Since moving to Scotland, I’ve picked up an entirely new sport – climbing.  I’ve talked a lot about it in my vlogs and posts so I figured I’d upload a video and show you all what I’ve been up to.  Climbing is something I’ve always wanted to do, but never had the opportunity… because you know Kansas is sorta flat.

I’ve never climbed before September, or much less hiked a mountain… or done much camping… so I figured the best way to learn was by throwing myself in the fire.  So, as many of you know, I joined the Mountaineering Club here at Uni.

While my mom was here, she treated me to my very own climbing kit: rock shoes, harness, belay plate (the thing that the person on the ground uses to lower you down), and chalk bag.  We planned on having her come to the gym to see me try out my new kit, but we got busy with other things and she left before we could make it to the gym.

Never fear! My great mountaineering friends filmed me climbing one of my favourite routes in the university gym.  It’s a 6A flake! (Just a bit on climbing grades, they usually start around 4 and can go up to a 9B+.  Past 6ish the grades start getting the A,B, A+, B+ grades.) I really like climbing the flakes compared to routes with holds because they mimic real rock.

I’ve learned a lot in the past three months and I’ve been really improving!  My best climb so far is a 6B.  I’ve still got a lot to learn, but it’s a brand new sport and I’ve still got nearly 3.5 years here at Uni!  The dynamic movements are a lot like pole vaulting and heights have never bothered me so it’s really a great workout.   I’m really hoping to finally try some outdoor climbing this spring!

Enjoy!