Last week, the Calne Climbers experienced their first taste of competitive climbing in the Independent Schools Climbing Championship at White Spider Climbing Centre in Surbiton. Having honed their skills in top-roping and bouldering through trips to The Arc, Chippenham and Rockstars Climbing in Swindon, as well as our own wall at St Mary’s Sport Centre, the team of three juniors and three seniors were ready to throw themselves at the challenges of the day.
The team were met with twelve boulder problems graded from V0 (easy) to V8 and were awarded points for each problem completed within three attempts.

Everyone ticked off the first V0 warm up problem with ease, the second problem, however, was slightly trickier. Luana (LIV) made light work of it with her complete inability to give up and excellent footwork. 

Problem three was intimidating to behold and we witnessed many competitors fail to complete it. Doubt started to creep in until Florence O (LVI) stepped up to go first and showed everyone exactly how to do it. Following her lead every member of the team completed the problem with the juniors pulling out their best techniques to gain the ‘reachy’ final move; Miya (LIV) notably determined to not let go until she had fought her way to the top, an amazing showcase of stamina and grit.

If the look of the third boulder was a little scary, problem four was an entirely new kettle of fish, utilising large sloping volumes which required tactical footwork, reach, momentum and balance. Valiant efforts ensued and finally Sophie T (LVI) threw herself towards the final handhold, having exceeded even her own expectations and caught the finishing flake.

The ten Top Rope routes were extremely challenging and ranged from 6a to 7a+. Charlotte P (LIV) clipped into the auto belay on the first route and with grace and poise matched the high point of her competitors. The routes were set with challenge in mind; we did not witness many tops from any of the 18 independent schools competing.

Poppy (LVI) made light work of the first half of a 6B route and opened it up for the rest of the senior team to follow her example.

It would be easy to feel overwhelmed by the crowds of more the 250 competitors watching and waiting their turn to compete however the climbing community is a supportive and friendly one and the cheers of ‘Go Calne!’ came not only from our own team but from other competitors too, everyone willing each other’s successes.

The team should be extremely proud of their first foray into this new world of competitive climbing, and we look forward to returning next year. Thanks go to Mr Carter for his support and knowledge in coaching the team and sharing his enthusiasm for the sport.

Mrs Charlotte Fossa, Teacher of Art and Climbing Instructor