After going to Camp 5, One Utama last time for a taster session for rock climbing I have been contemplating taking their basic wall course since.
The basic wall course is pretty much a basic course for beginners to get to know rock climbing and give you all the needed basics to start doing it properly and most importantly, safely.
Yesterday, while everyone else was partying away during the Awal Muharram public holiday, I took the opportunity to attend the course together with pretty much the same crew I went with last time.with the exception of Shereen, which was replaced with Aaron who was there for the first time.
The course ran for 4 hours plus (almost 5 to be exact), and covered quite a bit - with about 1 hour of theory. The course covered all the basics, how to tie the right knots for yourself when you are climbing and while you are belaying someone. Belaying is basically what you are doing when you are the person at the bottom holding and supporting the rope that is tied to the person climbing. As a belayer you'll have to be able to lower the person down when the person wants to come down.
Oh and they even gave me a certificate. Now I can go around climbing things and I can say I know what I'm doing.
I've just also realised how expensive rock climbing really is. Sure, when you buy rock climbing equipment you're paying a one-off expense. There are only so many things you really need for the average indoor climber - a harness, your own pair of shoes, a belay set and maybe a chalk bag for those sweaty palms.
However because your life practically depends on some of these equipment, they really do not come cheap. So that said, so much for buying the discounted "Made in China" versions. Well, not that I can find any anyways. It seems that most of the gear are either American or European.
One thing that I'm pretty happy about this trip is this - I am not so afraid of coming down now compared to the first time. At least now with the proper techniques I'm more confident of letting go of both my hands and grabbing on to the rope to be lowered down.
Looking forward to more climbs in the future. Oh - and I can now bring 2 guests with me to enjoy the climbs. Anyone want to come along? :)
You only can take 1 person. I have reserved the other spot :-)
Congrats on the climb course partner. Thank you for trusting me. :) Till next time....Climb On'