Bouldering is a subset of rock climbing that requires little in the way of equipment or preparation compared to other types of climbing, such as toproping or alpine climbing. Rocks suitable for bouldering can be found throughout the world, including in popular national parks such as Yosemite and Joshua Tree. Though the basic body positioning techniques used for ascending a rock face are the same whether you're tackling a boulder or a big wall, the low to moderate heights of boulders mean you apply those techniques a little differently.
Finger Lock
Bouldering problems tend to be short and intense, requiring serious effort not only from your major muscle groups but also from your forearms and fingers. Preserve your finger strength by performing a finger lock when gripping a crimper (an ultra-narrow rock ledge). When you close your fingertips over the edge of the lip, bring your thumb up and "lock" it over the tops of your curled fingers. This small, simple maneuver can greatly reduce the amount of finger strength needed to maintain your position.
Smearing
Even in bouldering problems that are considered easy or moderate, you will often run into spots where there is no obvious protrusion or notch upon or within which to place your foot. In that case, you will need to smear. Press the sole of your shoe against the rock and put some of your weight on it. You may be surprised how "grippy" the surface of a boulder can be, especially if you are wearing climbing shoes -- which are specially made with high-friction rubber.
Static Reach
You can usually see, or at least know the general area of, your next hold when working on a bouldering problem. Often, though, you won't be able to easily reach the next hold from your current position. (That's why it's called a bouldering problem, not a bouldering cakewalk.) To perform a static reach, extend your hand toward your next hold while shifting your body toward it with slow, controlled movement, supporting your weight and the movement with the remaining points of contact. Static reaches demand balance, strength and control of your body positioning and are typically only mastered after a substantial amount of climbing practice.
Dyno
If the next hold lies far beyond your reach -- even if you perform a static reach to the full extent of your range -- you may have to dyno instead. A dyno, or dynamic move, is a quick, explosive jump or lunge from one hold to the next. Bouldering problems are notorious for requiring dynos. Crouch into the boulder, tensing your muscles like a drawn bow, then jump toward the next hold with all your power. Push off the boulder with one of your hands or feet to give you maximum power. Depending upon the problem, your body type and your climbing style, a dyno may be a simple vertical "hop" or a full-on flying leap.
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