Bouldering Etiquette | Alessandro Palma

Soaking up the chilled vibes of this Tenerife session, I’m taking a moment to shape a few thoughts. Today’s about the “rules” that are (or should be) shared within the bouldering community.

Climbing is definitely the land of unwritten rules — those word-of-mouth customs everyone knows, but no one ever explains. Out here we live the outdoor life free as hippies, basking in the sun, blissfully unaware of the death stares from hardcore boulder purists… So I figured I’d jot down this short guide to climbing etiquette — the art of making everyone feel good and always leaving a good impression.

1 - Don’t poop under the blocs.

Honestly, some lines are just crap. Ugly to look at, crap to climb — just plain bad. But hey, show some respect: if a line gave you the urge, at least jog a bit further before doing your business.

2 - Everyone gets a spot.

Whether you’re under a barbell, on a rock, or at the gym, having someone there to watch your back is always welcome. Sacrifice your rest for the crew — get up and spot!

3 - Don’t step on the pads with dirty shoes.

Pads are sacred! Would you step on your friend’s belly with muddy shoes? He’s there to catch you in a soft landing and you repay him with dirt kicks? Shame on you.

4 - Be gentle with the rock.

The relationship with rock comes down to this: turn the other cheek. The rock hits you hard, eats your skin, drains your stoke and your ego? Doesn’t matter — turn the other cheek. Brush it softly, don’t dig into the holds, skip it if it’s soaking. The rock will reward you with a golden send at sunset — maybe even the kind that gets someone’s attention.

5 - Don’t cheer when someone falls.

Someone’s about to snatch the FA of your project but slips on the final easy slab? Don’t cheer. At least not loudly. Whisper it — way more smooth and classy.

6 - Don’t touch holds with greasy hands.

Legend has it the infamous scene of Giacomo Poretti yelling “Get your filthy hands off that hold!” happened in Varazze, thanks to one oily chunk of fragrant Ligurian focaccia…

7 - You send, you pay!

Ever wonder why it’s been ages since your last epic send? Probably ‘cause you didn’t buy a round for the crew. Celebrating together is an honor — and a duty!

8 - Turn down the music, leash the dog, hide the funny cigarette.

Everyone has the right to enjoy the outdoors their own way, but your freedom ends where someone else’s begins. If strangers show up while you’re vibing, don’t act like a tyrant. Kill the music, leash your pup, ease up on the clouds. Or at least be democratic and ask around…

9 - Climb first, downgrade later.

Kinda easy, kinda stiff, my buddy did it, some dude I hate got the FA… Downgrade, downgrade… But hey — send it before you sandbag it!

10 - No rules.

Climbing was born free and will always be free. No one’s ever gonna be forced to follow random rules. But keeping nature clean and building a good vibe community is on us. The only rule? No rules — just common sense!