No ropes are needed in bouldering because climbers remain never more than a body's length above the ground. Instead of moving upwards, climbers traverse, which means they move side to side across the surface of the rock. Sinoff said that bouldering appeals to even the most experienced climber because, with a minimum of equipment required, one can climb nearly anywhere at anytime. A harness is a webbing around the waist which allows the climber to hook into safety ropes. Most harnesses are adjustable and come with padded belts and loops.
Women can purchase harnesses which are cut proportionally for a woman's body.
Sinoff said the best way to get into climbing is through experienced friends. It's a more efficient way to learn to climb, because you spend more time on the rock than you would outdoors. It's a good way to pick up the basics and learn different holds. Plus, you can still climb in a gym even if the weather is bad. For climbers living in the North Tahoe area, two convenient climbing gyms include Gravity Works in Truckee and Headwall Climbing Wall in Squaw Valley.