Individual Climber

Today's session was the final of the 3 weeks. And I passed fine. It was a great feeling to know that I could confidently tie in, Belay and climb with safety. Over the past three weeks I'd been attempting a 5, my converses were gradually fraying at the side and I had little to no friction against the wall. So I was smearing because I couldn't get enough grip on the features on the wall due to the sides of my shoes falling apart.

Introduction into Climbing

Today was the start of me learning new skills. New lifestyle.

The course was to teach novice climbers the basics:

• Tie-in to a climbing rope
• Belaying and rope control
• Safety in a climbing wall 

It would be for 1.5 hours a week for 3 weeks, and would mean that I'd be taught how to be a competent and safe climber. Plus once I've completed the course I'd be signed off as an Individual climber and could climb on my own or with friends at Southampton Climbing Wall or any other climbing wall in the UK (subject to an assessment by the wall).

I left feeling amazing after my first session. We were taught how to tie in using a figure 8 retrace and stopper,(something I knew from camp) and we were climbing by the end. It was superb. 

The Unexpected Decision

The day was spent with Amelia and Anna at the University of Marylands climbing wall (where Anna works). We climbed a couple times at it felt great. I guess that's what got the ball rolling. It was a feeling that I'd never really experienced. It was a feeling of satisfaction, reward and adrenaline all at once.

That evening we went to DC. Grabbed some awesome food and went and sat on The Mall. We chatted and I looked up walls locally to me. After a push of support by Amelia and Anna, I found there was the Southampton Climbing wall with great prices and good facilities and courses. Maybe this would be a thing after all.