What is it?
Climbing originated as a practical activity used to move up steep terrain, but it has developed into a multifaceted pastime over the years. It's now practiced as a sport, a recreational activity, for exercise and as an explorational tool, with many people taking holidays to visit naturally good climbing areas outdoors.
What does it involve?
At a base level, climbing consists of using either apparatus or your own body to ascend something otherwise inaccessible. The methods of climbing can vary, and often depend on the type of material one is climbing on, such as ice, nets, ropes, boulders, mountains, trees and buildings!
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Climbing involves a lot of movement, so is great for exercising the entire body! It also improves physical coordination and a whole host of mental attributes such as determination, spatial awareness and concentration.
What equipment do we need?
Trying out climbing generally involve travelling to a specialist venue or hiring an instructor to take a group out into the real world, so it's rare that you will need to provide equipment! However, you should always check with the provider beforehand, and its a good idea to make sure your students are wearing appropriate clothing for the weather and the activity.
Who is it suitable for?
The development of indoor climbing walls can allow young children the opportunity to have a go at climbing in a more suitably controlled environment than outdoors, but in general, all ages should be able to have a go at climbing!
Costs?
Taster climbing lessons shouldn't be too much per person, with a decent price generally between £10-20. Full day experiences or a course of lessons will vary a lot more, so check out the venues around you thoroughly.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Indoor climbing ranges are reasonably safe with good supervision and medical assistance on hand, but going climbing outdoors could be riskier if you may suddenly need help with a student's medical needs - bear the needs of your group in mind when deciding what kind of experience to take them on!
How do we include?
There is a rising culture for disability within climbing, and many establishments now have assistance for those with physical and learning difficulties to help them have a go at climbing. Including everyone should be reasonably easy if you can find a venue that can help you!
Doing it abroad?
Mountainous countries will have more natural climbing areas than the UK - an outdoors foreign climbing experience will be exciting for interested students!
Main website:
http://www.ukclimbing.com is the main source of information for UK climbing, but be sure to check out individual venue websites for their specifics.
We cater both for the total beginner trying a new activity for the first time, together with the more experienced wishing to develop their personal skills and expand their horizons.
If you are interested in gaining coaching qualifications we offer training and assessment for many National Governing Body Coaching Awards.
New to PGL in 2009, this impressive Grade 2 listed Mansion House is set in 21 acres of grounds on the Sussex Downs.
Only 2 hours from central London, 1 hour from the M25, 45 minutes from Brighton and 1 hour from the Channel Tunnel.
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The Oxford Canoe and Kayak Club meet at the centre.
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Offering everything from fun activities such as Canoeing, Mountain Biking and Bouldering, for individuals and groups at Cool Centres across Ireland.
With numerous fun indoor activities, you are sure to find something the whole family will enjoy. Race friends on dodgems, brave the speedy drop slide and 4-lane astra slide, climb the 25ft climbing wall, ride the carousal, get creative in the toddler village, scramble through tunnels. Plus bounce on...
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Cholderton Charlie’s Farm is a unique activity centre on the border of Wiltshire and Hampshire, and an absolute must for animal lovers.
Its Rare Breeds Farm and Education Centre makes it a fantastic place for young people to learn about endangered species and the environment.
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We are specialist providers of an exciting range of outdoor activities, courses and expeditions in the UK and overseas.
We offer a complete bespoke service to schools from a 1 day team building event at your venue, a five day multi-activity residential on Exmoor or Wales or a 28 – day Overseas Expedition to East Africa. There is also plenty in between
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A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.