At the Edgeworks Climbing indoor rock gym in Tacoma, curly-haired Mike Dove scampers across a rock wall. He doesn't wear a harness. He's not attached to a rope. When he finishes his climb, he falls to the ground.

Then he stands up, unharmed and grinning.

Dove is an expert at bouldering, a popular style of rock climbing performed without a safety rope.  Usually limited to climbs under 14 feet, bouldering incorporates many of the techniques of taller, more traditional roped climbs.  In bouldering, however, the only safety equipment used is a dense foam "crash pad" positioned under the climber. And unlike roped climbs, bouldering can be done without a partner.

"You don't need a belay partner below you when you're bouldering," says Patrick McCabe, sales manager at Edgeworks Climbing. "It's an inexpensive, you-against-the-wall type of sport."

The ability to climb solo and the lack of costly equipment are just some of the reasons bouldering has gained popularity recently, explains McCabe. About thirty percent of Edgework's gym is dedicated to rope-less climbs. Though the two disciplines share many similarities, McCabe says the mentalities are a bit different. Bouldering climbs aren't as high and they have a tendency to be steeper and more technical.

"With bouldering you're able to work on different climbing problems and techniques closer to the ground," explains McCabe. "Problems you wouldn't want to attempt so high up."

All of the Edgeworks Climbing designated bouldering routes are set by experienced climbers. Because the routes are graded based on difficulty, a climber can easily discover their individual level and ability.

"When you come in here you can quickly understand your grade and where you need to start," says McCabe.

McCabe says outdoor bouldering locations around Leavenworth, Wash. are extremely popular. But for those who are inexperienced and looking to learn, he suggests enrolling in a bouldering class. Edgeworks offers many classes, ranging from introductory to more advanced classes that center around movement and positioning.

"We look at taking pressure off the body through moves," says McCabe.

On the fourth Friday of each month, Edgeworks celebrates Military Night. On these nights, Active duty military can pick up day passes for $9. McCabe also mentions that the MWR on JBLM has Edgeworks cards offering free classes, free day passes and free gear rental for soldiers.  He hopes that many soldiers - especially singles - will start to take advantage of the cards and get an interest in the sport.

"Singles would like bouldering because you talk to others around you and share tips," says McCabe. "It's a great way to meet people."

ALSO...

DEPLOYMENTS AND BEING ALONE

JBLM SINGLES ON FACEBOOK

DO'S AND DONT'S OF BEING POLITICAL TROOPERS