Bouldering VS. Roped Climbing

Why do you chose to boulder instead of doing roped climbs or vice versa?

Just curious to know people's opinions on the subject.

I like both sport and bouldering the same, but I go through cycles of preferring one over the other. I think bouldering is more pure in the sense that you are able to perform harder singular moves, whereas with route climbing I find that sometimes improvement manifests itself via longer sequences with more variables that makes it interesting, but sometimes feels less motivating and painful than trying hard on a few hard moves. I think routes are more fun to project for extended periods of time, as projecting boulders for extended periods of time can get very repetitive, and I think is a more unpleasant process. 

honestly i just dont like sitting in a harness. it has never been close to comfortable for me.

I feel the air outside and check the ground for snow

1. I can climb and interact with my dog and wife
2. I can do hard problems that would be a challenge or impossible to climb on a rope 
3. I can get a 2 hour session in on my project, whereas  with sport climbing that may only be 1 attempt after warming up
4. I live less then 5 minutes from bouldering, 45 mins to rope climbing
5. I can climb in cold conditions 
6. It’s super fun (rope climbing brings commitment which has rewards, but not always what I’m looking for)

It’s not an either/or approach though, it’s just a different way to climb that had very different time commitment and effect on my climbing and mental state.

Boulderers - It's too scary to climb that high above your last bolt.

Sportos - It's too scary to climb that high above those little mats.

Traddys - You're both weak AF, try soloing to your first piece, then climbing so far above your last piece, you need a pad.

I'm definitely a sporto.

I like bouldering on plastic mostly, an enjoyable outing almost always involves a rope. If I lived near some world class bouldering I'd probably boulder half time, as it is, maybe ten percent.

During the non winter months I have little time so I’m able to squeeze in bouldering sessions far easier than rope climbing. It feels less encumbering without harness and rope. Plus there’s tons of local spots and a several popular bouldering areas near me, rope climbing less so. I just don’t have the time to go cragging all day and if I do you’ll find me at the boulders. 

I liked roped climbing because it adds extra aspects like technical skills, fear management (different from that of bouldering), more physical aspects (like endurance), and it feels more adventurous. 

Bro, you basically forgot an ENTIRE DISCIPLINE of climbing.  No matter the conditions there's always a familiar hold-set awaiting you in the corner.  Where's my indoor, autobelay, speed climbers??  Who's with me!?

Chris Joneswrote:

Bro, you basically forgot an ENTIRE DISCIPLINE of climbing.  No matter the conditions there's always a familiar hold-set awaiting you in the corner.  Where's my indoor, autobelay, speed climbers??  Who's with me!?

Nope.

Thats not climbing, that's practicing for climbing.

Okay this topic is always fun. Here are a few of my thoughts!

I enjoy rope climbing, it's fun! Climbing is fun all the time, no matter what type of climbing!

But I LOVE bouldering. I think the social aspect is huge for me. When I'm belaying someone I don't feel like I'm really hanging out with them. But I can boulder with a group of people and we are all chilling, trying the same moves together, falling together, pushing each other, laughing, and really just socializing. I find that very fun. 

I love that every-time I fall, I hit the ground and have to start over from the start.

I love the extremely difficult movement. Pushing my body to its limit with every move is really satisfying for me, even if it's only 10 moves, or 2.

I love that you are purely climbing. No gear management. Just your body and the rock.

Also, it's easier to film videos on the ground then up on a wall. I have mad respect for filmmakers who shoot rope climbs!

Side note, I love highballs, so fear management is a big factor that I like to challenge myself with.

Bouldering Sucks...

But to answer your question:  When Bouldering, every fall is a ground fall.

"Bouldering sucks" = "Bouldering's hard"   

For me, it has always been about exploring in wild scenic places, with someone, and managing the “how” in getting there and back.

Roped climbing didn’t really become a thing for me until mid-life.  And it will end late in life I am sure.  Hopefully, exploring wild scenic places will linger longer.  :)

Gumby Kingwrote:

Bouldering Sucks...

But to answer your question:  When Bouldering, every fall is a ground fall.

Why are you on here if you don't like bouldering? Why spread negative remarks about another group's psyche that has no relevance to your wants and needs?

I love bouldering and I love exploring. I can choose to be alone or with close friends. I can venture to remote places with next to no gear and find little nuggets to climb, which is the sport I love.

Ya but was it an FA?

thomas elliswrote:

Why are you on here if you don't like bouldering? Why spread negative remarks about another group's psyche that has no relevance to your wants and needs?

I love bouldering and I love exploring. I can choose to be alone or with close friends. I can venture to remote places with next to no gear and find little nuggets to climb, which is the sport I love.

Why is the OP talking about Roped Climbing then?
Edit: This is also why I don't boulder.

I think the OP is asking what draws other folks to bouldering, not creating a value judgment as you seemed to do in your response.

 I've actively participated in all forms of climbing and never understood climbers judging each other for their choice of discipline. 

Try to keep it positive is all I'm saying 

thomas elliswrote:

I think the OP is asking what draws other folks to bouldering, not creating a value judgment as you seemed to do in your response.

 I've actively participated in all forms of climbing and never understood climbers judging each other for their choice of discipline. 

Try to keep it positive is all I'm saying 

That is exactly what I was asking, thanks for clarifying the question.

thomas elliswrote:

I think the OP is asking what draws other folks to bouldering, not creating a value judgment as you seemed to do in your response.

 I've actively participated in all forms of climbing and never understood climbers judging each other for their choice of discipline. 

So, my opinion is that bouldering sucks.  I think you internalized it and took it as an attack.

Bouldering is not my choice of discipline with the main reason being that all falls are ground falls. Second, I think grade chasing is silly as well as projecting. Third, roped climbing has a tendency to have more adventure in the whole process.

----

Now I feel like I'm being attacked because I initially answered the OPs question that involved "Vice Versa"