Before moving to Guernsey my girls had never tried climbing, but thanks to being invited to a few birthday parties at Up Climbing, my two definitely have the climbing bug and asked to go today for a break from the heat (the hottest day in Channel island’s history!). I booked them onto an instructor led session, and it was the perfect choice for a fun activity out of the sun.
Up Climbing
The climbing centre is situated in The Galaad Chapel in the North West of the Island, only a few minutes drive inland from Grandes Rocques beach. It is easy to spot whilst driving down Rue de Galaad as there are large coloured flags outside. There are a few car parking spaces outside the chapel and extra parking opposite.
The reception desk sits to the left of the entrance, which doubles as a little shop with drinks and healthy snacks to purchase. When walking inside the main room you are instantly struck by how vibrant the place is, I remember the first time we visited and my girls’ eyes were so wide they didn’t know where to look first! To the left there is the bouldering wall with a very spongy floor, ahead are the impressive high walls, and to the right is the traverse walls with sofas and a bench next to it for those spectating or having a break.
Getting Started
The instructor led sessions either last an hour or 2 hours if you book a Mega Session, and children over 6yrs can be left without parents needing to be onsite.
The first job was to put on the climbing shoes and meet our instructor, Tom. We learnt very quickly on our first visit that climbing shoes are pretty uncomfortable because they need to be tight. I would advise that you make sure your kids wear socks as Lottie wasn’t wearing any on our first visit which meant the shoes really rubbed her heal and she had to swap back to her trainers. Instructors are very chilled about climbers either wearing climbing shoes or their own shoes (as long as they are clean) so my girls always opt to wear their trainers, the instructor will just let you know that climbing shoes are designed to make it easier on the climbing walls.
Introductions over, the first part of the session was the warm up, which my girls found really funny. They had to choose a floor square and then follow a series of instructions like jogging on the spot, touching their toes etc and it certainly broke the ice and evaporated any nerves they had.
Starting to Climb
Climbing starts on the traverse wall, on the right-hand side, which further helps kids to warm up. Tom explained how there are no routes on this wall, so it is great for footwork and coordination, and as kids can do it quite easily, it’s a great way to build their confidence, making them ready for the bigger walls after a few goes.
Climbing Fun
Next it was onto the bouldering wall, on the left-hand side, which is a big step-up from the traverse wall due to it’s height and complexity with different coloured route options. Tom talked through the safety aspects of climbing, for example, how to land safety when jumping from the wall, and explained about the different coloured hand holds offering climbs with different difficulties. Lottie is always distracted by the spongy floor and her excitement about getting climbing that I’m not sure how much she was taking in!
Tom gave each of the girls a coloured route to follow, and they loved seeking out the correct coloured hand and foot holds and were very excited to make it to the top. Lottie has previously launched herself off the wall from the top (much to the instructors shock!) but thankfully she climbed down safely this time. In order to ensure children are safe in parent supervised sessions, parents can only supervise 1 child climbing on the bouldering wall at any time, in order to be ready to catch them if they fall off (or launch themselves off!).
The Big One
Next it was onto the large climbing walls at the back of the hall, which require harnesses and ropes. They have a large selection of kids and adults harnesses which are very simple to put on, however, as usual we found tightening them tricky and needed Tom’s help.
The kids were shown how to attach the harness to the wire (auto belay) and how to get down safely from the climb, then it was time to tackle the wall. The first job was to only climb a little way and follow the instructions to stick your bum out (which they found hilarious), let go with your hands and walk your feet down the wall. Once they had shown Tom they could descend safely, they were free to climb.
Once the girls had mastered the front wall, they were onto the side walls which offer really tricky route options and the height is on a completely different level. Tom was really encouraging, especially to Tilly who is nervous about climbing and not great with heights, he kept telling her she could do it, and she was really proud of herself to make it to the top.
Balancing
Both my girls thoroughly enjoyed time on the climbing walls and were sad for the session to be over, however, Tom spent some time practising balancing with them at the end which was hilarious to watch. Tom made it look so easy, but it was actually really hard, funniest was watching my husband getting frustrated when he couldn’t do it!
Until Next Time
We always enjoy time at Up Climbing and highly recommend it for families. The beauty of climbing is that it is suitable for everyone, you can feel it working your arms (and fingertips!) but you don’t need to be fit to give it a go. We’ll be back soon…
Lots On Offer
Up Climbing offers lots of options for families during the summer, including the following;
Climbing Sessions: Supervised climbing sessions are available daily, costing £12.50 per child for 1 hour and £23 for the 2-hour Mega Sessions. There are also Parent Supervised Sessions (for parents who have completed an induction), costing £10 per child, where parents supervise their children on the walls.
Holiday Clubs: Their popular holiday club includes Craft & Climb sessions with Iris & Dora for kids 4yrs+ where kids get the unique chance to climb and enjoy crafts (CLICK HERE to download a pdf of the schedule of sessions). Along with 2-day and 3-day Climbing Camps for children from 6yrs+.
Toddler Holiday Sessions (2-4yrs): Extra holiday sessions for toddlers, alongside the regular Saturday sessions which take place every Saturday at 11:15am. These instructor supervised climbing sessions give toddlers the chance to enjoy the traverse wall, slackline and lots of balance and coordination based obstacles. CLICK HERE for more info, including dates and booking link.
Address: Up Climbing Guernsey, The Galaad Chapel, Rue de Galaad, Guernsey, GY5 7FJ.
Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am to 8:30pm. Saturday and Sunday 9.30am to 6:30pm
Contact Details: email info@upclimbing.gg or ring 01484 255799.
Website: upclimbing.gg/
Social: Up Climbing Facebook Page
