WE TRIED THAT
We TRIeD THAT! - CLImBInG AT DART ROCK CLImBInG CenTeR by Emma Jones O
n a wet and windy sunday afternoon the obvious choice of activity for us and many other families is the cinema – it’s warm, dark,
and most importantly keeps the children entertained for a couple of hours. However, there are other dry options and with a new term and renewed vigour to keep fit and away from a screen we booked ourselves in for an afternoon climbing session at the DartRock Climbing Centre (just off the A38 near Dartington). I am not your obvious candidate for climbing
– I stumble around rockpools, have an unhealthy fear of heights and only cling tightly to anything resembling a wine glass. My children however were well up for it – and no doubt keen to show that they could outdo me on yet another activity. DartRock was set up in 2007
by Robbie Warke who saw the gap in the market for a climbing centre in Devon. This is a man who lives and breathes climbing and he even met his wife down a cave whilst potholing! He is as experienced as they come – he’s climbed all over the world, worked for National Geographic, conquered Everest and even beaten the Top Gear team in one of their well-known challenges - but
most importantly he’s keen to show that climbing can be enjoyed by anyone at any age or level. Climbing has strong links with exploration and covers
a number of sports and activities – mountaineering, potholing, bouldering, abseiling etc – in fact anything where you move up or down! Since the 80s the sport/ activity has grown significantly with iconic images like those of Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible clinging to a cliffside and the amazing real-life stories (Touching the Void and 127 hours) of climbers exceeding the odds to survive. I certainly have no desire to be pioneering but I do feel anyone can take on a physical and/or mental challenge at any time. However, I was going to need more than a steely determination to get to the top of the 6 ½ metre wall! On our arrival at DartRock
we were introduced to our friendly instructor Jamie who took us through a brief safety talk whilst kitting us out in harnesses and
helmets (for the children). I was without doubt nervous but this is an opportunity to face your fears in a danger- free environment where the main message is to have fun. Climbing walls vary in height, size and gradient. The aim
CLIMB
MOUNTAIN!
EVERY
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