The Climbing Academy (TCA) pioneered a new breed of indoor bouldering wall for Bristol in December 2008, and has attracted both experienced and new climbers from all over the region.
Offering fantastic state of the art indoor bouldering and a great atmosphere. Each wall has a shop, showers, changing areas, lockers, courses, competitions and, of course, a great cafe.
Bouldering is low level climbing above crash mats. So you get all the fun of climbing but without the hassle of equipment. This makes it easier and cheaper to get into. The climbs (called ‘problems’) require skill and movement to get up them, and you quickly develop this once you start.
Bouldering is for everyone, and can include those of all physical and mental abilities. One of the best things about bouldering is that you get absorbed in it. While you are enjoying yourself and working on climbs (‘Problems’), you get stronger, more physically aware, more creative and it’s a great social environment to be in with your friends. It is one of the few activities that truly crosses all barriers and wholeheartedly engages those within its fold.
Today we caught up with Nina Gizzie from The Climbing Academy and asked her a few questions about Climbing for women.
What do TCA offer for women who are interested in or experienced in climbing and bouldering?
We offer two great centres in Bristol to climb at; The Climbing Academy (Bouldering) and Undercover rock (Roped Climbing), giving plenty of variety and styles of climbing. We support and encourage female climbers of any age and ability within the centre, and to promote wider participation, with the help of local female climbers, we run a women’s climbers club every Thursday evening. Running alternatively at UCR and TCA, with free coaching and advice on hand by a female coach as well as discounted courses and free hire equipment.
Bristol Women’s Climbing Facebook
The UK population consists of around 51% women; however, the climbing community is dominated by 75% men. With upcoming stars such as Shauna Coxsey popping up in the media and climbing confirmed for the 2020 Olympics, it is a great time for any woman to get involved in climbing. We’d love to see the female climbing world develop, and help it do so!
What are some of the benefits, for women who climb?
Climbing is the ultimate sport it provides that full body workout. Incorporating cardio, endurance and strength all at once, as well as giving your mind a workout too. Unlike other sports those of varying levels can climb with each other, so everyone gets to push and empower themselves regardless of age of ability. But the most important reason for climbing… it’s just so much fun!
How can WAExpo ticket holders get involved?
We are so confident you’ll love it, WAExpo ticket holders can give bouldering a go on Sunday the 9th October (after the WAExpo), for FREE! It’s so easy to give bouldering a go, just follow the links below and book your FREE WAExpo Session. Then arrive at the Centre, watch our 8 minute long safety video, sign up and you’re climbing.
We have climbing for everyone, regardless of skill, check out our WAExpo website link on how to sign up, and what options are available!
Thanks Nina! What a great way for ticket holders to make the most of the WAExpo weekend. So for all you people who are staying in Bristol for WAExpo16 (and we know there are lots of you), what do you have to lose? Have a Sunday Adventure too!
Plus, all those ticket holders who are local to the area, you could discover a new passion, right on your doorstep. Get inspired at WAExpo on Saturday, and push your vertical limits with TCA on Sunday. Sounds great to us! Click on the links below to solve your first ‘problem’ and arrange your free climbing session on Sunday 9th October.
http://www.undercover-rock.com/courses/indoor/womens-climbing/
http://www.theclimbingacademy.com/courses/womens-climbing/
