Saturday mornings usually means no working day, but today I had to go back to school. The event that I have been looking forward to is finally here! Today I’m going to get my Level 1 in sports climbing.
I am an outdoors fan; be it land or sea, although I’ve yet to try anything in the air! I’ve been climbing irregularly at campsites for the past years, but I know it takes more than that to be licensed. I was ready - equipped with long pants and loose-fitting clothes, a water bottle and face towel and set off for my 2nd home, River Valley Primary School.
Upon reaching, the CCPEs headed to the AVA room for a short introduction by our instructor, Wei Zhong. He showed us a couple of important climbing tools, gears and footwear before proceeding to the rock climbing wall for a practical session.
Some of the basic things that climbers need to have to start climbing are as follows:
- A dynamic rope
- A belay device with carabineer
- Climbing harnesses for belay-er and climber
- A helmet (recommended)
- Climbing Shoes and chalk are normally used, although not technically necessary
- And of course a climbing wall ;)
As we proceeded to the rock wall, we learnt how to wear the harness correctly. Though it might not be comfortable at first, you’ll definitely get use to it after a while! Wei Zhong showed us the figure-of-eight loop, tie-in technique, which is to be tied to the climbers’ harness.
After a scrumptious lunch, we practised tying the loop and the went through the belaying techniques before taking turns to climb the wall. Up, up we go!
It was a challenge for me as I had prior minor injuries on my arms. Nevertheless, it was exhilarating, especially when we competed against one another! After much photo-taking and videos, the session soon came to an end.
I would like to thank Amy for organizing this one day course for the CCPEs. A big thank to Wei Zhong too, for sharing his knowledge and for being really patient with us!
It was a indeed a great opportunity for everyone who attended to learn and understand more about sports climbing, as it’s a growing sport among youths not just in Singapore but all over South East Asia. 
For those who attended - Syazadinah, Fadli, Zhen Ling, Muhammad, Diana, and Joycelyn- we sure had a crazy time together. It’s definitely an awesome bonding session too. I didn’t know that sports climbing requires us to fly ;)
Till our next climbing session. *hint hint*
Signing off,
Wana Zainal
