Rock TPP

Date: 20th -24th February, 12th-26th March

Location: Charleston, Paynes Ford

Participants: Group 1; Kristin, Julia, Rhys, Hugo, Jono, Logan, Watson, Ari, Rob Bruce, Corey

Duration: 2 weeks

Grades: Easy- 17

Weather: Horrible/ Fine

  I had been excited about Rock Climbing since I applied for this course, I was not let down. Our first practical day was spent at the Rock Climbing wall in Greymouth. Learning to belay was awesome, I felt like a child learning to ride a bike and boy did those training wheels come off fast. After learning to belay with the Geoffrey system, we went straight to relying solely on ourselves. I had to be on to it, I did not want to drop anyone. Learning knots and systems turned out to be easier than expected; I didn’t notice how much we were learning because I was having so much fun.

  Charleston’s monsoon weather wasn’t able to hinder my high spirits, whilst learning about natural pro placements and anchor systems. It was quite a lot to take in at the time, but because we were actively learning, what I learnt really stuck. I found wires much easier to place than Cams and it took me a while to trust my ability to make safe anchor systems. Learning how to abseil was a lot of fun, almost as fun as getting splashed by the waves as you tried to climb up the slippery rocks. I was surprised that I didn’t have a problem with heights. Our time at Charleston was a great start to what I would like to have as a hobby for the rest of my life.

  

  Paynes Ford was a great spot to get millage in, seeming as we didn’t get the opportunity to do a lot of climbing in rainy Charleston. The weather and location was great. I was able to climb a couple of 17’s which made me really happy. I loved lead climbing; it put a whole new angle on the climbing vibe. I felt like a “real rock climbing guru” Learning to clear climbs, change over to abseil and lead climb was incredible. The views from the 25m climb I completed near the Sea, took my breath away. I guess you could say, it was the moment that I fell in love with rock climbing.