The Unexpected Top Rope

Gina and I decided to take advantage of my new 'Sup' status and came to the wall to top rope and boulder. I taught her how to tie in the first time I top roped with her (when apparently I should have been allowed...staff at the centres fault) so I bouldered when she was doing that for the routes she wanted. About half and hour of us being there Adam came in and bouldered. He gave Gina beta sometimes which was nice. He also encouraged her to try a grey route that was originally graded at a 6A but was marked down to a 5+. She tried and couldn't so I belayed him up while he sent it, showing us how it's done. Then he asked if I wanted to and of course I took up the offer. I climbed my first over hang and it was so easy. I thought I would stuggle but I guess my bouldering is paying off. Turns out the holds were from my grey route upstairs.



We then turned our attention to a 6a, that turned out to be the holds of my first 5 I sent. I tied in after he's done it and did my thing. He was a lot taller and he planned his routes differently, so when I smeared and crimped in different places he was surprised but I got it easy and it felt so good. Being able to top rope is such a great feeling, and to see that I'm progressing feels even better.I traded with Adam after and he attempted a 6B he'd been working on, then we bouldered a little more. Climbing isnt about what grade I'm at. Its about proving myself wrong. I've always doubted myself and to those people who have give me shit because I've taken it on, whatever. It really is something that is good mentally and physically for me. Its not a hobby or a way to keep fit. Its a lifestyle that's helped me change how i see myself, how i think other people see me. It's a slow road to self acceptance, and having climbing is that catalyst that helps the process.

Sup!

So the new routes have been up for a few weeks and my new project is the yellow route. I have a couple that I like. There's a pink/coral route that's pretty cool. It's an intro route but it's great for technique, pace and practicing crimps. I like to miss a hold too each time so I can practice balance and weight distribution when moving across the wall. We also played games where we used the pool noodles and had to climb through. It was good fun. Also great for making sure you stay close to the wall and that movement too.

Gina came with me today and we were chilling, I was giving her beta on the coral route after completing a beige on the opposite side, when Tim came in to fix the holds. Long story short I managed to get signed of (after trying to get in contact with Tim for about a month) as a Supervising Climber, meaning I can now take members of the public, 'non climbers' and friends into the wall. My membership card's got a little classier now. There's a sticker over 'IND' that now says 'SUP'.

Project Grey: Completed

Short Post. Only climbed a couple times since the last post. New aim is to climb once a week, every week. On the 3rd I managed to traverse across the grey further, slipping at the last moment before leaving the roof. The grey has a couple of moments that could be considered cruxes. I used to hang and transition from hold to hold using my arms but after getting beta from Matt heel hooks were easier. I do favour the old way sometimes though.

 Charlie and Gina have been giving the grey a try too, using other holds, trying heel hooks. Its been great. I think Gina favours hanging upside down more though. Butttt Today I managed it. It may have been only just and I'll ache like a bitch. But I did it. There's route setting in a couple days so I've just managed it. If It had been there longer I would have carried on until I found it super easy, but again that comes with increased strength. Super stoked I completed it. Good day to  be a climber?