Martin SkolarekMartin Skolarek

Hello, my name is Martin Skolarek. I am a personal fitness trainer, but your average one. I enjoy, and recommend to my clients, many activities that are not seen as basic fitness exercises. I am talking about bouldering, running, and many more. WoodenMountain.com is my blog where I will share interesting insights on various topics.

Bouldering Gear Checklist – What to Pack for Indoor vs. Outdoor Sessions

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Flat lay of bouldering gear including backpack, climbing rope, shoes, jacket, vest, water bottle, sleeping bag, and other climbing essentials neatly arranged on rock surface

Bouldering offers two distinct experiences: controlled indoor sessions and adventurous outdoor climbs. Indoor gyms provide structured routes and safety mats, while outdoor problems demand preparation for unpredictable terrain and conditions. Having the right bouldering gear ensures safety, comfort, and performance in both environments. Packing carefully allows climbers to focus on movement rather than worrying about … Read more

Climbing Shoes for Beginners – What to Know Before You Buy

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Pair of orange and gray climbing shoes with velcro straps placed on a rock outdoors

Climbing opens doors to strength, focus, and problem-solving in a way few other sports can match. Shoes play the most important role since they connect your body directly to the wall. Renting might seem practical at first, but owning your own pair ensures consistent fit, better performance, improved hygiene, and more value over time. Investing … Read more

Best Chalk for Bouldering: Loose, Block, or Liquid?

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Chalk might not be the flashiest piece of gear in your climbing bag, but when your fingertips are clinging to a sloper or digging into a sharp little crimp, it can make all the difference. It doesn’t matter if you’re crushing V4s in your local gym or scrambling over sandstone in the desert; finding the … Read more

Top 9 Outdoor Bouldering Spots in the U.S. for Beginners

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A climber grips a rock hold during an outdoor bouldering session on a beginner-friendly route

Many climbers ask where to start. The best beginner bouldering spots in the USA that climbers can visit are spread across various terrains and climates. Some parks offer soft landings, clear approach trails, and short routes with stable holds. New climbers need places where the pressure is low and the fun is high. Let’s discuss … Read more

Beginner Mistakes in Bouldering (and How to Fix Them)

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A climber in bright shorts moves across an indoor bouldering wall, focused on finding stable holds

Bouldering mistakes can lead to injury, poor technique, and slow progress. Many new climbers fall into traps that limit skill growth and confidence. Learning proper form, safety habits, and route strategy early can save time and reduce frustration. This guide breaks down the most common errors and provides exact solutions. With each fix, you can … Read more

How to Improve Your Grip Strength for Bouldering

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A woman boulders on a steep rock wall, relying on upper body power and grip strength to stay in position

If you’ve ever found yourself slipping off a hold despite perfect footwork and body positioning, chances are your grip strength—not your climbing technique—was the limiting factor. In bouldering, where problems are short, intense, and power-driven, your fingers, hands, and forearms play a central role in whether you top out or fall short. So how do … Read more

Crash Pads Explained – What You Need and Why It Matters

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Crash Pads bouldering

If you’ve ever watched someone huck themselves at a big move on a boulder problem and thought, “Wow, they’re brave,” chances are their confidence wasn’t just about strength or guts – it was also about what they were landing on. Enter the humble but mighty crash pad. Bouldering, unlike rope climbing, means you’re close to … Read more

Bouldering vs Rock Climbing: Exploring the Core Differences

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bearded man with tattoos climbing a rock face, harnessed with climbing gear, against a background of blue sky and clouds

Bouldering and rock climbing represent two distinct forms of climbing that captivate enthusiasts worldwide. While they share common principles, they differ significantly in style, technique, and equipment. For beginners or seasoned climbers looking to expand their skills, distinguishing between these two climbing disciplines is crucial. The distinction between bouldering and rock climbing helps climbers choose … Read more

Top 10 Bouldering Shoes for 2024: Expert Reviews and Ratings

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Close-up of a climber's feet wearing specialized climbing shoes on an indoor climbing wall marked with M1

Choosing the right bouldering shoes isn’t just important, it’s life-altering. Okay, maybe not life-altering, but definitely climb-altering. You don’t want to be the person slipping off holds because your shoes are more “meh” than “wow.” I’ve put together a list, ranked on performance, comfort, durability, and, of course, how much they make you feel like … Read more