London Indoor Climbing Evening - beginners

Want to learn the ropes and give indoor climbing a go? Then why not join OutdoorLads at the Castle Climbing Centre, where you will be taken through all you need to know for your climber’s journey, as well as having a fun, sociable evening with our other members on the experienced session.

Indoor climbing centres offer the challenges of climbing that you'll find on natural outdoor structures - simply indoors! It's a fun way to stay fit, you'll quickly begin to develop arm, back, finger and core strength as a result of the many reaches and holds that are repeated through to the completion of a climb. It's a great upper-body workout!

This event is for all full, trial and guest OutdoorLads members who have either never climbed before or have tried climbing in the past, but cannot sign into a climbing centre to climb unsupervised.

To come along, you will need to register via the event page, and to climb you will need to pay an entry fee directly to the centre when you arrive. For entry fee prices at the centre go to: www.castle-climbing.co.uk/admission-membership.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN THE GUIDED SESSION?

Apart from having lots of time to climb walls under supervision, in the guided sessions the event leader will teach you all you need to know to get started, from putting on a climbing harness correctly, tying yourself to a rope and basic climbing techniques. On top of this, you will be taught how to belay another climber and lower them back off the wall safely. The leader can teach two people, so the session can be completely tailored to your skill level and ability.

DO I NEED A GUIDED SESSION?

If you can answer Yes to the following three questions:

1. Can you tie the correct knots (double figure of 8 and stopper knot)?

2. Can you fit a harness correctly?

3. Can you belay correctly and confidently?

Then you do not need a guided session and can sign up to any of the Experienced climbers/all ability events. Please check the event listing pages for details of the next event, or use the link: http://odl.to/climbing.

If you answer No to any of the questions, then don't worry and please don't be put off. All this means is you will need to be signed in to the centre by the event leader who will then provide you with an evening’s tuition on the above techniques, which will be at a ratio of 2 novices to 1 leader.

HOW MANY GUIDED SESSIONS WILL I NEED?

Everybody’s climbing experience is different, but typically after two guided/beginner sessions the event leader(s) will let you know whether you are able to enter the centre unsupervised.

In order to help your progress your climbing, it is recommended that you book two consecutive sessions.

Once you are able to sign yourself into the centre as an unsupervised climber, you’ll be able to sign up to any of the 'experienced climbers' events listed on the website. Please check the event listing pages for the next available 'experienced'  or 'all abilities' event.

Don't worry if you do not progress at the same time as others, everybody's journey to becoming a climber is different and our leaders make sure your own journey is set at the best pace for you.

PARTICIPATION STATEMENT

Please note that every person participating should be aware of (and accept) that those members perceived as ‘in charge’ or leading the event are not necessarily qualified, do not need to be qualified, and are not regarded by OutdoorLads, or themselves as ‘technical experts’ but are amateur climbers with some experience and who are happy to impart their knowledge. Any advice given should be considered with this in mind by the recipient.

All those attending the event must also be aware of the centre's own terms and conditions of participation and abide by them, along with any instructions given by the centres staff. Everyone must also take responsibility for their own safety while participating in Indoor climbing events.