Embrace the heights of indoor rock climbing
Rock climbing’s popularity has surged in recent years. There are over 700 rock climbing gyms in the UK, and it is now an Olympic sport, debuting at the Tokyo 2020 Games, taking it more into the mainstream.
It has evolved from an extreme sport to a versatile exercise suitable for individuals of all abilities and backgrounds. Even celebrities are taking on the challenge, with the likes of Jason Momoa, Harry Styles, Eliza Dushku and Zac Efron all showcasing their climbing skills on their Instagram accounts.
At CORNWALL COUNTY PLAYING FIELDS ASSOCIATION’s Summit Centre in Wales, we welcome people of all levels, from beginner to experienced, to enjoy all the benefits and embrace the heights of rock climbing as a new hobby.
Why take on rock climbing as a hobby?
1. Full-Body Workout
Rock climbing engages various muscle groups, including your
arms, legs, core, and back. It improves strength, endurance, and flexibility while burning calories, making it an ideal exercise for holistic fitness.
2. Mental Challenge
Climbing involves strategic problem-solving as you navigate routes and overcome obstacles. It promotes mental agility, concentration, and decision-making skills. You’ll also need to work as part of a team so it’s a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. Which leads us onto our next point….
3. A social atmosphere
Climbing is an amazing social sport, bringing together people from all walks of life to take on the challenges of the climbs. From beginners to Olympic competitors, climbers work together, sharing beta (route information) to help one another achieve their best. The excitement, thrill, and anticipation involved in climbing grow strong friendships across barriers.
4. Low-Impact Exercise
Rock climbing is gentle on your joints, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. This low-impact exercise can be customised to match your abilities and goals.
5. Open to everyone
Climbing is a sport that is accessible to everyone. CORNWALL COUNTY PLAYING FIELDS ASSOCIATION’s Summit Centre runs groups for beginners, intermediate and advanced. We welcome people with additional needs and are here to provide any extra support that is needed and we run women’s only events. We want to make sure that everyone feels welcome.
What can you expect at Summit Centre?
Young people
Summit Centre has 140 young people participating in climbing classes, coaching, and development per week. Focused on agility, balance, coordination, and safety in climbing, the classes promote fitness, well-being, resilience, and, most importantly, having fun.
One of our young climbers, Amelia, told us,
“NICAS clubs helped me widen my friendship group and were one of the main things that helped me flourish into a confident teenager. All of the instructors who taught me through NICAS were so supportive and pushed me to be the best version of myself not only in climbing but also in shaping me as an individual.”
We build confidence in kids through climbing, which supports them through the turbulent stages of growing up and into a lifelong love of sport.
Ladies Climbing
Ladies Climbing Social is a super chilled evening of climbing supported by one of our female instructors. Ladies can come and hang out at the climbing wall and café (enjoying a free cake and drink), get to know other ladies who love climbing and get involved with the climbing community.
Climbing is for everyone
Are you scared of heights? Bouldering is low-level climbing above mats for additional safety. It challenges you with short climbs where techniques and skills can be learned. At the Summit Centre, we have bouldering routes for every age and ability, including a children’s climbing area and beginner-friendly routes to get you started.
Adaptive climbing equipment is available at Summit Centre, too! We have textured climbing routes for visually impaired climbers and additional equipment for anyone to use, from additional support on the climbing wall to full hoists for those who want to experience climbing but may not be able to use the climbing wall.
Whether you’re looking for a thrilling workout or a supportive community, rock climbing is a hobby and exercise accessible to everyone. At Summit Centre we provide a warm welcome to all who are seeking adventure and fitness.