Although the basics of Rock climbing is just climbing up a wall, it provides not only a physical, but a mental challenge too. The objectives can be to get to the top in the quickest time or try a new route or keep trying a route that is difficult- lots of endurance needed. Before climbing each wall, I look at the route I’m about to face. I plan and decide how I will climb it, i.e. Which foot, what hand, where I need to lean, stretch, jump etc. Sometimes I just have to improvise and try out different ways to get up to the top. What I find useful once I’m back on the ground is to look at the route and break down what went well and what didn’t. <\/p>\n

Another really good tip is to watch other more experienced climbers trying the routes too. They sometimes use certain techniques that I’ve never seen before, or use a different arm than I would have used. Although everyone has their own strengths, it’s great to see how others complete a wall and it’s great for your own progress. <\/p>\n

Talking of progress, I love being able to track mine. The climbs are all graded by number and letter. At our centre, they go from 3-7 and A-C. 3A being the easiest, 7C is the most difficult. Each week I will try out routes at 5C, my current level, as I still find these difficult, but achievable. The moment they become easy, I’ll decide to move up a level. There is no pressure from anyone to try a harder grade, it’s all about what I feel I want to do. And there is nothing more satisfying than finally figuring out a problem that was initially just too difficult!<\/p>\n