Climbing

Climbing is a physically and mentally challenging sport and is a great way to improve strength and flexibility. At Sobell we have a range of climbing walls to suit every level.

There is an 8 metre high top roping or leading wall. Features include an overhang, jamming cracks, arêtes and a chimney. The competition wall stands at 13 metres - one of the highest walls in the country. The routes on this wall are up to F8b and changed regularly. There is a 5 metre bouldering wall over hanging with a large number of routes from 4a upwards which can be bouldered or led. The climbing corridor is a traverse wall of brick and embedded rocks, 25 metres long and 3 metres high. This is suitable for technique and stamina training with a low level and a high level traverse.

Programme

Outside of schools hours and Monday evenings there is no need to book for casual use, you can just turn up*. You need to read the safety information and sign a consent form before you start. You need to bring your own equipment. There is no restriction on session length. The last ticket will be sold 30 minutes before closing time.

*During school hours the schools have priority use on the leading wall and bouldering wall. On Mondays from 6pm, courses have priority usage. The competition wall is always available for casual use. The corridor wall is only available after 7pm everyday.

Courses

Five week long beginner and intermediate courses are run on Mondays.

Beginner

Provides an introduction to the sport of rock climbing and the terminology relating to techniques, equipment and rock faces.  Students are taught:

• about the different types of equipment
• how to move over rocks using the correct body and foot positions
• a variety of climbing skills and techniques including abseiling and rope  coiling
• how to do the knots for safety harnesses

Intermediate
Provides an introduction to single and multi-pitch lead climbing. The range of terminology is expanded and students will become familiar with an extended
range of specialised equipment. Students are taught:

• how to solve technical and strenuous climbing problems
• dynamic moves
• an extended range of skills and techniques
• leading climbs with and without pre-placed protection
• how to use supplementary equipment such as a compass and maps

Dates in 2009

Prices

A casual session is £4.50 or £3.50 for members. Courses are £95 for adults or £85 for members.

Safety information
How to find us