Climber creates guidebook to bouldering in Western Washington

Published 9:39 am Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Our area features some pretty amazing climbing.

But don’t just think big walls. Think massive boulders.

Pablo Zuleta of Kirkland has been working with other climbers and photographers to create a new guidebook to bouldering in Western Washington, including around Gold Bar and Index. He started a Kickstarter this morning to fund the production of the book and he’s already more than a third of the way to his goal. Follow the link to learn more about the book and check out the video.

Bouldering, for those who don’t know, involves climbing a short, usually intense distance. Climbers aren’t climbing high enough to use a rope. Instead they use crash pads to catch them if they fall. Boulderers call their routes “problems.”

I think bouldering is entrancing. The video linked above gives you an idea of what it’s all about. Don’t miss the shot at 1:30. I think that alone would convince me to get outside and try bouldering on real stone.

In addition to the guidebooks, Zuleta has also been working on a film, which will be released in May. I can’t wait to see it.