Since October 2023, Leuphana has added a new exercise option: the boulder block gives students and university staff the opportunity to engage in sporting activities on campus. The boulder block is part of the ‘Lebenswelt Campus’ project and was realised in collaboration with the building management team. The university sports department offers workshops regularly on both bolting and climbing, which are also suitable for beginners.
Beforehand
Before you start climbing on the boulder block, there is some information you should be aware of. This is summarised in the terms of use and the boulder block regulations – please read them carefully before you start.
Boulder block regulations
Bouldering is a sport that carries the risk of injury and even death. All users acknowledge the resulting duty of care and shall only use the facility in accordance with the following regulations and in a condition that enables them to do so.
Important note: Bouldering is done with passive safety measures, i.e. with a cushioning layer of washed gravel 8-16 mm thick; layer thickness 40 cm. The bouldering block is 4.30 m high at its highest point. For outdoor bouldering walls higher than 3 m, the gravel cushioning layer may not be sufficient to cushion all falls. Using the university's bouldering wall is similar to climbing on natural rock, and all users should protect themselves using the safety techniques used on natural objects, i.e. spotting (belaying with your hands by a partner) and individual safety mats (crash pads). Crash pads can be borrowed from Studio 21 at the university.
1. Own responsibility and minors
Use of the university's bouldering block is at your own risk and responsibility; there is no supervision. Each user is responsible for ensuring that they have the necessary knowledge and experience of the safety techniques and measures to be applied when bouldering, or must arrange for instruction by qualified persons as part of a workshop offered by the university sports department. By entering the facility, the user confirms that they have this knowledge and experience and will apply it. Bouldering with a climbing harness is not permitted.
Each user is responsible for applying the following bouldering regulations in order to reduce risks.
Bouldering is not permitted for children under the age of 12. Minors under the age of 18 must have a declaration of consent from their parents and carry it with them. Parents and accompanying persons must ensure that these bouldering regulations are observed by minors. (Parents are liable for their children.)
2. Shoes and jewelry
Only climbing shoes or clean street shoes may be worn for bouldering. To prevent dirt from getting on the holds, shoes must be cleaned of pebbles and dust before bouldering.
3. Warm-Up
Bouldering in particular places high demands on muscles, ligaments and tendons. All users must therefore warm up to prevent injuries.
4. Spotting and consideration
Users may ‘spot’ each other if necessary. Individual users ask other users to do this and take care when positioning themselves to ensure that the boulderer cannot fall on the spotter.
Only people who are currently climbing are allowed to be directly below the wall. Non-climbers must remain at a safe distance from the wall (at least 2.5 metres).
Any behaviour that endangers one's own safety or that of other users on the wall is prohibited, in particular: interfering with climbing and climbing over or under other people. The operator reserves the right to issue expulsion orders in the event of improper use.
5. Jumping or climbing down
Users should always choose a boulder height that allows them to land safely. Where possible, they should land with their feet together and roll forward. Jumping off should be avoided. Climbing down is easier on the knees and back and prevents injuries.
6. Danger area and obstacles
No objects or equipment may be left in the landing area. The landing area may only be used for climbing, bouldering or for assistance and supervision purposes. The use of music systems is prohibited.
7. Changes to handles and prohibition of use
Only authorised climbing wall staff are permitted to change or rotate holds. Route closures and cordoned-off areas of the facility must be observed, especially when new routes are being bolted by climbing wall staff.
Bouldering under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is strictly prohibited. Use of the bouldering wall in icy, snowy or wet conditions, or during lightning, is also prohibited.
Use may be temporarily restricted or suspended altogether. University sports workshops take precedence over free bouldering.
Instructions from university sports staff must be followed.
8. Accidents
In the event of an accident, every user is obliged to provide assistance and must immediately inform the university sports staff, e.g. in Studio 21.
9. Visual inspection and damage
Before each use, users must carry out a visual inspection for obvious defects. Any malfunction or damage to the supporting structure or climbing elements should be reported immediately to the wall operator.
10. Liability
The liability of the University and its employees as facility operators is limited to intent and gross negligence, to the extent permitted by law.
The University accepts no liability for damage to persons or property caused by the user.
The University accepts no liability for the loss of clothing, equipment or valuables belonging to the user.
11. Commercial use by third parties
Commercial use of the facilities is only permitted with special permission from the university, to which there is no entitlement.
12. Opening hours and house rules
Bouldering is only permitted between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
The university's house rules, which can be found on the university website, must be observed. In particular, the facility must be kept clean. Any items brought onto the premises must be removed without exception and any waste, especially glass bottles and broken glass, must be disposed of appropriately.