Harry Dacombe has been climbing since he was nine or ten, and for him, it’s never been just a hobby, it’s a puzzle to solve.
The high-level indoor boulderer trains and competes at Boulder Shack in Southampton, and he says the mental challenge of climbing is what keeps him hooked.
But despite what many think, indoor bouldering and rock climbing aren’t the same sport.
“It was the only sport or form of exercise I got on with,” Dacombe said. “Everything else was too boring for me. Climbing has continuous problem solving and mental challenges which allows me to stay interested.”
Indoor bouldering is all about short, powerful climbs, usually no more than 20 feet high. Routes, called “problems,” are done without ropes or harnesses, with thick crash mats below for safety.
The focus is on mental strength, technique, and finding creative ways to tackle each climb.
Rock climbing, on the other hand, often takes place on taller walls or natural rock faces and uses ropes, harnesses, and belay devices.
Climbs can be longer and test endurance as much as strength, with sub-disciplines like sport climbing, trad climbing, and multi-pitch routes requiring extra technical skills.
The gear highlights the difference. Bouldering needs just climbing shoes, chalk, and crash pads, while rock climbing calls for ropes, harnesses, quickdraws, and belay devices to keep climbers safe at height.
The techniques also vary. Bouldering is dynamic and explosive; think heel hooks, jumps, and powerful reaches whilst rock climbing often focuses on pacing, footwork, and stamina over longer climbs.
“When you start off it’s a bit like Bambi on ice,” Dacombe laughs. He believes starting young gives climbers a big advantage. “The younger people start, the better they end up because they learn how to use their body.”
“It can take over 20 years to reach a really high level.”
For Harry, it’s the problem-solving and mental challenge that keeps him coming back. You can see his full insights and watch the pro vs amateur experience against myself in the complete video package linked below.
