Discussion
I climb, but fairly irregularly these days. But when I do it's generally either the Wye Valley or The Gower. Only lead HS these days, but used to lead E1.
My main passion is Winter Climbing though, which normally means last minute trips to Snowdonia and a couple of 3 day trips to Scotland in Feb/March.
My main passion is Winter Climbing though, which normally means last minute trips to Snowdonia and a couple of 3 day trips to Scotland in Feb/March.
GTO-3R said:
Funnily enough i've just been on the phone to a mate and were just about to start learning. We live in Stockport and heard Awesome Walls is the place to go! Looking forward to it as it's something i've wanted to do for a long time!
I'm based in the South East so don't know of Awesome Walls, but can definately recommend climbing as a great sport. Not Ideal said:
BigJonMcQuimm said:
Keen climber.... use the wall at Shepherd Bush, London.
I went there on a beginner course (I sucked) a couple of months back - mad place! Couldnt't believe how many walls they had and how busy it was - good to see.edit : PH W. London climbing club anyone?
Edited by BigJonMcQuimm on Tuesday 24th August 10:07
BigJonMcQuimm said:
Not Ideal said:
BigJonMcQuimm said:
Keen climber.... use the wall at Shepherd Bush, London.
I went there on a beginner course (I sucked) a couple of months back - mad place! Couldnt't believe how many walls they had and how busy it was - good to see.edit : PH W. London climbing club anyone?
Edited by BigJonMcQuimm on Tuesday 24th August 10:07
BigJonMcQuimm said:
Not Ideal said:
BigJonMcQuimm said:
Keen climber.... use the wall at Shepherd Bush, London.
I went there on a beginner course (I sucked) a couple of months back - mad place! Couldnt't believe how many walls they had and how busy it was - good to see.edit : PH W. London climbing club anyone?
Edited by BigJonMcQuimm on Tuesday 24th August 10:07
GTO-3R said:
Does anyone know a good website to learn about all the various difficulty levels and forms of climbing? As I stated earlier in the thread i'm new to it all and want to learn as much as possible!
Buy the book flash training for all your climbing technique needs. Cracking little book.I was teaching a mate this weekend at the Glasgow wall as we were up visiting. One of the best exercises you can do as a beginner is hands off climbing.
Find an easy slab route and climb it using just your feet - you can rest your hands on the face for balance but not the holds. This exercise teaches you three critical skills.
First, it stops you "climbing the ladder", and by this I mean staying face on to the wall. There are very very few routes where this approach is appropriate and is a skill you need to unlearn as quick as possible.
Second, it teaches you about balance. A dynamic move is all about balance, and when climbing no handed, it is very easy to overbalance.
Third, and most importantly, it teaches you not to climb using your arms. Climbing is all about minimising your energy expenditure and making best use of the strongest muscle groups in your body. 90% of upward movement should come from your legs and not your arms. If you climb pulling yourself up on your arms, you'll never progress beyond the easy grades.
One final tip. The best technical climbers are women - watch how they climb and try and emulate their technique. With the added strength advantage a bloke has, it'll make you a better climber.
Edited by rhinochopig on Wednesday 25th August 10:21
rhinochopig said:
GTO-3R said:
Does anyone know a good website to learn about all the various difficulty levels and forms of climbing? As I stated earlier in the thread i'm new to it all and want to learn as much as possible!
Buy the book flash training for all your climbing technique needs. Cracking little book.I was teaching a mate this weekend at the Glasgow wall as we were up visiting. One of the best exercises you can do as a beginner is hands off climbing.
Find an easy slab route and climb it using just your feet - you can rest your hands on the face for balance but not the holds. This exercise teaches you three critical skills.
First, it stops you "climbing the ladder", and by this I mean staying face on to the wall. There are very very few routes where this approach is appropriate and is a skill you need to unlearn as quick as possible.
Second, it teaches you about balance. A dynamic move is all about balance, and when climbing no handed, it is very easy to overbalance.
Third, and most importantly, it teaches you not to climb using your arms. Climbing is all about minimising your energy expenditure and making best use of the strongest muscle groups in your body. 90% of upward movement should come from your legs and not your arms. If you climb pulling yourself up on your arms, you'll never progress beyond the easy grades.
One final tip. The best technical climbers are women - watch how they climb and try and emulate their technique. With the added strength advantage a bloke has, it'll make you a better climber.
Edited by rhinochopig on Wednesday 25th August 10:21
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