Rock climbing

Climbing is one of the fastest growing activities in the world and has recently become an Olympic sport. Rock climbing for Breckenbrough students takes place both indoors and outdoors at a variety of beginner friendly locations. Pupils at Breckenbrough often get their first taste of climbing on our schools own dedicated climbing wall, we then progress onto a variety climbing walls and outdoor crags in the area. We often climb inside during the winter months and outside when the weather permits.

Benefits:

Climbing is a fantastic activity for people of all ages and abilities, it helps develop problem solving skills, improve balance, agility and co-ordination. As well as building confidence, trust, risk management and social communication skills, alongside physical and mental resilience. Climbing can help reduce stress and anxiety as well as increasing concentration and focus. These benefits are often reflected in the students’ performance in school.

The climbing community is incredibly friendly and inclusive. Pupils often become “bitten by the bug” and continue climbing independently beyond Breckenbrough, over the years pupils have joined climbing clubs, achieved qualifications, gained employment and made lasting friendships through this great sport

Safety and equipment:

Our sessions are delivered by experienced, and qualified climbing instructors who are focused on delivering a safe, fun and educational session. Students are provided with the necessary safety equipment including; helmets, harness and climbing shoes. Please provide your child with suitable secure footwear, loose fitting jogging bottoms and a long sleeve top. We can provide waterproofs and additional layers if required

NICAS:

Breckenbrough School is an accredited member of the National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme NICAS. This is a nationally recognised scheme that can take you from a novice to an experienced indoor climber. Many of today’s top climbers have learnt the ropes through the NICAS scheme.

Different types of climbing

Scrambling: This is the simplest form of climbing and is an excellent activity to introduce the sport of rock climbing. Scrambling involves exploring the crag by walking, rock hoping, and climbing or crawling through the rocks. This is a great for building confidence and gaining an understanding of what is to come….

Bouldering: This form of climbing is all about problem solving and movement skills. It involves; climbing without ropes up to 4.5m high on climbing walls on various shapes and angles above soft matting. Bouldering outside takes place above portable bouldering mats much closer to the ground. This requires minimal equipment just shoes and a chalk bag.

Top rope climbing: is the simplest form of rope climbing where the rope goes from the climber who is tied onto the rope with a suitable climbing knot, through a karabiner at the top and back down to the belayer who keeps the rope safe and secure for the climber. As the rope is always above the climber , this is a very safe and great for building confidence and overcoming fears.

Abseiling: A skill used by climbers and mountaineers to descend from a mountain by lowering yourself down a fixed rope. Abseiling has become a popular activity for groups as it allows lots of opportunities for personal-growth.

Lead climbing: is an advanced form of climbing where the lead climber clips their end of the rope into quick draws (karabiners) to protect themselves as they move up the wall. Lead climbing requires a broad range of skills and has additional risks to consider. When students are ready to move on to this, we will contact parents and guardians to seek further consent and share the information required.

Climbing walls:

Live for today – Climbing, Harrogate,

Depot climbing – Leeds,

ROF 59 Climbing – Newton Aycliffe,

Freeklime Bouldering wall – York.

Outdoor Climbing venues:

Brimham Rocks,

Cow and Calf Ilkley,

Almscliff Crag,

Slipstones,

Wainstones,

Scugdale