First time bouldering?

You don't need any experience for your first time bouldering. In this video, we'll explain how it works step by step, so you can get started safely and confidently.

Step-by-step bouldering

Let's start

To go bouldering, you must be at least 8 years old (under parental supervision), or at least 12 years old (without supervision). Getting started is very easy. You don't need a certification, which means you can start bouldering straight away.

If it's your very first time, we'll explain the basic rules of bouldering and safety, show you how to get started, and give you a few tips. Once you've done your first boulder tops, you'll be hooked.

What is bouldering?

Bouldering is a fast-growing and social climbing style. Climbers do not use ropes or harnesses, but are protected by thick crash pads.

No special equipment is needed, making it easy to walk in and get started straight away. It's challenging, athletic, builds your strength and confidence, and above all, it's a lot of fun.

What can you expect?

The Island is one of the newest and most modern bouldering gyms in the Benelux, with around 200 boulders across all levels (2 to 8A+). Every week, we set 40 new boulders, ensuring it always remains challenging. Our experienced route-setting team, which also sets for national competitions, devises creative routes for every level. Even if it's your very first time, you can reach the top.

Do I need experience?

You are always free to start on your own, but we also offer a variety of courses. Whether you are an experienced climber or have just started, we have the course that will help you improve your climbing.

We also offer special packages for children's parties, corporate outings and schools. See our ‘groups’ page for more information.

Is it safe?

Bouldering is the safest form of indoor climbing. The maximum wall height is “only” 4.5 metres, and the floor is covered with thick mats.

As with any sport, there are always certain risks involved. If you'd like to know more, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Would you prefer a better introduction?

You'll receive a warm welcome and an introduction upon arrival at our reception. However, if you're looking for a more in-depth experience, you can book a session with one of our highly competent coaches. They will guide you through a more personalised 1:1 coaching experience. Prices and booking below.

View our
Boulders

Discover all our climbing routes in TopLogger and get more out of every session. Track your progress, revisit your projects, and see how you compare to other climbers.

  • Download the app

    1

    Download the TopLogger app on your smartphone for direct access to our complete route database and climbing tools.

  • Register your account

    Create your free account to log climbs, track your progress over time, and build your personal climbing history.

    2
  • Select our gym

    Search for our gym in the app and select it to unlock all currently available routes and updates from our route setters.

    3
  • View the routes

    Browse routes by difficulty, colour or style, plan your session and choose your next challenge on the wall.

    4
  • Climb out and get into the ranking

    Climb the routes, log your ascents in the app and earn your spot on the leaderboard to see how you stack up against other climbers.

    5

Frequently asked questions

Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our climbing centre, routes and how to use the app. Is your question listed here? Then you can get straight back to the wall.

Get in touch

Bouldering is a fast-growing and social style of climbing. In bouldering, climbers do not use ropes or harnesses, but are protected by thick crash mats. Therefore, no special equipment is required for bouldering, making it easy to drop by and get started. It is challenging, athletic, increases your strength and confidence, and is above all great fun.

Anyone can go bouldering! You can do it on your own or with friends. Feel free to pop in. We'll be happy to help you get started.

Actually, you only need comfortable clothes and trainers. For extra grip on the wall, we recommend renting climbing shoes from us. These are available at reception for €4.50.

Showers, toilets, changing rooms, water, Wi-Fi, training room. All these facilities are available at no extra cost.

No, there are no ropes and no safety equipment is being used. You can start straight away.

Bouldering is the safest form of indoor climbing. The maximum height of the walls is ‘only’ 4.5 metres and the floor is covered with thick mats. As with any sport, there are, of course, always some risks involved. If you would like to know more about this, please feel free to contact us.

Certainly not! Bouldering is for everyone. We have a wide variety of fun and easy routes specifically built for beginners. It will definitely require a significant number of visits to try them all!

No, you can also just climb alone. But for many, bouldering is a social activity as well as a sport. When you come bouldering on your own, you often quickly join up with other boulderers.

We have a large box of lost property. Please ask at the reception desk if we have found your lost item.

Are you visiting for the first time? Upon arrival, we'll give you a short explanation and tour of how bouldering works and where to find everything. It's that simple! After that, you can get started on your own.

Certainly not. You can always choose how high you want to climb – and how you climb down. For example, there are also extra easy holds placed here and there – large descent holds. Furthermore, our specially designed beginner routes are built so that you don't have to climb all the way to the top. This way, you can learn bouldering safely and easily and gain a lot of confidence.

8 is the minimum age and there is no maximum. Climbers up to the age of 12 may only climb under the direct supervision of their parents (1 adult per 2 children).

  • The Island Games are back, baby 🌴🪨🤩. On 20 June, we’re turning the gym into our own little island getaway full of lava and challenges for the 5th edition of The Island Games ☀️🏝️ Expect funky boulders, good food, cocktails, fun challenges, sweet vibes and a full evening of climbing with the community – see you there🍹💥📍 Saturday 20 June🕔 17:00 — 22:00🎟 Tickets via boulderzaaltheisland.beWho’s coming? 👀 #islandgames2026 #bouldering #climbing #antwerp #islandvibe @block013 @tom.callewaert
  • New greens 🥬 at The Island! Come and try our new route 🔥. @jitseremes @damo_climbs #boulderzaaltheisland #bouldering #climbing #theisland @unit_holds @block013 @boulderzaal_the_island
  • Dyno master @semsemilia013 for this week’s BETA SPRAY video 💪🫡. Come and try this super fun competition-style route set by Semmy himself 👀. #bouldering #climbing #jump #boulderzaaltheisland @semsemilia013 @block013
  • Photos from ABYC2026 are now on Facebook 📸@damo_climbs The Kid Crushers are back in action at ABYC 2026! 💥Full of good vibes for an amazing competition day. So nice to see everyone having so much fun and finally finding so many cool moves at their level 🙌@antwerpboulderyouthcup @block013 #boulderzaaltheisland #bouldering #climbing #antwerp #klimmen
  • Kid Crusher is back in action with ABC 2026! 💥Nothing but good vibes for an amazing competition day. It’s so lovely to see everyone having such a great time and finally finding so many cool moves at their level 🙌Thanks to head coach @emilecox, along with @miserabele.johnny and @nafie_xds, for bringing up these little crushers 💛💪🏽✨Pictures coming soon 📸@antwerpboulderyouthcup @block013 #boulderzaaltheisland #bouldering #climbing #antwerp #klimmen
  • New ADJUSTABLE Kilter board at the gym 🫡🔥. Our head coach @donders_robin explains how to use it (safely) and how to use the new app with exciting new features 💪🏽. Try it now at our gym!@kilterboard @kiltergrips #kilterboard #bouldering @block013 #climbing #klimmen #routesetting
  • Thanks to @climbing_pixels and @junctionholds for the amazing artwork 🖤. Photos by @sophieboonstra #bouldering #climbing #artist @block013
  • BOULDER BASICS 12 May 🔥. Subscribe now at the till / via email or DM. #bouldering #climbing #climbingtraining

Contact