Last week was a week of discovery and hard graft. The grim mountain conditions forced thoughts of winter mountain days and climbing off the list of what to do. With the summer season and crag work just round the corner the mind wandered to the thought of rock climbing outdoors. Indoor training was still consistent but Thursday & Friday there was a chance to do some prep work for Active Highs. Myself and Alfie did some vertical gardening cleaning, scrubbing and weeding a crag that will be used for intro and fun sessions throughout the season. We also stumbled upon what will be known as project X for the time being by chance while wandering around Fort Augustus. A brilliant piece of blank rock that has climb me all over it. Watch this space............
Saturday and Sunday I spent time at a local climbing facility teaching, instructing, coaching 2 local youths who have definitely got the potential and ability for climbing. With the help and support of some of their parents both days ran well. Hopefully I am at the beginnings of something for the future.
On the Saturday one of the new talents even completed their first ever lead climbs. It was exceptional to bear witness to as she is only in Primary 5. The aim of my involvement is to inspire, inform and assist both youths in climbing along with being a mentor and coach for competitions in the future. Fingers crossed this talent will keep the psyche and show other Lochaber youths how they can be involved with the outdoors on their door step. Sunday was all about climbing, both youths (Primary 5) showed brilliant progress physically and mentally and are almost operating as independent climbers by already doing the following ; Tying on, Pre climb safety checks, Belaying, and lowering. They still need a watch full eye but are almost fully fledged climbers with a positive outlook on youth climbing in Lochaber.
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