As Southern Climbers, wall climbing is something we are all familiar with. Some of us love it; the technicality of the moves, the formality of a fixed route. Some of us loathe it; a mere training aid to the larger picture. However this years BRYCS competition puts wall climbing into a league of its own.
Climbing events held at three London climbing wall test the skills of seven to fifteen year old up and coming Southern Climbers. Problems are divided into bouldering, top-roping and leading categories with the contestants themselves being organised into groups according to age and sex. Each contestant completes routes in each category gaining points for every successful move of each route. A grand total is reached allowing comparison from venue to venue and revealing winners of each category. The venue results are combined and the overall top three from each category go forward to UK finals being held at Sheffield.
Standards are high. Many of us would assume we would breeze a route designed for a seven year old but trust me, that may not be the case. And lead routes for thirteen to fifteen year olds? Well I think there'd be a few of us heading for the café before that rope got any near our harnesses! And if the standards are high, what about the pressures? Each route an on-sight, one try to get it right. Dealing with the pressures of competing in front of a hundred strong audience. Not too mention the fact that you've got your mum and dad scrutinising your every move – imagine that at Salfords!
Seriously though, the skill and tenacity of these young climbers is fantastic and to watch absolutely compelling. If you leave one of these competitions without having learnt something it can only be because you've never climbed. Too often we hear of the old passing knowledge down to the young. The BRYCS in many ways reverses this with the young showing an impressive determination, enthusiasm and above all, skill to their elders.
This is an annual event and I for one will be supporting it next year. If you would like more information then do speak to either myself or Louise. I strongly recommend you do…
Sarah