Try bouldering!

"Let's bring the fun of bouldering as realistically as possible!" So this time, our staff actually tried bouldering. Tamaki (left), an experienced boulderer who goes bouldering at least once a week, and Iwaisako, a beginner who is trying bouldering for the first time, will report on the experience.

These are KNOT's menu. The first adult fee is 3,500 yen (no time limit | rental included). There are also "night plans" and "free passes" that are easy to stop by on your way home from work.

There are separate changing rooms for men and women on the second floor. Dress in T-shirts, pants, etc. (appropriate for the season) that are easy to move in. Skirts and clothing with fluttering hems are not permitted.

It is also possible to use the shower of the adjacent guest house "Nagonoya". (300 yen once)

If it is your first time, the staff will give you a lecture on the rules and how to climb. We start with stretching!

Slowly stretch the whole body, including arms and legs. One trick is to put your hands on your hips, and you will be able to stretch your arms and legs. Beginners can rest assured that they will be given a detailed lecture on stretching.

Once stretching is complete, we will fit you for shoes. For safety reasons, we will be climbing in climbing shoes. This time, we borrowed rental shoes. (The initial fee includes the rental fee.)

He then gave us some tips on how to enjoy bouldering safely, such as "don't turn your back to the climbing wall" and "leave at least two meters between other people while you are climbing".

Finally, a lecture on how to climb bouldering. Instructions in numbers and hiragana are posted on the climbing wall. First-timers practice in order, starting with the number 1. The numerous holds on the wall are partially replaced every three months. Even regular climbers can enjoy a fresh start!

The trick is to extend the arms and place the weight firmly on the legs. If you do not extend your arms, it is like you are doing pull-ups, which puts strain on your arms.

Beginner Iwaisako climbs carefully. It is said that bouldering is better suited for those who are careful and wondering how to climb, rather than those who rely on momentum and physical strength.

At that time, Tamaki, an experienced climber, took advantage of the length of her limbs and climbed smoothly. Bouldering is not only about climbing high, but also about how to enjoy it.

In response to the author's unreasonable request, "I want to see an amazing climbing method," she showed me this trick. Wow!!

The appeal of bouldering is that although it is an individual sport, there is a lot of communication among competitors. It was impressive to see the participants talking to each other, saying things like, "It's easier to climb with your left leg that way," or "Why don't you try stretching out your right hand?" It was impressive to see how the participants were talking to each other. If you have any questions, please try to talk to the staff or other people around you. Doing so is said to be the key to keeping up bouldering for a long time!