The SPA training continues to go well. Spent the day at Rosyth quarry today and got 5 climbs in with another new climbing partner, Dave. It has been really good spending time with so many different people, hearing about their experiences. Sharing the highs, and the falls.
Rigging at the top seems to be very smooth now which is great, but must not let complacency set in.
Just need to keep improving the personal climbing skills.
I have been asked this question quite often. More so by my mother in law than anyone else. The easy answer is simple…… I enjoy it!
To elaborate on that, I have people coming to me of all ages and abilities. These people come for a variety of reasons including:
Whatever their reasons I have so much fun working with each person, helping them realise their own capabilities. When you have someone who doesn’t think they can do an activity and they leave with an excitement in their eyes from having completed it, that is such an amazing feeling. If, as a coach, you don’t thrive on that feeling, I would say you are in the wrong place. To me coaching is more than a job, it is a vocation.
So Climbing never made the final cut for the Olympic short list. Was pipped at the post by Baseball, Wrestling and Squash.
I have the utmost respect for any sportsperson who pushes themselves to the extent where they are able to challenge the best from around the world. The focus and dedication it takes, regardless of the sport, is highly commendable.
Whilst I am gutted that climbing hasn’t made the grade, I think we need to look at what we can do to ensure it makes it next time. By continuing to raise the profile of climbing as a sport or leisure activity for all, we will continue to gain more interest. Climbing wall owners, schools, independent instructors, youth group leaders and so many more people now have the chance to increase awareness across the globe.
Let’s keep growing interest and accessibility and soon we all all be toasting the latest Olympic sport…..Climbing!
I recently attended Single Pitch Award training through Climb MTS. A very informative and effective training weekend.
The biggest learning curve for me after ‘simplicity’ was the use of the clove hitch. Whether setting up the belay after a single pitch or setting up anchors ahead of an abseil or top rope session, the clove hitch brings an adjustable versatility that I can only imagine is the envy of all other knots. It also brings a fast and efficient set up which means climber’s and client’s time is spent having fun with the activity rather than having to stand around whilst you set up.
I have even mastered the ability to tie a clove hitch with one hand.
This weekend saw me attending my Single Pitch Award training through Stuart and the team at Climbmts. The course was delivered in a friendly and informative manner. Stuart has the ability to work with a group of people yet at an individual level. He was able to adapt the knowledge and skillset of each of the attendees to ensure everyone gained access to the training needed to enhance their own abilities.
I look forward to putting all this newfound learning into practice and can highly recommend Stuart and his team at Climbmts