So, I have been climbing and bouldering outdoor quite a lot past weeks, and I would like to share my experience with you in that regards.
Let me start by saying that all outdoor experiences are great, because you have the chance to be in nature and that is already quite enjoyable to me. With rocks, mountains, trees, ánd great people!
Climbing: Berdorf, Luxemburg
First my experience with outdoor climbing toprope and lead. The first weekend my osteochondritis was active in my right elbow again so I could not climb the first day, although I enjoyed being outdoors and walking around as much as climbing itself.
The second day I climbed some 5's and 6a's, which was totally fine, just my anxiety played tricks on me. I never considered myself as an anxious or scared person, but apparently, I might be afraid of heights. After all these years, I discover that now, cause I always push through my fears, but since I apply my own philosophy, Conscious Climbing, into practice, I notice my mind, body and soul a lot more. I am more aware of what I need and want.
The second weekend was scarier to me. The first day I climbed some 5's first, then a 6c halfway, followed by a 6a+. My anxiety levels were up high, and the whole experience was not so enjoyable anymore. The second day went better though, I even lead climbed an easy 4a and did quite some 6a+'s. It went better, but the anxiety was there. However, I must say, I also climbed routes outside my comfort zone...
Bouldering: Fontainebleau, France
Bouldering: what can I say? It was awesome, great, amazing, so much fun, outstanding, surprising, and enjoyable. I was so comfortable immediately on the rocks/boulders, I surprised myself many times. I even could have done a lot more than I thought, but I was being a conscious climber, not to injure myself again/any more, so I didn´t take unnecessary risks. However the boulders seem higher from up and down, than on the pictures with which they are just fine. Therefore, I even did some sketchy high(er) boulders, and surprised myself many times. I did some little projects, and could have done more for sure. Indeed, my new Personal Trainer says I should project more...
Anyways, weirdly enough, I enjoy free climbing more than rope. Thus, my focus will be more on bouldering than on climbing for now, unless I can train that anxiety of mine. In addition, outdoor routes are much more technical and suprising as you can´t often see the next move, plus you have more options for hands and feet than in the gym, which makes it all a lot more enjoyable overall. Fitting to your particular individual needs. Therefore, outdoor fits me more than indoor, which is also in the sphere of Conscious Climbing.
I aim to go to Fontainebleau for 1 or 2 weeks later this year, and see how I go there, by myself or with others. Why not?
