About a year ago, Mel and I decided to do a big wall in America. A month ago we bailed at the top of the first pitch and flew home without having completed our objective. The route was Tricks of the Trade in Zion National Park, Utah: 18 pitches of up to 5.10d with a […]
Aside from our professional qualifications (Between us we hold the following awards; Mountain Leader, Winter Mountain Leader, Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor, Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor, International Mountain Leader and Development Coach). We also have one of the most experienced instructor teams in the UK with vast international experience in all the various climbing disciplines. […]
‘Hard is Easy’ GriGri Videos Over the last few months I’ve had climbers on my Climbing Wall Instructor and Rock Climbing Instructor training and assessment courses mention the ‘Hard is Easy’ YouTube channel. The chatter especially mentions the Hard is Easy GriGri videos and in particular the videos on GriGri slippage and failure. Ben has […]
Joe shares advice on how to choose the right nuts, cams, slings and karabiners for your first trad lead rack. First Trad Rack With the enormous range of climbing equipment being manufactured today knowing where to begin when assembling your first trad rack can seem a bewildering task. A huge amount of information is available […]
In preparation for the climbing season ahead, Hati talks us through how to clean your cams for rock climbing. Pumped out of your mind, slightly regretting your choice of warmup and acutely aware that your last runner is closer to the ground than you are, you fumble around your harness for the right piece. The […]
Having completed her RCI assessment just after lockdown no. 1, Hati shares her tips for blowing away the cobwebs and getting back into the habit of consolidation. Is this how hedgehogs feel come Spring? Do they groan with irritation at their 7am alarms and stumble round their nests in search of distractions, procrastinations, and anything […]
The excitement of the festive season has subsided, dry January is starting to wear you down and the days still feel all too short. How oh how do you make your way through the longest month of the year? Plan a rock climbing trip of course! Escape London, escape Manchester, escape your boss or escape […]
There isn’t very much to say about chalk bags. You put chalk in, tie them round your waist and go climbing. a chalk bag is a simple item of equipment. However I found myself really liking this one and have felt compelled to write a few words. Built to Send are a small, UK based […]
Part 1: Couch to crag Rock Climbing outdoors is incredibly exciting and rewarding, and logistically-speaking there’s a little more to it than climbing at a purpose-built climbing wall. Working out where you’re going and how you’re getting there are good starting points, but there are loads of extra things you can do to ensure a […]