some wear what they would wear to a conventional gym where others may wear baggy cargos and T-shirt you also find this charateristic in skateboarding. Overall I think it is good that climbing is getting recongition and uptake and building careers for the people that have been climbing for 5/10+ years but also giving the newcombers aspirations to progress as a climber, person and a community member.
I have started pretty much exactly 10 years ago. Climbing has become so much more accessible in the meantime. Back then, there was 1 gym in the region, now there are 3 gyms in relatively close proximity. Back then, climbing was still geared towards rope climbing. Bouldering did exist but was still mostly a niche. Rope climbing means you need to have a partner, you need to learn how to belay, you are facing much greater height from the get-go. There is a steep learning curve before one can enjoy rope climbing. With bouldering, this is so much different. No belay needed, no partner needed, not harness, not rope and the height is a lot less exposed. One can just grab a few people from work/university/... and go bouldering with them. But it is not just the shift from rope climbing to bouldering, there is also the shift within bouldering. Back then, most boulders were still those small holds, hard and not very pleasing from an aesthetic standpoint. Nowadays, even the easyish boulders have those big volume-like holds, there is a lot of jumping around and things look just so much more pleasing and motivating.
my husband has been climbing since he was 16 ( now 42), while I started only two years ago bouldering, and climbing since this summer. I am afraid of hights, yet the adrenaline that I get after finishing a challenging route makes me want to do it regardless of my crazy fear. Having gear that is safe, and following safety procedures meticulously helps me with the fear, too. Then, of course, the fun and trust that I can build with my partner, makes it a good sport for creating healthy and supporting community.
I'm 30 now, I started climbing nearly 2 years ago, this year I started consistently going twice a week. I also lift weights twice a week as I have done for so many years. I genuinely wish I had gotten into climbing years ago, i can't imagine ever stopping now. The community at my gym is amazing, and it gave me something to look forward to on a weekly basis when I was going through a tough period last year. I am super motivated now to try it outside as I normally go hiking with my friends every year and have always seen climbers in the wild.
My wife took up climbing early this year (2024) by friends that gave us a taste of it outdoors. We are both in our 60’s and initially I just belayed her and did rappelling. I now climb as well and we spend two nights a week, every week, in top rope gym and finish off on circuit board in bouldering area! Been absolutely wonderful for both mind and body and my wife is a better climber by far… so far! We hope to continue for as long as we can!
Interesting video, well made. Been climbing for nearly 20 years now, been part of the change so to say. There are ups and there are downs. Climbing is definitely in an up and judging by the way gyms are sprouting there will be some long term retention, I think. However, I have also been in skateboarding since the 80's and that has seen huge hypes and serious downs. I hope for all gym-owners that climbing does not go through the same as skateboarding and that it will remain at a more constant, stable level in contrast to the huge highs and deep lows skateboarding went through and is going through.
Love watching Jen as, almost in spite of herself, she gets hooked! You can see the stoke and excitement in her face, and her growing confidence and courage. Beautiful! We ❤❤❤❤ CLIMBING!!! (Me: 60 yr old Old Lady, 5 years climbing and TOTALLY HOOKED :) )
Great video! Honestly I've only been climbing 8 months but met some of the best people ever through it! Best decision I ever made from a physical and mental perspective ❤❤❤
I started climbing at 22.. so that's 1992 and we had one large gym in Haarlem (The Netherlands) and it was so much fun and already quite popular. I started again at 53 (one year ago) and it is a very good and fun way to stay in shape. I hate going to the (fitness) gym and this is so much better for me.. it's a challenge and it helps me when I go climbing in the 'real mountains'. I have no goals like getting to 6c or v5 or whatever because in 'real alpine climbing' you often do not get past v3 (at least.. not on the mountains I choose :-), I just want to stay strong and feel powerful when I am hiking and climbing outdoors. Nowadays I have so much choice.. there are like 4 climbing gyms close to my house and when I am somewhere abroad I always seem to find a climbing gym in the neighbourhood. Anyway, I love climbing, it keeps me healthy, fit and happy!
Been climbing as a lifestyle for almost 20 years - I struggle in some of the new gyms, but also love what they bring to the table. This has been wildly well done and thorough! Awesome! But the socialbility of Climbing Gyms has always been the selling feature to me. So many of my friends have met and been married and built families in the climbing gym. They are also the social center for so many other activities. When people want to meet ice climbing partners, or ski touring partners, or mtn bike partners - I always say - goto the climbing gym!
I'm going to start climbing in 2025. I have tried a WIDE variety of sports. Including: Gymnastics Ballet Dance Competitive cheer Surf Roller skating And figure skating. My personal favorite is figure skating, but I had to quit because I developed osteoarthritis in my right ankle (which is the ankle I land on for jumps) and I couldn't afford it anymore. To continue skating I would have had to get custom skates... which can cost $600-$1,000 US dollars. I thought about doing ballet, but that would be just as strenuous on my ankle. When I first tried climbing, my ankle didn't hurt, and I loved it. I love solving problems that I'm passionate about, kind of like Minecraft parkour! I am also a cautious person, even when I was in gymnastics I was hesitant to try things that scared me. So rock climbing would push me out of my comfort zone, and I like that! Plus, I need to improve my upper body strength anyway. (Since the last time I did gymnastics was 4 or 5 years ago) I'm glad I'm starting climbing in a time where it is getting heavily improved so that everyone can start.
What a cozy living room you got 😊❤ I started bouldering 2 years a go when I turned 30. A friend introduced it to me in 2015 and I remembered it was quite fun, so I gave it a shot again and got hooked. My body and mindset transformed a lot to the better thanks to it. 💪🏻
It is so interesting to see so many new people getting into climbing .. I have started climbing over 15 years ago and later even met my now husband at the climbing gym .. since then a lot has changed - I had to take a few years long break (life is dark and full of terrors) and now I am baffled with the advancements the sport has taken .. like just the chalk alone - are you kidding!?! if I had this stuff back then I would have been unstoppable :D .. the one thing I still feel strongly is the comunity - I mean how normal is it that you see a person in a gym for the first time and instantly you cheer eachother on even when you both are frustrated and laugh with them like its the easiest thing in the world - normally it takes me months to warm up to people like that :) that is why I have fallen in love with climbing all those years ago and I hope it never goes away
I think the key part of climbing's success I think is access, especially bouldering. There is very little reason, as an activity, for it to not be as popular as things like running, biking or swimming, but the climbing in the past have huge barriers, and intimidating. Increase access of indoor gyms, where the average person can get going within 10 minutes makes it accessible to more people. The final point on mind and body connection I feel is why I enjoyed it. I myself wanted for years to have a better physique, could never get the motivation even in the most vain years of my life because of how monotone weight training is and never fitted in with that culture. Now I have been climbing for 2 years, in my mid 30s, and everybody in my family is commenting on how buff and built I had become. I didn't started climbing as way to get strong, I enjoy the problem solving aspect of climbing, but it being a hobby that can help achieve fitness goals while mind stimulating does make it attractive to a wide range of people. I think is a great point about the cultural aspect, or lack thereof. Like it was said, skateboarding have the punk element, stuff like Yoga has spiritual elements, both are things that can turn people away as much as they draw people in. I think fundamentally, climbing just have a culture that is not too competitive, even at the competitive level, where you can sense that any competitive energy is channeled towards the climb, rather than against the rivals. I think climbers being inclusive helps and wanting everybody to succeed helps. So many times I am up in the wall, and there are cries of encouragement when I hesitate, or genuine disappointment when I fail. There are impromptu problem solving sessions with strangers. And you mix and mingle between the beginners and the elite climbers, few sport would you see such a mix in the same building, thus there is a lot less gatekeeping. Is also a friend group can do together despite hugely different level of climbing. But I think, we should really not class indoor climbing in the same vein as outdoor climbing. The mind set and skill set is quite different. The reason for indoor climbing's boom is not the reason why old schooler climbers got into climbing in the first place; and that's fine.
I’m part of the new wave of climbing and was using it to supplement my jiu jitsu. It’s so accessible and my wife loves it too! It’s a good way to challenge yourself and see progress to get that sense of accomplishment. Also the community at the specific gym I go to is amazing. The climbers there are so chill and if a new climber finishes a route they are all cheering even if they climb v7+. Just comparing it to jiu jitsu or trad. weight training, it’s not too intimidating, the vibe in the gym is different and it’s so much more accessible. The movement is more intuitive which makes the barrier to entry(minus the cost) easier. Also the community is so different. I love bjj and weight training but hate the community lol
i just started bouldering last september. my therapist recommended i found a sport that's both solo and team, that could help with confidence and trusting myself. and i found climbing. and I've never felt happier with a sport since getting my black belt in jujitsu
That's super cool to hear - glad you're enjoying it so much! Confidence and self belief through climbing has been a big one for me. Climbing is that natural dopamine hit that I need and it's good for me physically :)
I have to say, your format in this style of video and analytical break really is impressive - your narrated videos are so engaging and actually very informative Fair play 👏
I started climbing 18 months ago at age 45. The reason I started is because a climbing gym opened up in my home town, making it accessible to me to do for the first time in my life. Otherwise I would have started as a youngster, no question about it. I always wanted to try climbing. I somehow instinctively knew it would be fun and that it would suit my mind and body well.
I began climbing in August 2023 at the age of 41. A friend introduced me to it, and thanks to him, my life has improved both physically and mentally.😊 I’m very grateful.
I’ve been climbing for 7 years after bringing one of my children to a birthday party at a climbing gym and I had more fun than any of the kids. I’ve benefited mentally, physically, felt amazing sense of achievement and been humbled. Faced fears and overcame. It’s an amazing accessible sport
I started climbing 30 years ago and have seen it expand and contract in a few cycles but this one is definitely the biggest expansion so far. I expect indoor bouldering gyms have either peaked or will soon. But this video explains why so many of us will keep on with it, even after it ceases being cool. I found a similar kind of community in martial arts but got sick of getting injured all the time.
I was a huge sports guy when I was younger, doing BJJ, track and field, currently I shoot competitively in USPSA, but nothing compares to the feeling I get when I send a V5/V6 slab.
Super well done and thoughtful video! For me, climbing represents another fun puzzle to solve. Personal development, mental and physical challenge, an ability to improve, and the puzzle of movement. Plus, rope systems/safety stuff is another enjoyable knowledge base to dive into and nerd out on.
With all the local climbing gyms constantly over crowded these days, I'm just trying to ride this surge of popularity out and wait for it to become a bit LESS popular. Sooner would be better than later, but I'm guessing it'll take awhile. Awesome work on the video though! 🙂
Indoor climbing isn't the only place where climbing is increasing in popularity, perhaps in the main as you nod to - due to commercialisation. For example, guiding and instructing has become perhaps the main way people get into winter climbing, or at least it is so much more prominent than it was at the start of the 90s when I began winter climbing. The mountain training awards has become a real industry and is very professionalised. This can be both a good and bad thing, but it's clearly significant in increasing numbers in that type of climbing. I think as ever, what you see in these sorts of matters, depends very much on where you are standing. Hannah who has climbed (predominantly indoors I believe) has noticed changes in indoor climbing that i simply haven't, although ive climbed for over three decades - and always a bit, but never very much, indoors.
I've been climbing for 7+ years, and the sport has changed so much it's crazy. Back then, most people would only boulder as training for lead and only indoors as training for outdoor. I've always liked plastic more and would never really be on the same page as other people, but with the growth in popularity (probably thanks to channels like Erik's and later yours), gyms have gotten way better and more accessible for the average climber. Overall a great thing for the climbing community even if I now have to wait in line to climb my project. Great video guys, the documentary/philosofical side of climbing youtube is something I would love to see more of 🔥
I've been a climber for 53 years now, and I find the climbing community to be far nicer, happier, more inclusive and better adjusted that it was when I first started - long may this continue! However, I do have anxieties about the future, as big brands wake up to climbing's commercial potential, and some organisations have a disproportionate influence on its direction. For example the IFSC has done a reasonable job so far, but at the end of the day, it is a private organisation with a strong vested interested in the way things progress.
I feel a bit between waters ^^ I started with school as a teenage, but without much structure, "just for fun", remembered I liked it and only started again in my mid 20s with colleagues in few local bouldering gyms. I like the ambiance / community, but I love bouldering gyms convenience because I can go on my own, and being quite the introvert / loner, I like being able to chose weather I want to interact more or not (sometimes group problem solving is fun, or helping others progress is cool, but often, going away from crowds times, staying in "my bubble" vibing with local music and climbing for a while is just what I need ^^). For me climbing is like my intro to actual working out beyond school sports (which made me believe I didn't really like sport). I like mostly static climbing to feel my body move, being able to control it etc. And I only add more working out now because I want to progress certain areas, but the main goal remains body control and pleasure. (I even started running with the same approach to have more knowledge and control on my body, explore its abilities, etc and discovered I needed to also do some strength / stability training there for injury prevention and progression). I'd love to dig more into rope climbing, indoors, and outdoors climbing with friends / experienced guides, as I also love nature, hiking etc., but the "loner, quietness" and safety aspects kind of contradict so I'm not rushed to push the experience ^^
It is funny how I never experienced this gatekeeping apparently alot of people have. Maybe it is because I grew up in a city where we literally had a climbing wall in our school gym (and a climbing club that did outdoor tours) and where people around me would regularly talk about going climbing. Also interesting the machismo you talk about, because women were always around when I climbed. The teacher of our schools climbing club was a woman and my current group is also mostly comprised of women. How could I convince myself this was a mens only sport, when there were countless women around proving the opposite? Though obviously I dont know the experience of these women.
I would say it hasn't been "suddenly" at all, at least where I live. In Germany, the number of climbing gyms right in my area over the past 14 years has slowly gone from 1 to 2 to 5 and now, including cities within a two hour radius, there are around 15 in total (!) Many of them also have "spa" sections with sauna's, etc., and it's just so practical to go there on bad weather days.
I've been climbing for the last 7 years, and have never gone outside yet; hoping to go on a trip soonish, but I don't feel like I'm missing anything per se. Indoor climbing is really good. The increase in popularity is only a good thing in my mind, more climbers means more gyms, more equipment, more research, more attention; it moves the sport forward for both casual enjoyers and hardcore climbers.
I think so too! Indoor bouldering has developed as its own sport, of sorts, and I think the evolution of competition climbing over the last couple of decades is helping it to set indoor climbing aside as an activity that’s inspired but separate to the outdoor climbing experience! I think the influx of funding and new climbers does ultimately move the sport forwards, but I know some people feel like that’s chipping away at climbings core values. Hoping to go further into that in the next video!
I think the bouldering part made it explode. It's just very easy to get into. Some rental shoes and 2 minutes of safety instructions and you're off. And you won't need much else to get to an Olympic-level if you want to, so people stay around.
i'm so sad i wasn't able to start climbing earlier. i've been into it since 2018 but i only started bouldering regularly in july of this year. it was too expensive for me as a teen and then i gained a bunch of weight and got scared about not being able to do anything. eventually i was able to figure out a way to get a membership and i love it so much
I've never climbed outdoors. I'm sure I'd enjoy outdoor climbing, but it doesn't hold any particular appeal or mystique for me. What does make me laugh is people looking down on indoor climbing. Like, oh no, some twat I don't care about thinks I'm a filthy casual, whatever will I do?
Rock climbers do look down on indoor only climbers, but no one really cares as much as you think we do... as long as you know it's basically 2 different sports at this point. It's like running a marathon outside and running one on a threadmill.
@@daniel_brqlo I think one of the biggest issues is that "real" rock climbers have an inflated sense of self worth and think that people should care that they look down on them. If, in a coordinated effort, every rock climber on earth looked down on me simultaneously, my life would be completely unaltered.
@@generichuman_ I think you may have main character syndrome. Not a single rock climber that I know of cares what other climbers do with their lifes... we just have preferences and opinions like everyone else. The fact you don't care about these opinions and that you like to say how much you don't care, means nothing.
Speaking of trajectories, really digging your trajectory from more or less weekly climbing videos to less frequent, but more in depth short form documentaries. This was awesome! I do miss the climbing videos though :(
Glad you like the documentary style videos too! In honesty, I’ve been taking a bit of a personal step back over the last few months - definitely not as much climbing from me on the channel, or as many ‘pure climbing with guests’ videos! I plan to keep the climbing videos going in 2025 though, as well as experiement with new formats. We have some fun projects in the works which I think will feel more classic style!
@@hannahmorrisbouldering Oh, don't get me wrong. I got into your channel and stuck with climbing as my new sport in large part because of your climbing videos, but we are supposed to learn, grow and evolve. I like the new direction you are going and I am excited to see where the channel goes from here!
I've trained Calisthenics for 7 years and became a pro athlete - I've decided to try climbing indoor once... my mind instantly got kidnapped, thinking about the holds, bouldering while trying to fall asleep, speaking with friends and trying to convince them to come with me. Bouldering is gamified, there are colors, different difficulties, levels and even seasons (new boulders) - together with exercising, moving our body it gives us lots of dopamine to our brain, it's addicting by its nature.
@@hannahmorrisbouldering I didn't get it today.. but I made great progress and I am confident I will get the send within the next couple of days and/or sessions.
Speaking for the middle aged demographic, it's great exercise and muscle building with little/no impact when roped, and does wonders for the back (perfect for desk-bound workers).
The main reason is there are no real rocks in my city, but there are multiple climbing/bouldering gyms some of them really large and great.. and it is very easy for more friends to join on specific time
I think it's overall good that (indoor) climbing is becoming more and more popupar, but it becomes a problem when more indoor climbers want to try out outdoor climbing without educating themselves on proper etiquette/code of conduct at the crag. Overcrowded crags, trash, even damage to the rock are all things that result from this
People often make this comment but I've been climbing more than 15 years and it's always been about as crowded and messy as it is now. I don't notice many more people particularly disrespecting ethics today compared to 15 years ago.
@@aspzx Definitly not dissagreeing that it hasn't always been a problem but I do feel like I notice it more and more. besides anecdotes, more people always means more chances for 'bad (behaving) people'
Would be very interested to see that study in other countries. I'm fully biased being in the French alps, but I'd be curious to see how many indoor climbers also climb outside here, knowing that our outdoor options aren't only sketchy trad climbs but nicely bolted sport crags.
@@jeremiahjahn 😅 I guess a broader way to phrase that would be that I’d be curious to see how the outdoor climbing options influence gym développement, usage and population
I hated sports in school! I was always the last one. I hated running, riding a bike... Until 10 years ago! Me and my boyfriend visited his sister in Berlin and she took us to bouldering gym. It was so much fun! We came back home to Brno, Czechia and there was no such thing as bouldering gym! Only 2-3 underground lead climbing gyms. So we started lead climbing, went to climb rocks, sandstone, multipitches in Austria... Now we have great bouldering gym that recently doubled in size and it's so crowded all the time! I remember having whole gym only to ourself when it was newly opened 🤣
Climbing is a great way to exercise and modern gyms are very casual, welcoming and accessible (long opening hours etc). Indoor climbing also takes a lot of risk of serious injury out of the sport.
Yes! A great gateway for feeling more comfortable with the environment and the movement that you can build on, or not, depending on what you want climbing to be for you! Super cool.
Incredible video! Amazing quality and fantastic writing to boot. I am one of the "new wave" though i have also since adventured outside. I started climbing in september of 2023. I have since become so hooked that its become part of my lifestyle and I live and breathe climbing. I wouldnt be caught dead in a commercial gym doing pullups, i hate those. Yet here i am doing pullups for reps in the local climbing gym because i want that next grade (v7 by 2026!!). i have a hang board at home for the same reason. I believe that climbing as a sport is vulnerable to the effects of capitalism right now, but only because the popularity has increased due to the social, physical, and even "spiritual" (in a sense) effects that the sport can have. I personally don't believe that climbing can or will be ruined by its own popularity because of its roots. If nothing else, its a fundamental movement of the body, and people will ALWAYS do it simply because they love the sport in the same way some people love running, or swimming. I am happy to have joined this community, and look forward to many more years enjoying the sport!
This is random, but could you put links to the studies and surveys mentioned in the video down in the caption? I think it would be interesting to read into.
bouldering is super accessible, climbing you really should take a course by a certified mountain guide to get into it. I think this is a contributing factor as to why bouldering has exploded in popularity recently
Some of us cool (/old) kids have been climbing almost 20 years 😎👴 Climbing is doing well because it's an intensely physical activity, which is easily accessible, and doesn't require teamwork . I'm one of the very few in my climbing group of 30+ people who played (team) sports growing up, almost everyone else has come in to climbing as pretty much their first regular physical activity - not counting running, which is also an often solo activity.
I'm always super interested when I hear people say "I didn't like ANY other sports and then I found climbing"! To me climbing still very much feels like a really physical activity, and it's HARD like running or cycling or whatever, especially when you first get started! But I absolutely see that climbing indoors has an almost 'video game' like quality that captures people in a way conventional exercise options hasn't, and it's accessible like you said.
I climbed a bit as a kid (mostly with Scouts). Since coming into it properly around 2018/19, I have wished I'd done so much sooner. I think the accessibility was probably a key part of why I didn't.
Yessss, deffo have taken inspiration from their style in recent months. The videos took a bit of a turn towards 'climbing journalism / essay style after I got injured and I've been enjoying switching it up a bit!
Climbing and its emphasis on connection and community seems more in line with notion of a #humansingularity as opposed to the fragmentation of a tech singularity where we live isolated in our own sort of bubbles with technology guiding our path through life. I've been climbing a long time, and whether you are more into indoor new school stuff or traditional outdoor forms of climbing, I think climbing is one of the more healthy activities available to humans at the this point in time. Let's gooo!😀
One thing I've really disliked from climbing growing is the sheer amount of dynamic problems that have come up. Everything is way more dangerous now and it's clear it's because it looks nicer on camera. This drives more people in the gym which drives more dynamic problems because it's what they're looking for. Now we have some gyms that have climbing routes and have general parkour stuff too but label it as climbing. Some people on youtube, instagram, and tiktok just have videos of them flying off walls onto giant holds and although it's a skill, it doesn't really look or feel like climbing. People may disagree with me and that's fine but when I started climbing, I saw the dudes climbing overhang with a shredded back and being very meticulous with their movements to the point where it looked perfect. I did not see some guy some guy jumping 10 feet across from jug to jug.
from one end it's awesome, from the other end it's horrible. Nothing in this world became "better" because it became "popular". For now, climbing gyms are much less toxic than regular gyms, but if Kardashians get involved, I expect a flood of tiktok videos that will make me question humanity again.
It becomes more accessible, which means more people which has an impact on something that relies on limited natural resources. But the fact that 75% of people only climb indoors helps with that problem. I've been climbing for 20 years and I love how much more accessible the sport is.
I do not agree with that sentiment; it is purely subjective to person to person. I would say indoor climbing has become better since I starting 15+ years ago and because of that we have introduced harder grades for routes/boulders that were unimageable at climbing's infancy. Other examples of what has become better are music, food, acting, technology of al sorts and I am sure I could list more. Popularity brings innovation, which leads to better products and for climbing, safer gear, better climbers, micro beta, and so on. I hope I have gotten my point across; for the other side of the argument; of course the rise of popularity has bought more trash and uneducated climbers to crags, which is truly unfortunate.
@@SeizeMachineClimbingIn bouldering the needle hasn't actually moved that far in the past 15 years. We had V15 in 2002 (and 5.15b by 2008). As far as gear is concerned, certainly nothing revolutionary has really been created anytime recently, and even things that have been have been by the same companies that have always done it.
@@Aaron-xq6hv That's fair; I cant disagree with that. I would say 2 new grades (v16 and v17) and sport/trad grades up to 5.15d in the last 22 years is a big thing; especially because more and more keep getting FAs.. but I guess that doesn't necessarily mean "better".
@@SeizeMachineClimbing It's hard to say, especially since you consider that 1980-2000 essentially went from 5.13b to 5.15a. But obviously as we get closer to the "limit", it's going to get harder. Maybe we see more people at the top end, but I'm not even sure that's true. However, in the gym era, in the 90s to 2010-ish, gyms were more about training facilities, and now it's hard to say that most of them are. There are certainly better tools, but I think they're in the minority. For instance, there is one gym near me that is the epitome of "climbing is cool now", but they unironically have an amazing spray wall (and a TB1), both of them barely get any use.
At 22:07, Hannah says indoor climbing is now “both more popular and more respected” than outdoor climbing. I understand popularity, which is simply a question of math, but “more respected?” What does that mean? Respected by whom?
What I've found incredibly frustrating about the rise of climbing is the lack of etiquette and mentorship when people transition to outdoor climbing. You have so many people that spend thousands of dollars on gear, go outdoors and proceed to do sketchy shit outside.
I've only been climbing for 5 years and I certainly never saw climbing as something for misfits, quite the opposite. I thought I wasn't anywhere near cool enough! I thought it was for daredevils and people with superhuman strength. The number one reason friends tell me they would be no good at climbing is "I'm not strong enough". But you don't start a sport already good. You start as a beginner and get better and stronger by doing it more.
I'm one of the new wave of climbers. I can't really comment if this whole thing is good or not, it has been good for me. It is probablt the first sport that I actually enjoy in my 33 years of life, and it has done wonders for my physical and mental condition. And indoor climbing makes it possible to do any time when I have 2 hours to spare. So while the old school climbing purists might be upset about all of this, it has been a positive thing in my life.
same. I used to think I simply wasn't a sports person. and then I discovered climbing and all the things my body could do (I am in my 30s as well) and it isn't even boring like jogging! I can do it and completely lose myself in it without it feeling too much like a sport, at least for me, I refuse to do any extra workouts to improve my skills. too boring 😂 once it starts to feel like work, it drains my energy and loses the joy. The way I am doing it is simply perfect for me. I have never been fitter in my life
No i’m such oldschool guy and i can tell you, we’re not upset. Good for you you found climbing and enjoy it. Our best part is, we can go to al remote spots outside were other people can’t go so always fun for everybody
I'm a climbing purist and we're not upset at you, y'all keep the lights on at the gym! Those things cost a ton!
@@s.9899 Climbing having constant immediate and reachable goals is *huge* for motivation. Jogging or the gym you're slowly working towards something while with bouldering you're always working towards a goal that's visibly right in front of you.
@@theoneandonlyAeth absolutely and it's not just that. my mind is so much more occupied. I tried jogging for a few months and I never reached a point where I could let my mind wander (like I do while biking), it always felt strenuous and exhausting and I kept thinking "how long until I can stop that".
Never happend to me while climbing or bouldering.
Especially while climbing I can reach a point where I am just flowing and thinking about whatever while doing my moves, clipping, resting. Pure meditation high above the ground. I love it.
To Ged’s point about who is a climber: I started climbing as a 35 year old mother of four, 4 years ago. From the very first time I tried I knew I wanted to do it the rest of my life. So I think you’re a climber if you feel like you are. (And to those 10 year climbers saying they’re not really climbers: no one’s definition matters as much as your own. If you love climbing and you do it, you’re a climber!) We all engage with the sport to varying degrees, but one of my favorite things about the current culture in gyms is how welcoming and open it is. Everyone belongs and has a right to be there. Thanks Hannah this is a great video!
'The best climber is the one having the most fun', Alex Lowe.
100% @amberblackford999 it is how you feel, thats all that matters really, does it bring you joy? The labels are neither here nor there. We promote helping people realise that if you are leaving the ground for fun, you are a climber and what being a climber means is totally up to you too. Liberty to be whatever does seem to scare some people though!
ClimberCore is hot right now. Genuinely though, I think people are just discovering how - once made accessible - climbing is just as foundational as walking, running, swimming etc to our human bodies.
I agree, it feels like a genuine human need, to be climbing, as balance, physical strength and mental strength is all part of being alive. Its rare to develop all at once in other sports, as much as you do so in climbing.
Agreed!
@@Mie_Bunger So true, you get such a wide range of physical/mental benefits by doing something that is fun 99% of the time (can't say I've never had a bad day in the gym but it's still enjoyable even when I have a rough session). I never had fun doing typical strength training in a gym, but now I have motivation strength train for climbing lol.
I started climbing ‘late in life’ at age 43 after years in the gym lifting weights and the stress it puts on the body, joints etc. I’m thankful for the commercialism of “new” climbing culture. It makes the spaces feel vibrant and welcoming, especially to those like me who are very socially awkward. My first few times I got to meet amazing people and see the social culture and was greeted with open arms. Thanks for such a great video Hannah and Nathan.
I started climbing at age 39 having never been a sporty person, and it was the first physical activity I had tried that I felt I could actually make reasonable progress with, and continue to enjoy for a long time. I'm 44 now. It's also such a wholesome, encouraging and expressive community.
Your intros and overall film structure is top notch! Thanks for another great video
Much appreciated!
I was a couch potato before trying climbing 2 years ago when I was 34.My body, mind and relationship to work has totally changed. I started working out (outside of bouldering) learned to lead climb as well, fell in love with outdoor climbing. This is such a great sport/community
Looking forward to the sequel.
If you're looking for problematics to prod, I'd say one particular issue the explosion of indoor climbing is doing to the outdoors is due to the cultural gulf between the two. An indoor climber is basically a customer, and as you said everything is made for them (us), we are cocooned, everything is safe, we have almost nothing to worry about, and 0 care in the world. And there are bins, toilets, even showers.
Those who venture outdoors with that mentality may, and I insist on the term (meaning not everyone is in that category) treat the outdoors in the same vein, as customers who think all is done for them, and they are owed it. Yet going outdoors requires a mental shift: you can't do all you do in a gym in nature. You can't leave your packaging in a bush for lack of a bin, or your toilet paper. You can't drag your crashpad along as if you were in a man-made, fixable environment. You can't blast loud music like in a gym, because nature is not a gym or a nightclub.
And of course that extends to understanding that bolting will likely be more runout, that anchors may look different and need the learning of new techniques and so on.
I'd say indoors you need a bank card. Outdoors you need humility.
That is NOT to criticise indoor climbing in the least, not least because I partake several times per week. But it raises questions: should, for instance, indoor gyms educate for the outdoors? I don't have an answer.
Beautiful comment. Well written. I agree for the most part that moving to the outdoors requires a mental shift. I do not however believe that an indoor gym is required to (or even should) attempt to educate their users on the differences of climbing outdoors. I think it is up to us as individuals to learn to respect something that we may not know about, regardless of the thing in question. In the case of being outdoors like you mention: the environment is a) not ours and b) not FOR us. these things ought to be taught by parents as a general respect for nature as well as the people who bring the indoor folk outside. I think that from the gym's perspective, the most they should do is have the information available on request. With all of that said, this is simply my opinion and would love to hear the opinions of others on the subject.
Fantastic comment. This is exactly why I think that to preserve outdoor bouldering, habits like brushing AFTER you climbed a route need to be made part of indoor climbing culture - otherwise outdoor climbing seems doomed.
Places like Fontainebleau deteriorate quickly and that is also due to, let's say, not very role-model-esque behavior of famous UA-camrs.
@@fabian-hugsforhikers Cheers. Yep. The problem is that good practices are either present in a vlog but not shown as such (because it's 'boring' and doesn't make for sexy footage) or they are not and some bad ones take their place. There was a famous vlogging 'incident' by Mejdi Shalk in Font last year, among others.
I like the idea of the indoor brushing. Maybe it should be made compulsory for newcomers to spend an hour cleaning holds before they get to climb 😁.
@@sirVlinky Cheers. You're right, education is paramount here as in many other aspects of society, and so is common sense (i-e, one should be able to work out that nature is not a gym).
I've never taken part in gym-organised trips. Maybe then do the staff explain the dos and donts?
Ideally, I'd put a lot of emphasis on the notion of mentoring, for me the best way to pass on knowledge, provided the newcomer is actually willing to learn and listen (or better, try to understand why this and why that).
FANTASTIC video, Hannah! You really are such an authoritative voice on the modern culture of climbing, and I love it!
AW HEY NOAH!! Thank you - hope you’re good! 🥹
Came down to the comments to say it was your videos “randomly” popping up in my Ig feed after I told a friend I would love to learn how to climb that got me inspired enough to look up classes and stuff. Sadly there weren’t many options in my country (either you could spend a couple hundred dollars for a weekend intro/crash course a 4-hour drive away, or you had to know someone who practiced the sport and was willing to take you under their wing). Then I moved to Europe and learned climbing and bouldering gyms were a thing and discovered HMB, EKB and Catalyst’s channels, finally overcame the anxiety and fear of ridicule thanks to your display of how supportive and welcoming the community is, and finally joined the local gym in January. A month ago I had my first outdoor experience and now I can’t wait for more opportunities to go out to the crag.
I’m eternally grateful to all of you for helping me make the best decision I’ve made in my 31 years of life. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Noah, Hannah, Nathan, Louis, Eric&crew.
Just posted a long ass comment rambling on about how y’all got me hooked on climbing/bouldering and it poofed out of existence.
Tl;dr: thank you Noah, Hannah, Nathan, Louis, Eric and crew for helping this 31 year old make the best decision of his life ❤️
I first started climbing at 14yrs old at school 47 yrs ago. We were lucky enough to have a wooden climbing wall inside and a couple of teachers who climbed quite hard outside and took us on trips around the country.I learnt outside trad climbing and reached a good level (extremely severe). Then after being involved in a fatal accident in the lake district I didn't climb again until 5 yrs ago when an indoor gym opened very close to home and I ventured there to try it.
I re kindled my love of climbing and have been going twice a week ever since. The indoor gym allows me to meet people of various ages and abilities and I have improved alot .I haven't plucked up the courage to return to trad climbing yet. But hopefully I will at some point. If it hadn't been for the increased popularity and availability of indoor gyms, I wouldn't have returned to something I've always loved.
Great video Hannah.
this is so similar to my experience. I started climbing back in 2003 until about 2009 while at uni, then stopped after two fatal outdoor accidents in my climbing community. Just got back in to it about 1.5 years ago - after 14ish years - mostly indoor bouldering due to being able to visit them so easily, some top roping. Still trying to fix my head game though after all this time - plus its harder to build up the technique and strength than it was 20ish years ago!
It’s lovely how a sport using movement that is just as fundamental and natural as running or swimming has now become accessible and popularised. It’s a space where people are getting together to solve problems using movement and it’s no wonder that this creates a unique community feel ❤
Thanks for putting together this video with beautiful footage and insightful information
I think a lot of the increase in popularity is to do with the lower barrier of access. Thirty years ago, most climbing needed ropes, equipment and knowledge, and crucially a friend who had all these things. The increase in bouldering facilities means that anyone can just rock up and enjoy themselves.
Yea! I think so too. I can see how traditional or sport climbing would feel very intimidating if you didn’t already know someone who climbed or hadn’t been shown how whereas indoor bouldering feels more like a safe gateway to explore movement and that movement it super enjoyable and satisfying so people are getting the bug!
30 years ago bouldering was still very much a thing. Danse des Balrogs (V13) was first done by Fred Nicole over 30 years ago.
The way I see it is that indoor climbing, especially bouldering is a completely new sport. It shares some skills with traditional climbing, but it is just not the same. It is popular because it is good, and it is gaining because people are discovering it. I think the best comparison you can make is to swimming. This too became popular when swimming in a pool was its own thing, not just training for swimming in a lake or in the ocean.
This is it! Amazing video, Hannah-I absolutely loved this style. The editing,animations, and the vibe of sitting on your couch for the talking shots were spot on. I really, really enjoyed it and can’t wait to see more like this!
Thanks so much Jordan - appreciate that! Glad to hear you like the style and looking forward to exploring it a bit more :)
Never been this early to a Hannah Morris video. All I can say is you make great content and one of my favorite creators on UA-cam period! Thanks for growing a supporting community, Hannah!
Thank you so much! Really nice to hear you like the videos and I hope you enjoyed this one too!!❤️🔥
I'm 58 and I started top rope climbing a year ago. I was hooked from the first time I topped a route and all I could think was "I want to do that again!" I began pouring over UA-cam videos about technique and training and just watching other people climb. But I knew I was a climber when , after watching content from professional climbers, I realized that even at my beginning level, I was experiencing the very same mind games, challenges and thought processes that they were. Not to mention the same injuries, aches and pains.
I seriously could talk about climbing all day!
My kids joke that after I retire that I'll go live in my car at a state park and hang out with the boulder bros. In this economy that may be all I can afford! It sounds like a wonderful life!
Thanks Hannah for an interesting and insightful video. I really do love your channel!
I've been pushing myself to get into indoor climbing the past few months and I finally gained the confidence and went to my first intro to bouldering session last week. So far I haven't regretted my choice. I never favoured the gym environment due to the fact people can be so judgemental but this is a great substitute for my health and leisure. The people I have met the past week have been super helpful, friendly and I already feel a sense of belonging. Even if I am just a beginner, the sense of motivation from others is unreal!
Agreed. The support everyone gives each other regardless if it’s a beginner or expert, is amazing. We all want to see each other succeed!
I'm apart of the new waves of climbers and two of my favorite things about the sport is the exploration of movement and the lack of ego (by and large). I've done many other physical sports but a common experience I would run into other sports were, "I love the sport, but I can't stand the community." I've found it freeing to be in a community that both challenges itself for self development and mastery of the sport, and yet does not project the need for one's development to be sized up against their peers. Of course, you run into the "v2 in my gym" bro online and sometimes in person, but by in large the community isn't like that. Ultimately, I like how we pursue the path towards excellence together, rather than against one another.
My first "gym" was a room in a basement with no ventilation, so I'm definitely glad things have improved :D
My local gym is in an old warehouse with very poor air conditioning. Which is pretty brutal in the Texas summers. But the staff and the environment is amazing.
I like these little docufilms you edit together at times! The one on mile end was great as well. Keep it up!
Glad you like them! 🤩
My child had a go at a school carnival on a portable climbing wall and loved it, that night a Google if there were any local indoor climbing facilities, we were in luck, now he’s hooked. No social media or mainstream media influence or had ever really seen it before. My child had ADHD and ASD and was too anxious in team sports so was pretty much burning off energy playing VR.
First session last weekend he was on the wall 3hrs, just taping up blisters and tears and kept climbing. He was so proud of himself which is massive as he’s always struggled with low self esteem. It helps that the facility it was an extremely welcoming and inclusive environment. Will be heading back this weekend, and I plan to join him (slow and steady).
My local gym, used to have only 1 location 13 years ago, and now it has 12 gyms across the United States and has grown into almost a corporation of a climbing gym.
Can you imagine someone rocking up to the Climbing Hangar with a Louis Vuitton chalk bag 😂😂😂
Hahah maybe ONE DAY! 🤓☺️
@@hannahmorrisbouldering There are already clothing brands with 60 euros Tshirts soooo !
If you want to be a 'rebel' in climbing these days it is more effective to climb at a gym without a chalk bag at all!
OMG totally. Going sans chalk is so hot right now. 😂
I started climbing back in 2003 until about 2009, mostly outdoors and rope climbing indoors (very little bouldering). After two fatal outdoor accidents in my climbing community it put me off, and I stopped. I've recently got back in to climbing indoors about 1.5 years ago - after wanting to for quite a while, and after getting past my kids being in pre-school. It's been fascinating to return - the sport and community has changed so much over the 14ish years I was away. I'm loving the accessibility of so many bouldering walls, and being able to visit them so easily. However, I still love the style of climbing on an indoor rope more as it feels more akin to the old outdoor climbing style I learnt on - more delicate tension moves over raw power, but maybe that's the styles of the walls that are in my region..... I've found it interesting how the etiquette of climbing in the indoor walls has changed too...
Loving this new look video into both the sport's history and direction, plus interweaved with the more human aspect of someone's first day at the climbing wall.
Myself I still count as a beginner despite in theory almost four months climbing. This is mainly due to bad timing with both injury and bad health. I plan to start again as it were this week after a month to forget. Recognising & dealing with the mental side of coming back from an injury is although not new to me it is as regards sport as that was never really my thing.
Indoor climbing for me has been a way to get fit plus interact with others in a way I would probably not do. As a 57 year old trans woman not connecting with people beyond my old school friends & family has been a protective tool to keep me safe... climbing has helped me see a better side of life and I have become more outgoing as a result. As Hannah pointed out, climbing in part has been about counter culture & inclusivity so it isn't any surprise many of us in the LGBTQ+ community have gravitated to it. It's refreshing to just be in the moment, talking about technique, anti-styles and overcoming climbing fears.
Been climbing 18 years now, started outdoors. I climb indoors maybe 4 times a week - less when the rock is dry or ice is in. I love how inclusive climbing gyms are, and with the growing popularity I can always find a gym to climb at when I am travelling for work (often). I am definitely a social gym climber. Outdoors I adore long moderate trad multis.
I do see two negative things going on:
1. With so many gyms and people climbing, there isn't the same tight knit climbing community. Back in the day most people at the gym knew each other, and if someone new started climbing people would talk to them, and make sure they were included. Now there are so many people coming and going with different cliques all over the gym everyone kind of just keeps to themselves or their own friend group. Sure, it is still a very social space but that wholesome tight knit community vibe was killed years ago. I have been a member at 9 gyms over the years across Canada, this observation is not specific to one area or gym.
Same thing at the crag, nobody knows each other anymore. All random people from one of the 26 gyms within a 2 hour drive. If you include university walls and other non-commercial spaces there are closer to 40 gyms within a 2 hour drive. When I started climbing there were 3 gyms in this same area. There is no community now, and I really miss the days of rolling up to the crag and seeing familiar faces.
2. This shift has been disastrous for access and outdoor ethics. We have limited rock where I currently live and a crazy number of gyms (~40) - we have seen endless closures from the hoards flocking to outdoor spaces. I usually try to mentor a few new climbers each season and my friend group volunteers with gym-to-crag programs at our local university. Mindsets around outdoor climbing have dramatically changed in the last few years. A lot of newer climbers expect climbing outside to be safe and feel entitled that a climb should match their skillsets. We don't need to add bolts to climbs or turn good trad lines into sport climbs in the name of inclusivity. Outdoor climbs should have character, they should not be a gym copy-paste.
Don't get me wrong, I love climbing some well bolted sport. I also love the satisfaction and mental engagement of climbing past some bad gear, or the feeling of clipping a juicy bolt after a long runout. These things matter and should not be eliminated. Outdoor climbing is not the gym.
I started trad climbing to open up more route options and grow as a climber. Run out or scary route, you used to dial it in on top rope and go for the send later. The new climber mindset is to scream that the climbs should be changed for them, with a shocking amount of support from other new equally inexperienced climbers. I genuinely don't get it.
I was introduced to climbing by my little brother a year ago at the age of 38 and honestly it’s been the best for my physical health and mental. The best aspect is the community. I would work out in the gym and have my headphones and really never engage with anyone. As soon as I started climbing, there is a sense of mutual excitement and support for each other to complete the next project. So much so that someone I started climbing with a few months ago has invited me to their wedding. And honestly it’s the most wholesome sport I’ve done! Great video and analysis!
I’m a new wave boulder’er! I’ve been properly at it (at least 2 times a week) for the past 3 months and have also recently climbed on real rock - I love it. I’m so grateful for indoor climbing gyms because coming from The Fens we have one of the flattest parts of the UK and have to travel a fair distance to be able to experience real rock climbing on anything higher than a roundabout 😂 I first tried it about 3 years ago but never stuck at it; now I look forward to every session and I’ve met such a great community at my local gym 🩵
I think a huge part of it was the lack of contact with eachother throughout lockdown left people craving community and connection again and climbing not only offers that but it also offers a way to remain active and heathy; win, win. Again the sense of identity and style also plays a part into it literally and figuratively for example you can be more drawn to overhang so your a more powerful climber and prefering holds such as pinches but then it also, like skateboarding, has different ways to dress and express yourself that way, some wear what they would wear to a conventional gym where others may wear baggy cargos and T-shirt you also find this charateristic in skateboarding. Overall I think it is good that climbing is getting recongition and uptake and building careers for the people that have been climbing for 5/10+ years but also giving the newcombers aspirations to progress as a climber, person and a community member.
I have started pretty much exactly 10 years ago. Climbing has become so much more accessible in the meantime. Back then, there was 1 gym in the region, now there are 3 gyms in relatively close proximity. Back then, climbing was still geared towards rope climbing. Bouldering did exist but was still mostly a niche. Rope climbing means you need to have a partner, you need to learn how to belay, you are facing much greater height from the get-go. There is a steep learning curve before one can enjoy rope climbing. With bouldering, this is so much different. No belay needed, no partner needed, not harness, not rope and the height is a lot less exposed. One can just grab a few people from work/university/... and go bouldering with them.
But it is not just the shift from rope climbing to bouldering, there is also the shift within bouldering. Back then, most boulders were still those small holds, hard and not very pleasing from an aesthetic standpoint. Nowadays, even the easyish boulders have those big volume-like holds, there is a lot of jumping around and things look just so much more pleasing and motivating.
my husband has been climbing since he was 16 ( now 42), while I started only two years ago bouldering, and climbing since this summer. I am afraid of hights, yet the adrenaline that I get after finishing a challenging route makes me want to do it regardless of my crazy fear. Having gear that is safe, and following safety procedures meticulously helps me with the fear, too. Then, of course, the fun and trust that I can build with my partner, makes it a good sport for creating healthy and supporting community.
I'm 30 now, I started climbing nearly 2 years ago, this year I started consistently going twice a week. I also lift weights twice a week as I have done for so many years.
I genuinely wish I had gotten into climbing years ago, i can't imagine ever stopping now. The community at my gym is amazing, and it gave me something to look forward to on a weekly basis when I was going through a tough period last year.
I am super motivated now to try it outside as I normally go hiking with my friends every year and have always seen climbers in the wild.
My wife took up climbing early this year (2024) by friends that gave us a taste of it outdoors. We are both in our 60’s and initially I just belayed her and did rappelling.
I now climb as well and we spend two nights a week, every week, in top rope gym and finish off on circuit board in bouldering area!
Been absolutely wonderful for both mind and body and my wife is a better climber by far… so far! We hope to continue for as long as we can!
Interesting video, well made. Been climbing for nearly 20 years now, been part of the change so to say. There are ups and there are downs. Climbing is definitely in an up and judging by the way gyms are sprouting there will be some long term retention, I think. However, I have also been in skateboarding since the 80's and that has seen huge hypes and serious downs. I hope for all gym-owners that climbing does not go through the same as skateboarding and that it will remain at a more constant, stable level in contrast to the huge highs and deep lows skateboarding went through and is going through.
Love watching Jen as, almost in spite of herself, she gets hooked! You can see the stoke and excitement in her face, and her growing confidence and courage. Beautiful! We ❤❤❤❤ CLIMBING!!!
(Me: 60 yr old Old Lady, 5 years climbing and TOTALLY HOOKED :) )
Great video! Honestly I've only been climbing 8 months but met some of the best people ever through it! Best decision I ever made from a physical and mental perspective ❤❤❤
I started climbing at 22.. so that's 1992 and we had one large gym in Haarlem (The Netherlands) and it was so much fun and already quite popular. I started again at 53 (one year ago) and it is a very good and fun way to stay in shape. I hate going to the (fitness) gym and this is so much better for me.. it's a challenge and it helps me when I go climbing in the 'real mountains'. I have no goals like getting to 6c or v5 or whatever because in 'real alpine climbing' you often do not get past v3 (at least.. not on the mountains I choose :-), I just want to stay strong and feel powerful when I am hiking and climbing outdoors. Nowadays I have so much choice.. there are like 4 climbing gyms close to my house and when I am somewhere abroad I always seem to find a climbing gym in the neighbourhood. Anyway, I love climbing, it keeps me healthy, fit and happy!
Been climbing as a lifestyle for almost 20 years - I struggle in some of the new gyms, but also love what they bring to the table. This has been wildly well done and thorough! Awesome! But the socialbility of Climbing Gyms has always been the selling feature to me. So many of my friends have met and been married and built families in the climbing gym. They are also the social center for so many other activities. When people want to meet ice climbing partners, or ski touring partners, or mtn bike partners - I always say - goto the climbing gym!
I'm going to start climbing in 2025.
I have tried a WIDE variety of sports. Including:
Gymnastics
Ballet
Dance
Competitive cheer
Surf
Roller skating
And figure skating.
My personal favorite is figure skating, but I had to quit because I developed osteoarthritis in my right ankle (which is the ankle I land on for jumps) and I couldn't afford it anymore. To continue skating I would have had to get custom skates... which can cost $600-$1,000 US dollars.
I thought about doing ballet, but that would be just as strenuous on my ankle.
When I first tried climbing, my ankle didn't hurt, and I loved it. I love solving problems that I'm passionate about, kind of like Minecraft parkour!
I am also a cautious person, even when I was in gymnastics I was hesitant to try things that scared me. So rock climbing would push me out of my comfort zone, and I like that!
Plus, I need to improve my upper body strength anyway. (Since the last time I did gymnastics was 4 or 5 years ago)
I'm glad I'm starting climbing in a time where it is getting heavily improved so that everyone can start.
What a cozy living room you got 😊❤
I started bouldering 2 years a go when I turned 30.
A friend introduced it to me in 2015 and I remembered it was quite fun, so I gave it a shot again and got hooked.
My body and mindset transformed a lot to the better thanks to it. 💪🏻
It is so interesting to see so many new people getting into climbing .. I have started climbing over 15 years ago and later even met my now husband at the climbing gym .. since then a lot has changed - I had to take a few years long break (life is dark and full of terrors) and now I am baffled with the advancements the sport has taken .. like just the chalk alone - are you kidding!?! if I had this stuff back then I would have been unstoppable :D
.. the one thing I still feel strongly is the comunity - I mean how normal is it that you see a person in a gym for the first time and instantly you cheer eachother on even when you both are frustrated and laugh with them like its the easiest thing in the world - normally it takes me months to warm up to people like that :) that is why I have fallen in love with climbing all those years ago and I hope it never goes away
I think the key part of climbing's success I think is access, especially bouldering. There is very little reason, as an activity, for it to not be as popular as things like running, biking or swimming, but the climbing in the past have huge barriers, and intimidating. Increase access of indoor gyms, where the average person can get going within 10 minutes makes it accessible to more people. The final point on mind and body connection I feel is why I enjoyed it. I myself wanted for years to have a better physique, could never get the motivation even in the most vain years of my life because of how monotone weight training is and never fitted in with that culture. Now I have been climbing for 2 years, in my mid 30s, and everybody in my family is commenting on how buff and built I had become. I didn't started climbing as way to get strong, I enjoy the problem solving aspect of climbing, but it being a hobby that can help achieve fitness goals while mind stimulating does make it attractive to a wide range of people.
I think is a great point about the cultural aspect, or lack thereof. Like it was said, skateboarding have the punk element, stuff like Yoga has spiritual elements, both are things that can turn people away as much as they draw people in. I think fundamentally, climbing just have a culture that is not too competitive, even at the competitive level, where you can sense that any competitive energy is channeled towards the climb, rather than against the rivals. I think climbers being inclusive helps and wanting everybody to succeed helps. So many times I am up in the wall, and there are cries of encouragement when I hesitate, or genuine disappointment when I fail. There are impromptu problem solving sessions with strangers. And you mix and mingle between the beginners and the elite climbers, few sport would you see such a mix in the same building, thus there is a lot less gatekeeping. Is also a friend group can do together despite hugely different level of climbing.
But I think, we should really not class indoor climbing in the same vein as outdoor climbing. The mind set and skill set is quite different. The reason for indoor climbing's boom is not the reason why old schooler climbers got into climbing in the first place; and that's fine.
I’m part of the new wave of climbing and was using it to supplement my jiu jitsu. It’s so accessible and my wife loves it too! It’s a good way to challenge yourself and see progress to get that sense of accomplishment. Also the community at the specific gym I go to is amazing. The climbers there are so chill and if a new climber finishes a route they are all cheering even if they climb v7+. Just comparing it to jiu jitsu or trad. weight training, it’s not too intimidating, the vibe in the gym is different and it’s so much more accessible. The movement is more intuitive which makes the barrier to entry(minus the cost) easier. Also the community is so different. I love bjj and weight training but hate the community lol
i just started bouldering last september. my therapist recommended i found a sport that's both solo and team, that could help with confidence and trusting myself. and i found climbing. and I've never felt happier with a sport since getting my black belt in jujitsu
That's super cool to hear - glad you're enjoying it so much! Confidence and self belief through climbing has been a big one for me. Climbing is that natural dopamine hit that I need and it's good for me physically :)
I have to say, your format in this style of video and analytical break really is impressive - your narrated videos are so engaging and actually very informative
Fair play 👏
Wow crazy to see the local gym (Urban Climb) throughout the video. Were you guys in Melbourne?
I started climbing 18 months ago at age 45. The reason I started is because a climbing gym opened up in my home town, making it accessible to me to do for the first time in my life. Otherwise I would have started as a youngster, no question about it. I always wanted to try climbing. I somehow instinctively knew it would be fun and that it would suit my mind and body well.
I began climbing in August 2023 at the age of 41. A friend introduced me to it, and thanks to him, my life has improved both physically and mentally.😊 I’m very grateful.
Great to hear it. Glad you found something you really enjoy in climbing! :)
I’ve been climbing for 7 years after bringing one of my children to a birthday party at a climbing gym and I had more fun than any of the kids.
I’ve benefited mentally, physically, felt amazing sense of achievement and been humbled. Faced fears and overcame. It’s an amazing accessible sport
I started climbing 30 years ago and have seen it expand and contract in a few cycles but this one is definitely the biggest expansion so far. I expect indoor bouldering gyms have either peaked or will soon. But this video explains why so many of us will keep on with it, even after it ceases being cool. I found a similar kind of community in martial arts but got sick of getting injured all the time.
I was a huge sports guy when I was younger, doing BJJ, track and field, currently I shoot competitively in USPSA, but nothing compares to the feeling I get when I send a V5/V6 slab.
Super well done and thoughtful video! For me, climbing represents another fun puzzle to solve. Personal development, mental and physical challenge, an ability to improve, and the puzzle of movement. Plus, rope systems/safety stuff is another enjoyable knowledge base to dive into and nerd out on.
Your editing is so cool! :)
With all the local climbing gyms constantly over crowded these days, I'm just trying to ride this surge of popularity out and wait for it to become a bit LESS popular. Sooner would be better than later, but I'm guessing it'll take awhile. Awesome work on the video though! 🙂
Indoor climbing isn't the only place where climbing is increasing in popularity, perhaps in the main as you nod to - due to commercialisation. For example, guiding and instructing has become perhaps the main way people get into winter climbing, or at least it is so much more prominent than it was at the start of the 90s when I began winter climbing. The mountain training awards has become a real industry and is very professionalised. This can be both a good and bad thing, but it's clearly significant in increasing numbers in that type of climbing. I think as ever, what you see in these sorts of matters, depends very much on where you are standing. Hannah who has climbed (predominantly indoors I believe) has noticed changes in indoor climbing that i simply haven't, although ive climbed for over three decades - and always a bit, but never very much, indoors.
I've been climbing for 7+ years, and the sport has changed so much it's crazy. Back then, most people would only boulder as training for lead and only indoors as training for outdoor. I've always liked plastic more and would never really be on the same page as other people, but with the growth in popularity (probably thanks to channels like Erik's and later yours), gyms have gotten way better and more accessible for the average climber.
Overall a great thing for the climbing community even if I now have to wait in line to climb my project.
Great video guys, the documentary/philosofical side of climbing youtube is something I would love to see more of 🔥
I've been a climber for 53 years now, and I find the climbing community to be far nicer, happier, more inclusive and better adjusted that it was when I first started - long may this continue! However, I do have anxieties about the future, as big brands wake up to climbing's commercial potential, and some organisations have a disproportionate influence on its direction. For example the IFSC has done a reasonable job so far, but at the end of the day, it is a private organisation with a strong vested interested in the way things progress.
I feel a bit between waters ^^
I started with school as a teenage, but without much structure, "just for fun", remembered I liked it and only started again in my mid 20s with colleagues in few local bouldering gyms.
I like the ambiance / community, but I love bouldering gyms convenience because I can go on my own, and being quite the introvert / loner, I like being able to chose weather I want to interact more or not (sometimes group problem solving is fun, or helping others progress is cool, but often, going away from crowds times, staying in "my bubble" vibing with local music and climbing for a while is just what I need ^^).
For me climbing is like my intro to actual working out beyond school sports (which made me believe I didn't really like sport). I like mostly static climbing to feel my body move, being able to control it etc. And I only add more working out now because I want to progress certain areas, but the main goal remains body control and pleasure. (I even started running with the same approach to have more knowledge and control on my body, explore its abilities, etc and discovered I needed to also do some strength / stability training there for injury prevention and progression).
I'd love to dig more into rope climbing, indoors, and outdoors climbing with friends / experienced guides, as I also love nature, hiking etc., but the "loner, quietness" and safety aspects kind of contradict so I'm not rushed to push the experience ^^
It is funny how I never experienced this gatekeeping apparently alot of people have. Maybe it is because I grew up in a city where we literally had a climbing wall in our school gym (and a climbing club that did outdoor tours) and where people around me would regularly talk about going climbing. Also interesting the machismo you talk about, because women were always around when I climbed. The teacher of our schools climbing club was a woman and my current group is also mostly comprised of women. How could I convince myself this was a mens only sport, when there were countless women around proving the opposite? Though obviously I dont know the experience of these women.
ayyy urhan climb represent
I would say it hasn't been "suddenly" at all, at least where I live. In Germany, the number of climbing gyms right in my area over the past 14 years has slowly gone from 1 to 2 to 5 and now, including cities within a two hour radius, there are around 15 in total (!) Many of them also have "spa" sections with sauna's, etc., and it's just so practical to go there on bad weather days.
I've been climbing for the last 7 years, and have never gone outside yet; hoping to go on a trip soonish, but I don't feel like I'm missing anything per se. Indoor climbing is really good. The increase in popularity is only a good thing in my mind, more climbers means more gyms, more equipment, more research, more attention; it moves the sport forward for both casual enjoyers and hardcore climbers.
I think so too! Indoor bouldering has developed as its own sport, of sorts, and I think the evolution of competition climbing over the last couple of decades is helping it to set indoor climbing aside as an activity that’s inspired but separate to the outdoor climbing experience! I think the influx of funding and new climbers does ultimately move the sport forwards, but I know some people feel like that’s chipping away at climbings core values. Hoping to go further into that in the next video!
I think the bouldering part made it explode. It's just very easy to get into. Some rental shoes and 2 minutes of safety instructions and you're off. And you won't need much else to get to an Olympic-level if you want to, so people stay around.
0:41 that's a growth of over 100% though.
i'm so sad i wasn't able to start climbing earlier. i've been into it since 2018 but i only started bouldering regularly in july of this year. it was too expensive for me as a teen and then i gained a bunch of weight and got scared about not being able to do anything. eventually i was able to figure out a way to get a membership and i love it so much
I've never climbed outdoors. I'm sure I'd enjoy outdoor climbing, but it doesn't hold any particular appeal or mystique for me. What does make me laugh is people looking down on indoor climbing. Like, oh no, some twat I don't care about thinks I'm a filthy casual, whatever will I do?
Rock climbers do look down on indoor only climbers, but no one really cares as much as you think we do... as long as you know it's basically 2 different sports at this point. It's like running a marathon outside and running one on a threadmill.
@@daniel_brqloWhy would you look down on people for doing a different sport? Quite uncalled for.
@@daniel_brqlo Thanks for demonstrating buddy 👍
@@daniel_brqlo I think one of the biggest issues is that "real" rock climbers have an inflated sense of self worth and think that people should care that they look down on them. If, in a coordinated effort, every rock climber on earth looked down on me simultaneously, my life would be completely unaltered.
@@generichuman_ I think you may have main character syndrome. Not a single rock climber that I know of cares what other climbers do with their lifes... we just have preferences and opinions like everyone else. The fact you don't care about these opinions and that you like to say how much you don't care, means nothing.
Excellent video Hannah! It's well-researched and engaging
Glad you think so!
Very underrated video and channel. It's always a great watch when I stop by here.
Speaking of trajectories, really digging your trajectory from more or less weekly climbing videos to less frequent, but more in depth short form documentaries. This was awesome! I do miss the climbing videos though :(
Glad you like the documentary style videos too! In honesty, I’ve been taking a bit of a personal step back over the last few months - definitely not as much climbing from me on the channel, or as many ‘pure climbing with guests’ videos! I plan to keep the climbing videos going in 2025 though, as well as experiement with new formats. We have some fun projects in the works which I think will feel more classic style!
@@hannahmorrisbouldering Oh, don't get me wrong. I got into your channel and stuck with climbing as my new sport in large part because of your climbing videos, but we are supposed to learn, grow and evolve. I like the new direction you are going and I am excited to see where the channel goes from here!
'More like a church than a pub'. Climbing is a religion, i love it
Just over here making our weekly pilgrimages to the bouldering wall.
I've trained Calisthenics for 7 years and became a pro athlete - I've decided to try climbing indoor once... my mind instantly got kidnapped, thinking about the holds, bouldering while trying to fall asleep, speaking with friends and trying to convince them to come with me. Bouldering is gamified, there are colors, different difficulties, levels and even seasons (new boulders) - together with exercising, moving our body it gives us lots of dopamine to our brain, it's addicting by its nature.
🔥Another good morning!🔥 Wish me luck on the gym proj today!
Good luck! I just sent mine, now you go get yours!!
@@amberblackford9999 🔥💪
Goooooo get it! 🙌
@@hannahmorrisbouldering I didn't get it today.. but I made great progress and I am confident I will get the send within the next couple of days and/or sessions.
I just loved climbing trees as a kid. Can't really be doing that as an adult. Logical next step
Hahah true!
Speaking for the middle aged demographic, it's great exercise and muscle building with little/no impact when roped, and does wonders for the back (perfect for desk-bound workers).
I started climbing in 2022 and love it! Pretty sure I’ll be doing it as long as I can…
Glad to hear you’re enjoying it! 🙌
The main reason is there are no real rocks in my city, but there are multiple climbing/bouldering gyms some of them really large and great.. and it is very easy for more friends to join on specific time
Your film-making is really maturing. I really look forward to these.
I think it's overall good that (indoor) climbing is becoming more and more popupar, but it becomes a problem when more indoor climbers want to try out outdoor climbing without educating themselves on proper etiquette/code of conduct at the crag. Overcrowded crags, trash, even damage to the rock are all things that result from this
People often make this comment but I've been climbing more than 15 years and it's always been about as crowded and messy as it is now. I don't notice many more people particularly disrespecting ethics today compared to 15 years ago.
@@aspzx Definitly not dissagreeing that it hasn't always been a problem but I do feel like I notice it more and more. besides anecdotes, more people always means more chances for 'bad (behaving) people'
Would be very interested to see that study in other countries. I'm fully biased being in the French alps, but I'd be curious to see how many indoor climbers also climb outside here, knowing that our outdoor options aren't only sketchy trad climbs but nicely bolted sport crags.
Your comment is so wonderfully french. And I'm curious as well.
@@jeremiahjahn 😅
I guess a broader way to phrase that would be that I’d be curious to see how the outdoor climbing options influence gym développement, usage and population
I hated sports in school! I was always the last one. I hated running, riding a bike... Until 10 years ago! Me and my boyfriend visited his sister in Berlin and she took us to bouldering gym. It was so much fun! We came back home to Brno, Czechia and there was no such thing as bouldering gym! Only 2-3 underground lead climbing gyms. So we started lead climbing, went to climb rocks, sandstone, multipitches in Austria... Now we have great bouldering gym that recently doubled in size and it's so crowded all the time! I remember having whole gym only to ourself when it was newly opened 🤣
I love having something that I can consistently improve at and that is good for my body
Climbing is a great way to exercise and modern gyms are very casual, welcoming and accessible (long opening hours etc). Indoor climbing also takes a lot of risk of serious injury out of the sport.
Yes! A great gateway for feeling more comfortable with the environment and the movement that you can build on, or not, depending on what you want climbing to be for you! Super cool.
Incredible video! Amazing quality and fantastic writing to boot. I am one of the "new wave" though i have also since adventured outside. I started climbing in september of 2023. I have since become so hooked that its become part of my lifestyle and I live and breathe climbing. I wouldnt be caught dead in a commercial gym doing pullups, i hate those. Yet here i am doing pullups for reps in the local climbing gym because i want that next grade (v7 by 2026!!). i have a hang board at home for the same reason. I believe that climbing as a sport is vulnerable to the effects of capitalism right now, but only because the popularity has increased due to the social, physical, and even "spiritual" (in a sense) effects that the sport can have. I personally don't believe that climbing can or will be ruined by its own popularity because of its roots. If nothing else, its a fundamental movement of the body, and people will ALWAYS do it simply because they love the sport in the same way some people love running, or swimming. I am happy to have joined this community, and look forward to many more years enjoying the sport!
This is random, but could you put links to the studies and surveys mentioned in the video down in the caption? I think it would be interesting to read into.
How trivial to seek identity and label oneself as a 'climber'...just climb and have fun, my god.
Really great and thoughtful video essay. Thanks for this!
Glad you enjoyed it!
bouldering is super accessible, climbing you really should take a course by a certified mountain guide to get into it. I think this is a contributing factor as to why bouldering has exploded in popularity recently
Omg, my gym in Melbourne is featured in this vid! I think my best friend's car got a cameo parked out the front! 😂
Absolutely beautiful take. ❤
Glad you think so!
Such a good video, Hannah!
Really enjoyed this informative video and loved the editing
So glad! 🥰
Some of us cool (/old) kids have been climbing almost 20 years 😎👴
Climbing is doing well because it's an intensely physical activity, which is easily accessible, and doesn't require teamwork .
I'm one of the very few in my climbing group of 30+ people who played (team) sports growing up, almost everyone else has come in to climbing as pretty much their first regular physical activity - not counting running, which is also an often solo activity.
I'm always super interested when I hear people say "I didn't like ANY other sports and then I found climbing"! To me climbing still very much feels like a really physical activity, and it's HARD like running or cycling or whatever, especially when you first get started! But I absolutely see that climbing indoors has an almost 'video game' like quality that captures people in a way conventional exercise options hasn't, and it's accessible like you said.
Saw a Casually Explained video and remembered I enjoyed it as a kid. Turns out I still do.
Great wee vid🙂 on the considerations arond sport/indoor climbing.
I climbed a bit as a kid (mostly with Scouts). Since coming into it properly around 2018/19, I have wished I'd done so much sooner. I think the accessibility was probably a key part of why I didn't.
Also, Hannah, you editing feels very "vox-ish" in this!
Yessss, deffo have taken inspiration from their style in recent months. The videos took a bit of a turn towards 'climbing journalism / essay style after I got injured and I've been enjoying switching it up a bit!
Great video, loved the editing
Thank you so much!!
Climbing and its emphasis on connection and community seems more in line with notion of a #humansingularity as opposed to the fragmentation of a tech singularity where we live isolated in our own sort of bubbles with technology guiding our path through life. I've been climbing a long time, and whether you are more into indoor new school stuff or traditional outdoor forms of climbing, I think climbing is one of the more healthy activities available to humans at the this point in time. Let's gooo!😀
One thing I've really disliked from climbing growing is the sheer amount of dynamic problems that have come up. Everything is way more dangerous now and it's clear it's because it looks nicer on camera. This drives more people in the gym which drives more dynamic problems because it's what they're looking for.
Now we have some gyms that have climbing routes and have general parkour stuff too but label it as climbing. Some people on youtube, instagram, and tiktok just have videos of them flying off walls onto giant holds and although it's a skill, it doesn't really look or feel like climbing.
People may disagree with me and that's fine but when I started climbing, I saw the dudes climbing overhang with a shredded back and being very meticulous with their movements to the point where it looked perfect. I did not see some guy some guy jumping 10 feet across from jug to jug.
from one end it's awesome, from the other end it's horrible. Nothing in this world became "better" because it became "popular".
For now, climbing gyms are much less toxic than regular gyms, but if Kardashians get involved, I expect a flood of tiktok videos that will make me question humanity again.
It becomes more accessible, which means more people which has an impact on something that relies on limited natural resources. But the fact that 75% of people only climb indoors helps with that problem. I've been climbing for 20 years and I love how much more accessible the sport is.
I do not agree with that sentiment; it is purely subjective to person to person. I would say indoor climbing has become better since I starting 15+ years ago and because of that we have introduced harder grades for routes/boulders that were unimageable at climbing's infancy. Other examples of what has become better are music, food, acting, technology of al sorts and I am sure I could list more. Popularity brings innovation, which leads to better products and for climbing, safer gear, better climbers, micro beta, and so on. I hope I have gotten my point across; for the other side of the argument; of course the rise of popularity has bought more trash and uneducated climbers to crags, which is truly unfortunate.
@@SeizeMachineClimbingIn bouldering the needle hasn't actually moved that far in the past 15 years. We had V15 in 2002 (and 5.15b by 2008). As far as gear is concerned, certainly nothing revolutionary has really been created anytime recently, and even things that have been have been by the same companies that have always done it.
@@Aaron-xq6hv That's fair; I cant disagree with that. I would say 2 new grades (v16 and v17) and sport/trad grades up to 5.15d in the last 22 years is a big thing; especially because more and more keep getting FAs.. but I guess that doesn't necessarily mean "better".
@@SeizeMachineClimbing It's hard to say, especially since you consider that 1980-2000 essentially went from 5.13b to 5.15a. But obviously as we get closer to the "limit", it's going to get harder. Maybe we see more people at the top end, but I'm not even sure that's true. However, in the gym era, in the 90s to 2010-ish, gyms were more about training facilities, and now it's hard to say that most of them are. There are certainly better tools, but I think they're in the minority. For instance, there is one gym near me that is the epitome of "climbing is cool now", but they unironically have an amazing spray wall (and a TB1), both of them barely get any use.
At 22:07, Hannah says indoor climbing is now “both more popular and more respected” than outdoor climbing. I understand popularity, which is simply a question of math, but “more respected?” What does that mean? Respected by whom?
What I've found incredibly frustrating about the rise of climbing is the lack of etiquette and mentorship when people transition to outdoor climbing. You have so many people that spend thousands of dollars on gear, go outdoors and proceed to do sketchy shit outside.
I've only been climbing for 5 years and I certainly never saw climbing as something for misfits, quite the opposite. I thought I wasn't anywhere near cool enough! I thought it was for daredevils and people with superhuman strength. The number one reason friends tell me they would be no good at climbing is "I'm not strong enough". But you don't start a sport already good. You start as a beginner and get better and stronger by doing it more.