Opinion
Is this shoe the future of hiking? - No
by Siri Schubert
Bouldering: why you should try things you think you’ll hate
23/8/2025
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Sometimes, a single evening is all you need to shake up preconceived notions. In any case, it’s exactly how I discovered a new hobby and made a fundamental realisation.
If you’d invited me to go bouldering a year ago, I’d have looked at you with raised eyebrows or a questioning smile and given you an ironic «Oh yeah, suuuure». And now… I’m hanging from the wall and trying to grab the next handle.
But let’s start… at the start.
Climbing hippies
It was during university that I first came into closer contact with hobby boulderers and sports climbers. My lecture halls were filled with bare feet, hiking boots and sneakers as well as a couple climbing shoes. And I can't say I took a shine to the people in them.
Maybe it was the sight of them drinking maté out of a Patagonian calabash in their washed-out tank tops. Or that excessive self-confidence I projected onto them because they were constantly showing off their muscles. Bouldering didn’t seem like a sport to me, more like a whole personality. And I certainly wanted nothing to do with all that.
I was firmly convinced that nothing could lure me into a stuffy bouldering hall. The mere thought of placing my hands on the rough surface of those coloured handles sent a shiver down my spine.
But then a childhood friend recently got in touch. He was looking for people he could work out with. «Sounds good», I replied enthusiastically. However, my joy was dampened by his response: «Bouldering, for example».
On to a new hobby
But since we’re usually on the same wavelength, his «I know you’ll love it» was enough to convince me. I value his judgement, so there must be something to this sport.
Inside, I rented a pair of those ugly shoes, the same my fellow students were wearing. We warmed up, and my gaze lingered on a guy studying the bouldering challenges from the ground and miming the handholds. My colleague grinned: «Some people stand in front of the wall for hours, only to run to the next one without ever having touched a handle.» I had to laugh, but things were already getting serious.
Altogether, that evening gave me some wonderful hours with my childhood friend, and I was rewarded with a new hobby I want to pursue. Indeed, even I have to rethink my prejudices continually to avoid getting stuck.
Mind you, don’t expect to see me out on a real rock face any time soon. That’s really not for me…
Right?
What experiences you’ve lived turned your initial scepticism into enthusiasm? Let me know in the comments!
Header image: Stefanie Lechthaler
Painting the walls just before handing over the flat? Making your own kimchi? Soldering a broken raclette oven? There's nothing you can't do yourself. Well, perhaps sometimes, but I'll definitely give it a try.
Opinion
This is a subjective opinion of the editorial team. It doesn't necessarily reflect the position of the company.
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