Climbing

[Tim]

I'm interesting in getting into some climbing, and was wondering if anyone has any ideas where to start? I've been looking at the Tollymore Mountain centre and they look pretty good, but the climbing courses are a bit out of my price range at the minute, so does anyone know if you can just show up and play about on the climbing wall for a few hours? Has anyone got any experience with the climbing wall at the Queen's University sports centre? It's also supposed to be pretty good, but again, I know very little about it.

Thanks in advance

[LennyJ1]

You need to just get down the wall with some one who has kit and learn. I would love to teach you but don't have enough gear. Maybe we can all arrange to meet at the ozone climbing wall one evening?

[RedLeader]

I've only been to a wall once and the guy I was with had to sign something to say he was an experienced climber and took responsibility for me (tho that was in Scotland). Think most walls need climbers in twos as someone has to belay you.

Chris, FattyArbuckle or MG1 are prob the ones to ask.

[LandyLiam]

Could always try Swail Mountaineering

http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1313.msg11617#msg11617

been meaning to get out to the rock wall myself, then i would like to do a wee course in the hills

[MG1]

I'm still very much a learner. Chris and Fatty-arbuckle have let me tag along with them.

If your serious bout it talk to these guys.

[twentyclicks]

Queens PEC have a nicer wall for beginning I think.  Their intro courses are reasonable, but to use it otherwise you need to be a member and it's about £200/year.  Even going with a friend as a guest is £9 a pop!!!! 

To use the Ozone you need to sign up for a Boost card which can be done at the time.  There are member options or you can just pay as you go, which is about £5 for the wall (unless you're receiving benefit, then is £1.25).  You do need to sign a disclaimer that you know various things.  It's not much - can all be taught in 1 go, with a few refreshers to drill it in.  Once you're on the system you can always go down even by yourself and do bouldering.

Check online for: double fig-8 knot /tying in to climbing harness, and top-rope belay technique.

I have a belay plate, karabiner and chalk which is all you need.  Am happy to meet you some evening/s to work through it (that way you can save the course money for a pair of rock shoes and gubbins instead).

To restate; I have shown friends all this before, although am a climbing noob myself in the grand scheme... got to get on some rock this year!

[Tim]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. I think my plan at the minute is to join the Queens Mountain club as I'm a student there, and I really need to start hitting the gym anyway and Queen's gym membership includes access to the wall. However, anyone feeling the urge to show a noob a few tricks of the trade is more than welcome.

[LandyLiam]

I think Tollymore is just a pay & play centre, oh look, there's a hotrock leaflet on my wall, it says

£5 adult
£3.50 students/unemployed/mci member
£2.50 under 14

instructor available free of charge on tues nights (best phone first to confirm)

how about a ni-wild group visit, could tie in some archery too maybe

[Tim]

how about a ni-wild group visit, could tie in some archery too maybe

I'd definitely be up for this

[LennyJ1]

anyone fancy just going to the ozone one night?

[Tim]

To be honest I'm up for anything climbing related

[chris]

Join the QMC. Probably the easiest way for you to get started (and one of the cheapest) You'll definitely meet some more people in the same boat. I head down to the ozone every now and again (not the biggest fan of indoor climbing to be honest!) I'd be more than happy to show you the ropes! (excuse the pun   ) as the guys say if we're heading out you can certainly jump on the band wagon.

[MG1]

anyone fancy just going to the ozone one night?

I'd be up for it Lenny. I was getting down for some bouldering bout once a week but then i HAD to drink all that wine over xmas You saw what happened to a hung over climber.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZfayydpIKc

[LennyJ1]

anyone fancy just going to the ozone one night?

I'd be up for it Lenny. I was getting down for some bouldering bout once a week but then i HAD to drink all that wine over xmas You saw what happened to a hung over climber.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZfayydpIKc

Hung over climbing is not fun when your on multi pitch and you need a poo

[Tim]

Join the QMC. Probably the easiest way for you to get started (and one of the cheapest) You'll definitely meet some more people in the same boat. I head down to the ozone every now and again (not the biggest fan of indoor climbing to be honest!) I'd be more than happy to show you the ropes! (excuse the pun   ) as the guys say if we're heading out you can certainly jump on the band wagon.

I've been in touch with Ronan from the QMC so I'll be starting with them in the beginning of February. I would rather do outdoor stuff myself, but it'll be a while before I'll have the knowledge and skill to be heading up the Bearnagh slabs I think.