Year 13 OED Climbing

Term One largely focused on Lead Climbing in Year 13 Outdoor Education. Lead Climbing is where the climber takes the rope up the climb with them, attaching it to the rock as they go. This, as opposed to Top Rope Climbing, when the rope is already set up and attached to an anchor system at the top of the climb (above the climber). This style of climbing has a large mental component as the potential of falling can have an aspect of the ‘free fall’ feeling.

The Year 13s attacked this challenge with  apprehension and enthusiasm. By the end of the term the boys were able to wisely choose their own challenge, with regards to the difficulty of the climbs and climbing techniques involved. Additionally, Lead Climbing is largely a solo activity that must be done in a team, which appears to be an oxymoron. Believing in and having trust in yourself, your belayer (the person managing your rope and who will ‘catch’ you if you fall) and the equipment, meanwhile knowing the only way to go up is under your own steam; gravity doesn’t help. The class met this head on.

After being hit by the weather and unable to climb outdoors as often as planned, the class only had one outdoor session before heading to Wanaka for Climbing Camp. They climbed all day, every day in beautiful surroundings, on easily accessible and good rock. Each individual went from strength to strength in their ability to lead climb, keep themselves safe, belay and encourage others and use technical skills proficiently. This was evident on our return to Christchurch, where the skills they had embedded in Wanaka were displayed in an afternoon session climbing at Merlins' Wall in the Port Hills.

Term One climbing provided a steep learning curve in many aspects for this Year 13 OED class. The boys’ attitude and support within the class meant that whatever level an individual was at, they developed in many areas, using climbing as their context.

Year 13 OED Climbers are: Tyson Belworthy, Henry Beeby-Zeier, Jesse Grossi, Bailey Hern, Vaysion Kara, Phife Toto, Anton Wylaars, Jono Findlay, Cameron Johnson, Matt Barr, Daniel Hodges, Max Ngataki, Connor Dunick, Che Nesbitt-Bills, Hamish Bennett, Quinn Stephenson, Chris Ryan, all supported by Jackson Taylor