The Boulderer

How to complete The Boulderer

V2 is where climbing stops being a strength ladder and becomes a movement puzzle: problems at this grade usually punish brute pulling and demand deliberate footwork, body positioning, and reading the wall before you touch it. Sending your first one marks the jump from trying climbing to actually being a climber.

1. Climb twice a week for a few weeks on V0 and V1 problems to build finger tolerance and basic technique.
2. Scan the V2s in your gym and pick one that suits your build and style; slab and vertical problems favor balance, overhangs favor pulling strength.
3. Read the route from the ground first: find the start holds, spot the likely crux, and plan roughly where each hand goes.
4. Watch someone else climb it or ask for beta; copying a good sequence is normal, not cheating.
5. Work it in sections across sessions if needed, then rest a full day and come back fresh for the send.

Tips

• Grades vary wildly between gyms; if every V2 shuts you down, try another setter's problems before doubting yourself.
• Push with your legs and keep arms straight when resting; over-gripping burns your forearms in minutes.
• Skin gives out before muscles at first; stop the session before your fingertips tear.
• Warm up on two or three easy problems every session before touching your project.

What counts as done

You start from the marked holds and finish the problem in control, both hands on the top hold, without stepping off mid-route.