What Equipment Do I Need for Bouldering? A Beginner’s Guide from Substation Brixton

So, you're curious about bouldering? Whether you’ve walked past our doors at Substation Brixton or you’ve typed “bouldering gym near me” into Google during a late-night scroll—you’re in the right place.

A common question we get asked is “What do I actually need to start climbing?”

Good news—not much. Bouldering is simple, social, and super accessible. Here’s everything you need (and what you don’t) to get climbing with confidence.

The Essentials: What You Actually Need for Bouldering

• Climbing Shoes – climbing shoes give you the grip and control you need to move around on the wall—trainers just won’t do. Don’t have your own? No problem. You can rent climbing shoes when you arrive at Substation
• Chalk Bag chalk is used to keep your hands dry and grippy. It comes in two main forms, loose chalk in a bucket and liquid chalk in a bucket. We’ve got rental chalk bags available, and if you fall in love with climbing (you probably will), we’ve got options in our shop too
• Comfy, Stretchy Clothes – think gym wear. You’ll want freedom to move, stretch, and hang on holds without being restricted by tight jeans or trousers. Leggings, shorts or joggers are ideal.

Nice-to-Haves (But Not Essential)

• Water bottle — stay hydrated, you’ll be working more muscles than you expect. You can refil your waterbottle via a tap in the main gym area or from the cafe.
  
• Climbing brush — for cleaning excess chalk off holds (we’ve got brushes around the gym if you forget)
  
• Skin care — climbing can leave skin a bit rough. A good hand balm and some tape to patch up minor cuts are nice to have. Both are sold at the reception.

What you don't need for bouldering

• No ropes. No harness. No helmet. Unlike traditional climbing, indoor bouldering is rope-free and low to the ground, with big padded mats to cushion your fall.
• That’s part of the magic—it’s minimalist and low-commitment, especially when you’re just starting out

Brand New to Climbing? Start with a 30-Minute Induction

At Substation Brixton, we offer a 30-minute induction session with one of our friendly instructors. You’ll cover:

• Safety basics
• Movement tips
• Bouldering etiquette
• Loads of encouragement

It’s the perfect intro for anyone feeling nervous, rusty, or just unsure where to begin.

Why climb at Substation Brixton?

Substation Brixton isn’t just a climbing gym. Step inside and you’ll find a fully equipped fitness and yoga studio, a dedicated strength training gym, and woody boards for serious climbing progression. Need to recover or reset? Our sauna and cold plunge setup is the perfect post-session ritual.

Got little ones? We’re proud to be the only climbing gym in London with a dedicated kids-only bouldering space—The Wild. It's a safe, adventurous zone where young climbers can explore, learn, and grow. 

Whether you're here to train hard, stretch it out, switch off, or just grab a coffee and hang out—Substation Brixton is your space to move, breathe, and belong.

Ready to Start? Book a Climb

Book a climbing day pass or an induction, grab some shoes, and give it a go. No need for fancy kit—just bring yourself and some good energy.

Book Your First Climb at Substation Brixton

We’ll see you on the mats. And trust us, once you start… It's hard to stop.