Rock Climbing at Wharepapa South

During Terms 3 and 4, Year 13 students have been learning the fundamental skills related to Rock Climbing in particular Lead Climbing. Lead Climbing is the progression to Top Rope Climbing in which the climber, while ascending clips his/her rope into protection. This protection can consist of permanent bolts, to which the climber clips quickdraws. One of the climbers below the lead climber acts as a belayer. The belayer gives out rope while the lead climber ascends and also stops the rope when the lead climber falls or wants to rest. As part of the Outdoor Education Year 13 programme students are expected to demonstrate elements of the Rock Climbing Code of Conduct and lead climb to grade 16, they are also taught the basics of setting up safety and abseiling from the top of a climb. These skills require a great amount of focus and discipline. To finish off the year ODE3 students spent 5 days at Wharepapa South, a beautiful area with a wide range of crag’s to climb and test your endurance, strength and skill. 

Students pushed themselves in both top rope and lead climbing and realised that a great deal of training goes into being an efficient and strong climber. A huge thankyou to Wharepapa South Primary School for providing an amazing camping spot and to Howard Manins and Josh Rumsey for giving their time to teach and assist the Year 13’s during the 5 days.