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BMC Festival of Climbing
National Indoor Arena, December 2001
Report by Martin B.
My day at the BMC Festival of Climbing
It was an early start at 7o'clock, with a two and a half hour drive to
Birmingham including a breakfast stop at McDonalds. We arrived at the
N.I.A some time later, after getting it confused with the N.E.C! We bought
tickets and made our way through to the right hand side of the arena.
It was bigger than I thought it would be, with a huge overhanging professional climbing wall on the right hand side that would be used for the World Championships later. In front of us there was two small bouldering walls that were for more experienced climbers to practise there skills on. One of these would be used to hold the Dyno Championships, which consists of several climbers competing to see who can travel the furthest in one climbing move. The record for this event is 2.6 metres!
After moving to the other side of the arena past the many shops, it was our turn to have a go at some climbing. We got kitted up and picked the wall we fancied having a go at. There were five different walls with different parts to them and we, (surprise, surprise) chose the easiest. After conquering the first with no problem, we then moved on to the second slightly harder one. We did try the hardest wall, but this proved too difficult for our climbing ability (maybe next year!).
Moving back to the shopping area, we had a good look round and noticed all the amazing bargains. Some of the equipment had up to 70% off! We all wished that we had brought a load more money to spend, but Johnny managed to grab a bag at half the usual price. In the afternoon we went to a lecture (not quite the one we expected, but never the less it was still interesting) given by a professional free climber. He showed us many slides of the dangerous moves he performs and sheer smooth rocks he manages to climb. After listening to this, watching the Championships, the Dyno competition and having another quick go on the climbing walls, it was time to head home.
We had a great day, with lots of new experiences and tips on offer. Next time we will remember to take more money with us! I would like to thank Ed and Alan for taking us.
It was bigger than I thought it would be, with a huge overhanging professional climbing wall on the right hand side that would be used for the World Championships later. In front of us there was two small bouldering walls that were for more experienced climbers to practise there skills on. One of these would be used to hold the Dyno Championships, which consists of several climbers competing to see who can travel the furthest in one climbing move. The record for this event is 2.6 metres!
After moving to the other side of the arena past the many shops, it was our turn to have a go at some climbing. We got kitted up and picked the wall we fancied having a go at. There were five different walls with different parts to them and we, (surprise, surprise) chose the easiest. After conquering the first with no problem, we then moved on to the second slightly harder one. We did try the hardest wall, but this proved too difficult for our climbing ability (maybe next year!).
Moving back to the shopping area, we had a good look round and noticed all the amazing bargains. Some of the equipment had up to 70% off! We all wished that we had brought a load more money to spend, but Johnny managed to grab a bag at half the usual price. In the afternoon we went to a lecture (not quite the one we expected, but never the less it was still interesting) given by a professional free climber. He showed us many slides of the dangerous moves he performs and sheer smooth rocks he manages to climb. After listening to this, watching the Championships, the Dyno competition and having another quick go on the climbing walls, it was time to head home.
We had a great day, with lots of new experiences and tips on offer. Next time we will remember to take more money with us! I would like to thank Ed and Alan for taking us.