What began as a reluctant response to peer pressure and a doctor's advice has blossomed into a full-fledged passion for journalist Mike Hohnen. His inaugural foray into the world of bouldering—a form of rock climbing performed on short, challenging routes without ropes—delivered hard lessons, unexpected calm, and tangible physical benefits.
The Daunting First Climb
Surrounded by friends who scaled walls with the ease of mountain goats, Hohnen felt starting from zero was his only option. His journey began at the Blochaus climbing gym in Sydney, a venture made less intimidating by his partner agreeing to join him. The scene that greeted them was a hectic maze of sloped surfaces and tiny handholds, where even children moved with a grace that seemed unattainable.
Armed only with the false confidence gleaned from five to seven tutorial videos watched the night before, Hohnen approached his first wall. The nerves were immediate, from doubts about his rental shoes to an over-application of chalk. Yet, he persevered, completing his first 'blue'-graded climb and experiencing the subsequent adrenaline rush. The celebration was short-lived, however, as he quickly learned a golden rule the hard way: move slow. Ignoring this led to a body that was nearly immobile within just 30 minutes.
Finding a Rhythm and a Community
Despite the painful initiation, Hohnen discovered that bouldering gyms have evolved into modern third places—social environments separate from home and work. Many offer coffee, wifi, and lounge areas, fostering a comfortable community atmosphere. The learning curve, he found, was supported and clear. Beginners receive non-judgmental help from fellow climbers, and progress is marked by a colourful grading system, turning skill acquisition into engaging 'projects' rather than a grind.
Committing to two sessions per week, Hohnen soon reaped the rewards. Within two weeks, his upper body and core strength showed noticeable improvement. By week three, his posture and sleep quality had also enhanced. More satisfyingly, he progressed to the next difficulty level: purple climbs. While success on these new routes took weeks, they gradually shifted from feeling impossible to being achievable challenges.
The Mental Grip of the Wall
Beyond the physical gains, Hohnen found an unexpected mental sanctuary. The wall demands such singular focus that it crowds out life's daily anxieties, creating moments of pure mindfulness. What social pressure initiated, the opportunity for these quiet, concentrated moments has sustained.
Now, three months into his bouldering journey, many advanced climbs remain out of reach. The nuances of climber lingo and the great chalk debate (liquid vs. powder) are still being navigated. But for Mike Hohnen, the conclusion is simple: Bouldering has a firm grip on him. The decision, he notes, is now comfortably set in stone—after all, he's already bought the shoes.
