I needed a sport that gave me the sense of adventure I was missing in my life....If I had an addiction, it would be climbing. I just can’t imagine living without it.
My ex got me into climbing just under 2 years ago. I’d done bits in the past as a social thing more than anything else, but it was his passion, proficiency, and graceful climbing, that completely inspired me. It came at the right time because I needed a sport that gave me the sense of adventure I was missing in my life.
There isn’t one way to improve because it encompasses so many things: strength, agility, technique, footwork, flexibility, flow, breath, pace, the right fueling, and a mindset. It’s as much about self-sufficiency as it is about reliance, which encompasses things like technical development, connection to nature, and working well with other people and having a laugh. There’s an intelligence that fascinates me, and there’s a sense of freedom I don’t find anywhere else. I love it all.
I climb twice a week, but plan to do more. I love being outdoors, but I also climb at indoor walls that have a great atmosphere, friendly attitude, and community vibe like Summit Up. Last year I started learning trad and I want to do big multi-pitches. I’d also love to include it in my work, but just haven’t worked out how yet.
If I had an addiction, it would be climbing. I just can’t imagine living without it.
This is a fun competition for pupils from school years 7 to 13 which will run along similar lines to the BMC youth climbing series competitions. For this competition competitors will be split into three age categories - school years 7-8, 9-10 and 11-13 with male and female categories in each.
Get ready for a Halloween like no other at Summit Up! On 31st October from 6pm, we’re cutting the lights and cranking up the music for our Lights Out Climbing Night.
Climbers Against Cancer are inviting people who are in recovery after cancer treatment to take part in a new programme, Climbing Beyond Cancer, at Summit Up in Oldham.