10 Rules for Indoor Bouldering Etiquette
Whether you're on a Kilter Board, MoonBoard, or spray wall, here are a few rules every indoor climber should follow

If you’re somewhat new to bouldering indoors, you may have noticed that there are some unwritten rules in the culture of bouldering. To speed up your learning curve of the do’s and don’ts of this ropeless sport, here are 10 important rules for indoor bouldering etiquette.
1. Stay out of the fall zone
Your local gym almost certainly has this rule on their posted bouldering guidelines but it’s so important that it must be stated again here. Do not walk, run, sit, or loiter under or behind people climbing. It’s very dangerous for both you and the person climbing.
2. Wait your turn
Climbing is popular and gyms are super busy, especially at peak hours. Don’t hog a boulder problem and don’t cut in line of others waiting patiently to give it a try. If you’re uncertain if people are waiting or ready to climb, simply ask them. This rule also applies when lighting up LED boards (Kilter, Moon, etc.) with the problem you want to climb.
3. Keep your belongings out of the fall zone
Just like #1 above, this one is about safety. Do not place your water bottle, extra climbing shoes, chalk bag, or other belongings anywhere near where people are climbing and falling. Stow them in a tidy pile far away from where people might fall on them and sprain an ankle.
4. Take a look at the full problem before you climb it
Don’t just jump on a boulder before looking at where it ends. Many problems traverse unexpectedly and this might cause you to climb up and into someone already on the wall. If your problem converges or crosses another high on the wall, this could run you into another climber, likely ruining their climb and potentially creating a dangerous fall situation.
5. Brush your holds
No one likes greasy, chalk-caked holds. Carry a brush and use it regularly. Your gym likely supplies brushes on extendable poles, which are great for brushing holds out of arm’s reach. Use them too.
6. If someone just brushed a problem, let them try it first
When projecting a boulder, it’s often very useful to brush all the key holds to increase friction. This can take quite a bit of work, especially if you’re brushing up high with an extendable brush. If a person has just spent some time meticulously cleaning up a boulder, don’t jump on it before them when they go to put the brush away, chalk up, or tighten their shoes. Let them have the first go on the freshly brushed problem.

7. Don’t give unsolicited beta or climbing advice
Other than rules regarding safety, this piece of etiquette is arguably the most important on this list. Part of the fun of bouldering is figuring out how to solve a problem. Unless someone asks, do not spray them with your beta or other climbing advice. Feel free to talk about the problem, but don’t tell people how they should be climbing.
8. Try to be positive
Bouldering is the most fun when the stoke is high. Try to avoid negative talk – “That problem is so easy!” – “That’s a V3 not a V5” – “That problem sucks”. Sure, go ahead and discuss these things with your close climbing buddies, but don’t shout them across the gym.
9. Tell staff about loose holds
A spinning hold is never fun to climb on and it can be damaging to the wall or dangerous to the climber. If you find a loose hold, tell a gym staff member about it. It can usually be fixed quickly and easily.
10. Don’t spot someone without their permission
If your gym allows/promotes spotting, be sure to ask a fellow climber before spotting them. It can be dangerous if someone takes a fall to the mat and there’s a spotter unexpectedly beneath them. Good spotting is an art – get proper instruction and mentorship when learning this important climbing skill.