Hello All
Well the year got off to an auspicious start, with many new climbers
climbing at Old Mutual Sports Hall (OHMS), and at Monteseel on Sunday.
If you want to join in come down to OHMS at 17h30 onwards. We are
never strict about times, although we usually leave by nine. There is
no need to worry about starting as there are many beginners (I still climb
like a beginner after 9 years of climbing), who are just as nervous as you.
LAST WEEKEND
On Sunday a group of beginners and other climbers went up to Monteseel.
At the start of the day things did not look that great, the weather was
miserable and rainy. (I was phoned by many pessimistic climbers who wanted
to stay in bed rather than climb). We met at the Main Gate of the
university at 6h00, and drove up to Monteseel. Well for such a early start
(7h00) I was surprised by the number of people that pitched up at
Monteseel, around a dozen people. It took some time to set up the four
routes we started on. For those of you that did come the climbs and
grades are from left to right; Cain (10), Adams (14), Think (16), and No
Feet (13). After everyone had done what they wanted here we moved over
to the next section of the cliff face. Here we set up another four
routes, most of which were quite a bit harder, they were, Adams
Apoplexy (12), Pin Up (21), Hallucination (22), and Granny’s Souped Up
Wheelchair (23/24). Almost all the beginners got up four out of the
five easier climbs, and some managed to get up one or two of the harder
climbs as well, with some difficulty of course. Well the overcast
weather was a nice change to getting fried by the sun, but towards lunch
time it started to rain and everyone had to scurry to the cars. This
ended a nice day out. (I am still drying some of the climbing
gear out :( )
If you are wandering about the numbers, all climbs are graded according to
difficulty. Things from 10-14 are really easy and most people get up
them easily. Climbs from 15-17 are more challenging but still
can be done by beginners. 18-20 are difficult, 21-24 are even more
difficult, but most people manage to bag one of these in their first year
of climbing. The current highest grate climbed in the world is
around 37/38.
THIS WEEKEND
Just a reminder this coming Saturday the 24th we are again going to
Monteseel. So those of you who could not make it the first time can
come and try this time. We will probably be doing many of the same
easy routes as we did last Sunday, with possibly a few more harder routes to
add some spice. Remember you can try what you want, you do not have to
try all the routes, in fact if you just want to come and watch that is fine
too. Climbing is about enjoying oneself with friends in the outdoors,
not about feeling pressured to try things you do not want to do. If
you are worried about safety, the committee is very experienced, most have
two or more years climbing and I (Allan) have nine, and I am
paranoid about safety, ask any climber that knows me :). You do not
need any equipment to start, the club has all the necessary gear for
starting out climbing.
We meet at the University Main Gate at around 6h00 and I usually leave
around 6h20.
On Sunday the 25th Errol will be taking a hike :). ... in Kloof Gorge
contact him for details of where to meet and at what time. It will be
a easy hike in a really nice environment. If you have never been
to Kloof Gorge this is a must. (
Errol
Douwes,Cell 082 355 8867, Home 202
4403; errol-d@usa.net)
NEWS
Just to let you all know, Errol our motivated climbing officer put a climb
site together. There is only basic information now but hopefully in
the near future there will be more information.
SOCIAL EVENT. There will be a Wall Social Evening on
the 1st of March. Bring a friend or anyone that wants to hang out or
try climbing.
Lastly a reminder to join the club. Please
once you are registered, join up. You go to Students Union, adjacent
to the Library (the black glass building). Go to the 3rd floor turn
right, and it is the last door on the left side. Here you will meet
the overworked secretary, and join. We can not offer the many
activities without your support. Once you join hopefully by the
beginning of the second week of March we will send out membership cards.
Well that is more than enough from me.
Allan
Pietersen
Chairperson UNDMC/Perpetual Student
