Outdoor Climbing with Parthian
At Parthian we firmly believe that there is an ‘Outdoor’ climber somewhere in every indoor ‘gym climber’ and we have outdoor climbing days suited for all ability levels and experience. Our Qualified outdoor instructors have gone through a rigorous process to deliver these Outdoor Climbing sessions, so rest assured that you are in safe hands. On top of that, we are licensed by the Adventurous Activities Licensing Agency (AALA) to deliver these activities to U18’s. Our instructors and Coaches are mega keen to share their passion for climbing and their knowledge of the local venues with our customers.
With the sun blazing and the summer in full swing, Parthian Climbing has just launched the next phase of it OUTDOOR CLIMBING programme. So far this year we have facilitated over 10 outdoor climbing sessions, including Guided Bouldering, Rock Intro sessions, Learn to Sport Climb and NICAS outdoor climbing sessions. With venues across the South Coast and the Wye Valley we have certainly given our customers a memorable experience. With courses aimed at all experience levels, get in contact if you are unsure which course is right for you.
‘ROCK INTRO’
‘Rock Intro’ courses are exactly that – aimed at indoor climbers who want to climb outside for the first time. We set up the ropes, manage the belaying and provide the participants with a risk managed, adventurous outdoor climbing experience. We generally specify whether they are 16+ groups, or sessions for younger children. All equipment is provided for all sessions if required by the participants.
‘LEARN TO SPORT CLIMB’
Our ‘Learn to Sport Climb’ courses have been extremely popular this year, with all selling out. This course includes a 2hr indoor session prior to the crag day to go through some technical skills, then a full day at the crag under the supervision of Parthian Instructors. This course is aimed at indoor lead climbers, looking to gain the skills necessary to take their climbing outside.
We cover a variety of topics including; Sport climbing Equipment, Re-threading a variety of Sport Anchors, Crag Ethics, guidebook interpretation and some basic problem solving.
OUTDOOR GUIDED BOULDERING
If you haven’t tried bouldering outdoors, it can be quit a daunting task if you don’t know the area. Our Outdoor Guided Bouldering sessions are a great way to build the knowledge and confidence required to get out and boulder with your friends. Finding the problems, placing pads, topping out, spotting in an outdoor context, its all covered in our guided bouldering days. We have also taken our squad juniors on a tour of the Portland boulder field, giving them some outdoor context for the movements and techniques they learn in their sessions.
Parthian Squad Outdoor Climbing Weekend
Our Parthian Squad weekend was a great success. We had 24 squad kids out across Portland testing their skills on a variety of routes and boulder problems. The Coaches were ably assisted by Parthian instructors who are working towards their Outdoor Climbing qualifications, which gives them an opportunity to observe/ assist and log sessions towards their awards. This is something we actively encourage and do our best to facilitate.
The parents also took the opportunity to go climbing while the kids were with the instructors. We all camped together and the squad parents provided a BBQ which everyone enjoyed. The whole weekend emphasised the ethos of Parthian, which is to encourage a holistic approach to climbing, creating ‘climbers for life’ and encouraging individuals to love not only the climbing, but the places it takes us to.
Our outdoor sessions will return Easter 2023.
Blog by Andy Fleming – Parthian Climbing Operations Manager