Return to climbing Day - 2/4/21 - Emma Szembek (Climbing for three years)
Horseshoe Top Quarry
Emma wanted an easy refresher before going out climbing again with friends. She hadn't climbed in three months (Lockdown 3)
We started with a quick intro to clip sticking then a refresher on belaying. This included top rope and lead. I also 'tested' with a couple of 'soft' falls by pulling on the rope while she was belaying.
Warm Up
This consisted of pulse raiser and some specific leg work; squats, step ups agility and balance.
This was followed by some gentle flexibility.
There wasn't any suitable area for doing any bouldering or low level traversing.
Climbing
First two routes were very easy and gave Emma a chance just to climb. Emphasis was on good foot placement and pushing with the legs.
We then moved onto the next two routes. I encouraged Emma to try and climb one handed - although difficult Emma achieved the routes swapping hands for each go. The emphasis was on maintaining balance throughout.
Last tw routes were working on side on climbing. This proved quite challenging - although I demoed it first just to show it was possible.
Side on climbing.
Finally we moved on to simulated leading. I did a full revision of the process and practised on the ground. The routes were fairly easy s Emma had no problems completing the exercise.
Emma enjoyed the session and an opportunity to get out on real rock for the first time in several months.
Reflection
It was quite cold however the only routes in the sun would have been too hard. The was a compromise! But the short wall with 6 easy routes does offer an excellent area to either refresh or introduce lead climbing. It quick and easy to reg.
Although I had a number of exercises I wanted Emma to try I think a better session would have been to just let Emma climb. It was probably too cold to concentrate on technique.
I'll definitely use this area again.
Area :
Peak Limestone Sport Routes
