When Christchurch welcomed its new gym earlier this year, Boulder Co co-founder Adam Cauldwell shared his thoughts on what’s driving the boom.
"Especially in the last few years its just exploded with popularity, you can blame Alex Arnold with Free Solo."
Adam added that the sport getting into the Olympics made it extremely popular also.
Bella, a team member at Boulder Co, says the appeal lies in combining something physical with something mental.
"It's really like a 50/50 thing because you have to plan ahead but also, you're like physically exerting yourself."
Regular boulderer Isla explained why she enjoys the sport.
"It's just so much fun, and I love getting into like the flow state of it where it's like you're so just thinking about what you're doing and not anything else, so it's kind of meditative in a way."
For many, it’s about progress, and for one climber, a bit of friendly competition.
"For me it's a really its a really progression based sport you can like you feel yourself getting better there's like going up grades, and it's like so fun to do with friends like there's a lot of competition there, trying to beat your friends."
For a lot of climbers, it's not all about the exercise, but about the sense of community.
"The community aspect of the gym is really cool too because some climbing areas are a bit more spaced out as well but even if you're going outdoors as well there's a whole community of people that you connect with." One climber explained.
Another shared how the sport spreads through social circles.
"I also noticed it’s like some people start doing it and then you tell your friends to come join you. That’s what happened with our friend group, there’s like a wave... we have infected university at the moment.’
As bouldering continues to grow, it’s clear the sport offers more than just a physical challenge. It’s a blend of strategy, fitness, and community that keeps climbers coming back.
