There is responsibility when bouldering as well. It's not a solo sport either.
FWIW, I've been fine with bouldering solo indoors.
I wouldn't want to do it outside (where you really need someone to make sure you land on the mat), but I haven't felt the need for a spotter inside.
And I see a lot of people bouldering solo at the wall where I climb (though "solo" tends to end up involving a lot of trading notes, swapping turns on problems, and commiserating about the unspeakable evil of the route-setters *g*).
So it's an option if you want to play on your own -- especially if you want to explore movement without necessarily doing a particular route or problem. And remember it's not an either/or choice: the majority of people seem to do some bouldering and some route-climbing, and the things you learn in one will transfer to the other.
no subject
FWIW, I've been fine with bouldering solo indoors.
I wouldn't want to do it outside (where you really need someone to make sure you land on the mat), but I haven't felt the need for a spotter inside.
And I see a lot of people bouldering solo at the wall where I climb (though "solo" tends to end up involving a lot of trading notes, swapping turns on problems, and commiserating about the unspeakable evil of the route-setters *g*).
So it's an option if you want to play on your own -- especially if you want to explore movement without necessarily doing a particular route or problem. And remember it's not an either/or choice: the majority of people seem to do some bouldering and some route-climbing, and the things you learn in one will transfer to the other.