climbing

Climbing is an activity which challenges people physically and mentally. It isn’t just conquering the fear of going up. Going up high is not really what it is all about. It can be just as much of a challenge to traverse a low section of wall; it can be a challenge just to leave terra firma.

But succeeding means you realise that with the right help – the right instructor, the right instruction, the right equipment and the support of your team – you can achieve anything.

At the Centre we have developed a range of walls, some fairly straightforward, some pretty tricky, in order to provide everyone with a climbing experience that is challenging but achievable.

Some of those that use the Centre, including children with autism spectrum condition or ADHD, are perfectly physically able. Their difficulty may lie in understanding danger, following instruction or having the patience to complete a task. We have built walls and developed ways of working that they will find physically challenging.

For others the physical barriers are the problem – but we have ways of working there too. For some it will be the (relatively) gently sloping wall with large handholds that make it possible to take part, for others using different harnesses and ways of working will make the difference that enables them to take part.

Success in climbing works on many different levels; it is a personal challenge, but it is also an activity which requires the co-operation of others, trust in others and the support of others.