What to Expect
Keep fit, achieve new goals, conquer fear. . . all in one sport!
Come and experience the fun and exhilaration of a sport that has exploded in popularity. Our mission is to provide professional, high quality climbing centres that set the standard in the sport, thus providing an enjoyable environment for the community to experience indoor climbing. We emphasise customer service and promote the growth of climbing through friendly, helpful staff and a variety of courses and other services.
Men, women and kids of all ages enjoy rock climbing and are motivated by new challenges every day. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be in great physical condition or have a lot of upper body strength to climb. Rock climbing is a natural activity that builds the body's power over time and is ideal for enhancing muscle tone and flexibility. Although it is a great full body workout, climbing is also a fun and exciting recreational activity.
All in all, climbing is the new gym without the boring reps!
At Craggy Island you can boulder (low level climbing over crash mats), top rope (high level climbing on a fixed rope) or lead climb (high level climbing where you take the rope with you and make safe as you go).
Craggy at Sutton is a dedicated bouldering wall whereas Guildford has all three disciplines.
The
top rope system consists of a climber tied into one end of the rope,
the rope runs up through a set of anchors at the top of the wall then
down to the belayer. The belayer's job is to take the slack out of the
system as the climber goes up a route. Using a belay device attached to the harness, the
belayer can take in slack, 'hold' a climber's fall, and safely lower
the climber back to the ground when they are finished with the route.
In order to belay you must have prior experience or take a class with
us.
Climbers who do have experience belaying can take a belay test instead of a class to become belay certified at Craggy Island. The test requires belayers to show that they can properly put on a climbing harness and tie into the harness with a rethreaded figure-eight or other suitable knot. Belayers must also show proficiency in setting up an ATC style belay device and use proper belay technique to take in rope, stop the fall of a climber, and lower the climber back to the ground. Proper safety checks and voice commands might also also be asked to be demonstrated.
All participants must sign a Craggy Island liability waiver and accept our terms and conditions and pass the above test.
For novice climbers we have designed a great 6 hour instructed beginners
course to get them started. This includes professional instruction
and hire equipment and needs to be pre-booked. Once completed you should
be in a position to climb at any indoor climbing wall independently and
safely with the basics of good technique under your belt (or harness!).
We find a high proportion of those completing our course carry on to
enjoy climbing on their own.
At Sutton the 'hook' for most climbers is the facinating challange of being able to complete the short routes. When climbing at your physical and technical limit a particular move can allude you and then you are balancing (literally!) your strength, technique and problem solving to achieve the climb.
You will find each week you progress a little more, finding different ways to complete the puzzle of the route and becoming fitter as a result. This is the beauty of climbing.
Stop press! January special beginners course for just £49. Book now!
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