[Zen]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here, I got bored and fed up with the one-upmanship on UKC so I was hopng that a dedicated bouldering forum would be better - it seems miles better so far!

In any case, I had a quick query: Does anyone use (or know someone that does) earplugs while bouldering in the gym?

I get rather easily distracted by other climbers, the general noise, and sometimes even the music at my local indoor venue so I was thinking of starting to wear earplugs to block everything out. I had no idea if this would affect my balance, but if not then I would happily risk looking like a b*stard in order to focus 100% on what I'm climbing.

Cheers,

Zen

[dobbin]

be like your name - be in and of the moment and block them out!

(I think it might affect your balance. I dont know how people climb with ear phones in)

Perhaps a change of wall is in order? where do you live?

[Baldy]

Really?
That sounds pretty antisocial - are all the other climbers at your wall really that bad?

Do what you want I guess...

I havent tried it, but I climbed with headphones a couple of times and I found that just terrible for my own concentration.

Have you considered actually trying it? (they dont cost much...)
http://www.esska-tech.co.uk/esska_eng_s/ear_plug_dolmar_5_pairs.html?gclid=CKzP8LbngbgCFYXMtAodAggAMg

[SA Chris]

It won't affect your balance, I use them surfing in the winter and it makes no odds, I still suck with and without. I tend to filter out background noise when focussed on climbing, so it's never really bothered me.

[crimp]

 

Hi. Try it if you think it'll help. See if it works for you. I have no problem climbing with earphones (often essential to shut out the constant traffic roar bouldering in Avon Gorge)

I think balance is about some liquid sloshing about, rather than hearing.

 

[cheque]

 

I got bored and fed up with the one-upmanship on UKC

I got bored with it first. 

Earplugs-wise I'd say it's probably better just to train yourself to tune it out. After I read Dave Mac's book I got right into just dealing with external factors like that and I reckon I benefitted from it.

[Johnny Brown]

Not very helpful, but this is why I climb outside!

[Moo]

I find that having a naturally miserable / annoyed face helps keep the crowds away from me when down the wall. It also helps to shout out racist comments in a Tourettesy kind of way.

[SA Chris]

I find that having a naturally miserable / annoyed face helps keep the crowds away from me when down the wall.

Do you suffer from ARF?

[Moo]

I don't think I suffer from that condition as much as just generally not being a very nice person.

[tomtom]

My ears get a bit waxy - and putting ear plugs in them eventually just rams wax back towards the ear drum and after a few days of repeated use my ears block up...

An Australian colleague with waxy ear problems was told back home by his doctor "Greg, the smallest thing you should stick in your ear is your elbow"....

[psychomansam]

Go soloing. It trains your focus like nothing else.

Go ahead and wear your earplugs if you like. Just hope you don't run in to people like me. I make a habit of talking to people with headphones on just to force them to take them out. I don't object to them. It's just fun being a wanker in little ways. 

[Zen]

Cheers for the advice, I'll try it and see if I get decent results but I'm thinking I should maybe just learn to block everything out. As for my wall (TCA Glasgow) the people aren't so bad and the music is mostly okay to be fair, it's just the odd occassion when someone is being too loud. I would consider wearing earplugs just to block out unwanted beta alone haha.

In fact now I think about it, I've learned to put blinkers on (metaphorical of course, I'm not that much of an arse) when I'm climbing purely because I like to enjoy bouldering without 'feeling' people watching me, I'm sure I could do the same with my hearing.

In any case, thanks again for the advice.

After I read Dave Mac's book...

What book is this you are reffering to?

[SA Chris]

it's just the odd occassion when someone is being too loud.

Don't worry Fiend isn't in there all the time.

[JackAus]

After I read Dave Mac's book...

What book is this you are reffering to?

http://www.davemacleod.com/shop/9outof10climbers.html

Every climber should read it.

[tomtom]

it's just the odd occassion when someone is being too loud.

Don't worry Fiend isn't in there all the time.

Visually or verbally? Dark sunglasses may be needed also

[catbreath]

People seem to jump/fall off the wall in all directions everywhere where I climb indoors, so I don't wear headphones/plugs for safety! Also despite being social-anxietal as heck I try to be social.

[Fiend]

it's just the odd occassion when someone is being too loud.

Don't worry Fiend isn't in there all the time.

....and I'm usually wearing earphones when I am. Bawbag!