The young people participating in Urban Uprising programmes develop a whole range of skills over their ten weeks of indoor climbing. These range from technical climbing skills including belaying and abseiling, to life skills including resilience to deal with failure and increased confidence. Outdoor climbing days provide the perfect opportunity for participants to take on an extra challenge in a different environment.
Outdoor days have been part of our Glasgow and Edinburgh programmes for a number of years so we are delighted to now be able to provide them for our Bristol programmes too, in collaboration with Mendip Activity Centre.
A group from Abbeywood Community School was our first Bristol group to try outdoor climbing and our volunteers said that they all had a great time. The staff from Abbeywood Community School told us that the group were really excited about the outdoor day. They thought it was a great experience that many of the group may not have had the chance to climb outdoors otherwise. The group members told us that they enjoyed the opportunity to test themselves, and see how high they could go. They noticed these differences between indoor and outdoor climbing:
You have to find your own holds
When climbing indoors, the routes are usually made up of colour coded holds, so climbers know exactly what they are aiming for. When climbing outdoors, climbers have to find and choose their own holds. Climbers need to have confidence in their choices, and are likely to need to use their problem solving skills. Teamwork can be important, as the belayer might spot holds that the climber can’t see. With good communication, the belayer can help the climber find good holds.
Real rock feels different to indoor climbing holds
The participants noticed that often these holds were a little harder to hold on to than the ones they were used to indoors. This makes climbing on rock a little more unpredictable, which builds resilience and really tests the belay skills that the participants have been developing.
You’re out in the elements
Participants noticed that being outside meant they had to think more about managing their temperatures. They enjoyed being outdoors and were appreciating the rocks that made up the crag. Sometimes the weather can make things challenging, and good communication between belayer and climber is even more important in this more dynamic environment.
Urban Uprising volunteer Betty has attended several outdoor days. This is what she has to say:
‘I think the outdoor days are a great way to round off the Climb programme. By that point, the participants have learnt lots of climbing skills, and also really built their confidence. Taking the session to a different environment puts those skills to the test in a way which can give the young people a real sense of accomplishment and self-belief. Those who are super confident climbers can push themselves on harder routes, and those who are a little more tentative can get a real sense of achievement from trying something new, and exceeding their own expectations.‘
We’re so pleased to be able to offer outdoor climbing as part of our Bristol programmes. Big thanks to Mendip Activity Centre for partnering with us to make this happen.
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