Ask the expert: Challenge that will drive you up the wall
Last updated 03:50, Monday, 19 May 2008
Question: I’ve always wanted to have a go at climbing. Can you give me some advice on how to get started?
Answer: Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be in great physical condition or have a lot of upper body strength to climb. It is a natural activity that builds the body’s power over time and is ideal for enhancing muscle tone and flexibility. Although it’s a great full body workout, climbing is also a fun and an exciting recreational activity.
Indoor climbing is a sport for people of all athletic and fitness levels. It challenges the mind as well as the body and takes place in an environment where you can lead the pace.
The simplest form of climbing that can be done in an indoor environment is unroped climbing or bouldering, which is climbing close to the ground.
The climber’s hands never reach too high so ropes are not required. Climbers can traverse (climb sideways along the walls) or boulder (short mini routes) without a partner. Bouldering is a good way to build strength, power and technique for climbing.
Often people are apprehensive of heights. This is a natural fear for most people but once you have climbed a few times it becomes far less daunting.
The best way to get an introduction to climbing is through having a go on a climbing wall. The climbing wall at The Sands Centre, Carlisle, is open daily from 9am to 10.30pm and attracts more than 150 children a week and up to 20 adults on course programmes.
This is the best way to get started. The courses are designed to train climbers to enable them to climb on the wall safely. Climbers can go on to complete an exam to demonstrate that they are a competent climber. Once competent you can then climb on your own on a casual pay-as-you- play basis.
The fully qualified climbing instructors at The Sands Centre are Pete Gunn and Davina Mouet.
- Prices are £5.00 a week for a 2 hour lesson. Payment is required to cover the whole term.
- Standard pay as you play for competent climbers is £1.80 for Juniors and £3.00 for Adults.
- For more information or to book a climbing course, call the Sands Centre on 01228 625222.
