Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that is performed on small rock
formations or artificial rock walls without the use of ropes or
harnesses. Unlike free solo climbing, which is also performed without
ropes, bouldering problems (the sequence of moves that a climber
performs to complete the climb) are usually less than six metres (20 ft)
tall. Traverses, which are a form of boulder problem, require the
climber to climb horizontally from one end to another. The sport was
originally a method of training for roped climbs and mountaineering, so
climbers could practice specific moves at a safe distance from the
ground. Additionally, the sport served to build stamina and increase
finger strength. Throughout the 20th century, bouldering evolved into a
separate discipline. Individual problems are assigned ratings based on
difficulty. Although there have been various rating systems used
throughout the history of bouldering, modern problems usually use either
the V-scale or the Fontainebleau scale.
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