INSPO Fitness Journal July 2017

Local and accessible isn’t therefore a
word that would normally spring to
mind, nor family-friendly.
However, climbing is growing steadily
in popularity in New Zealand. With the
recent announcement that climbing will be
introduced to the Youth Olympics Games
in Buenos Aries in 2018, and is also set to be
included in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020,
there is an ever-increasing spotlight on the
sport.
It is also more accessible than you would
think, with local climbing gyms becoming
popular all-weather places for friends to
meet and train together, and for parents to
keep kids of all ages entertained. If you visit
your local climbing gym on any night of
the week, you will see such a melting pot of
people, from all ages and backgrounds.
Climbing is a basic human instinct. Children
usually gravitate to climbing, naturally
climbing up trees, onto rocks or even over
the sofa, and rock climbing is a natural progression.
Unfortunately, modern society has
removed us from these skills and we need to
re-learn how much fun it can be.
Scrap the idea that you need to be light
to climb, or fit for that matter. Climbing is
suitable for anyone with a will to give it a
try. Not only does climbing offer an all body
workout, it is a great way to meet new people.
The indoor climbing gyms are a welcoming
place to practise in a safe environment, build
your confidence and strength, and learn
from people more experienced.
However, getting outdoors on real rock
is where the excitement starts. Outside of
“Climbing really
helps build
confidence, it’s
great mental
stimulation and
teaches youngsters
how to overcome
their fears.”
– Gareth Jones
the indoor climbing gyms there is a world of
adventure waiting.
Most accessible climbing in New Zealand
is what is called sport climbing, where someone
very experienced has pre-drilled strong
anchor bolts at the top of each climb, making
it far more safe and manageable for novice
climbers. However, it is vital that you always
go out climbing with someone experienced.
Gareth Jones from Raglan Rock is one of
those experienced people, and has made it
his mission over the last 10 years to expand
climbing in Waikato, and to get more people
out enjoying the local environment.
He has been broadening the minds of
local youngers from St Paul’s Collegiate in
Hamilton by taking them on climbing trips.
“Climbing really helps build confidence,
it’s great mental stimulation and teaches
youngsters how to overcome their fears,”
says Gareth. “It’s really awesome showing
the groups I work with that so much fun is
available right here on their doorstep.”
Mathew Hewett, a St Paul’s teacher, is
excited to see the journey the school and
students are on.
“Climbing is offered as an extracurricular
activity at St Paul’s Collegiate. Initially all
the climbing took place at a local climbing
wall. This serviced the school’s needs to a
point but is no real substitute for the great
outdoors and its associated challenges you
can’t beat.
“At the beginning of 2016 St Paul’s ventured
outside, climbing locally, under the
watchful eye of Gareth at Raglan Rock.
“This partnership has carried on into
2017. There are many benefits that St Paul’s
Collegiate have discovered through their
experiences with rock climbing as a sport,”
says Mathew.
“These benefits fit into several aspects
of life including mental, social and physical
wellbeing.
“There are many ways to overcome
the challenges before us while on a climb.
Constant moral support is a vital part of the
INSPO – FITNESS JOURNAL JULY 2017
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