STAFF REVIEW: SUSSEX ROCK CLIMBING EXPERIENCE
| Staff Review
As a child I loved climbing but sadly, I never continued this hobby. So, when Lucy and I got invited along for a Rock-Climbing Experience with Hatt Adventures I was overjoyed!
This Sussex Rock Climbing Experience is a 4-hour introductory lesson into climbing, during which an expert instructor teaches proper climbing techniques at Harrison’s Rock - one of the largest outdoor climbing venues in the South of England.
When we first arrived at Harrison’s Rock, we were greeted by our super friendly guide Lou, alongside the other four people taking part in the climbing experience. It was important we got to know each other as we would all be supporting each other up the rocks (literally). It was nice to get to know everyone, as we would be spending the next 4 hours together!
Next, it was time to get into our climbing gear. We were told to wear active clothes and a suitable pair of shoes such as trainers or climbing shoes. Lucy and I borrowed some professional climbing shoes from the centre, which I was happy about as it gave us a LOT more grip on the slippery rock face.
The walk to the climbing rocks was just as spectacular as the climb itself. We trekked through a forest so rich with greenery it almost resembled a jungle, although the only animals we spotted in the bushes were dogs (not that I was disappointed).
Once we arrived at the rocks, Lou began to teach us some of the most important climbing techniques. We started by learning the smearing technique, and we had no support harness for this! It involved using our strength and instinct to get us up the flat surface of the rock. I doubted that I would have the balance to get myself up a vertical rock with no support, but Lou helped me prove myself wrong. A few fails and awkward run-ups later, we did it!
This was a nice way to ease us into the climbing experience, but it was only a taste of what was to come. Next, we learnt the mantelshelf technique. This involved a lot of upper body strength to pull ourselves up onto a ledge on the rock face. It was impossible to maintain any dignity whilst learning this; I know I for one lost all of mine!
After mastering both these skills, it was time to climb. We got into our safety harnesses, and Lou made sure we were all strapped in tight. We then found out we would be split into groups of 3, with one person climbing whilst the other two acted as belayers (this is the technique climbers use to keep tension on a climbing rope so that the climber doesn’t fall). Before we climbed, we learnt how to master the all-important figure 8 knot to secure ourselves safely to the belayers.
At the rock face, Lou made sure we always had two climbing routes to choose from, a simpler climb and a more intermediate climb if we fancied a challenge! I chose the simpler climb first, whilst Lucy tackled the more challenging one.
Lou was there every step of the way to help if we got stuck, encouraging us to look around for any ledges we could utilise. If we wanted the climbing rope to be tighter, we would yell “take in!” for more support as we climbed. Once we reached the top, we would shout “safe!” to let the rest of the group know we made it, before throwing the rope back down whilst shouting, “rope below!”
We learnt a lot of climbing terminology on this experience, which Lou emphasised was very important when climbing in loud environments.
Over the course of the 4 hours, we undertook 6 different climbs. There was a little waiting around whilst Lou went set up the climbs, but this ended up being a much-needed break. Climbing is a lot more tiring than I thought, and this downtime gave us the opportunity to take in the beautiful view from the rock face.
My favourite part of the climbing experience was actually the climb named “The Dark Chimney” which I nearly didn’t take part in! Initially, I couldn’t wrap my head around how I was supposed to fit through the narrow rocks, not to mention it has a small cave hidden inside it! I am not a fan of dark spaces, so I was quite panicked about this climb. Lou convinced me to stop thinking about it and just go for it, and I’m so glad I did!
After we had all finished our climbs, it was time to head back towards base to de-brief and put our climbing gear away. We walked back through a forest full of towering trees which was a lovely way to end our adventurous day out!
| Thanks for reading!
This climbing experience was great fun, and is the perfect excuse to get outside and make the most of time during lockdown. I would like to thank Tom for inviting Lucy and I along on this adventure. I would also like to thank Lou for being such a lovely host and making sure we felt comfortable throughout the whole experience.
