Browsing Archive: March, 2012

Sea Season Starts

Posted by Matthew Woodfield on Saturday, March 31, 2012, In : Adventure report 
The last day of March and the first coasteering session of the year - needless to say it was a bit chilly in the water, but still a great day out. Well done to the Lads for braving the cold and living the dream... next time it could be you - see http://www.outdoor-matters.co.uk/adventure-days.php for more details.
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Thinking

Posted by Matthew Woodfield on Friday, March 30, 2012, In : Top Tips 
The last of our T's of climbing development is Thinking.

This ones all about the head, and managing thoughts, emotions and fears along the way. 

Focus, motivation and confidence are all areas that can bring you down, or spur you on.
Books such as the 'Rock Warriors Way' deal well with this area of climbers development.

If you're too scared to make the next move then this is the area which needs your attention. 

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Self Rescue day

Posted by Matthew Woodfield on Saturday, March 24, 2012, In : Courses 
A lovely day in the sun with the girls from Swansea University Mountaineering Club to Box Bay in South Wales. We looked at self rescue skill for climbing including hoists and prusiking. 
They're now armed with the skills and knowledge to sort themselves out when things go wrong on the crag.
Next months course still has spaces so get in touch today... See  http://www.outdoor-matters.co.uk/self-rescue.php for more details
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Countryfile

Posted by Matthew Woodfield on Friday, March 23, 2012, In : Updates 
So, just back from filming a climbing session with Ellie Harrison from Countryfile, tune in to BBC1 on April 8th to see your favorite climbing instructor in action!


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Tactics

Posted by Matthew Woodfield on Friday, March 23, 2012, In : Top Tips 
The Third T in our climbers development series is Tactics.
This is all about using your knowledge to outwit the climb, rather than strength to overcome it.
By using a measured approach and making informed decisions climbing can become easier for you.
 
Tactics start with route choice, picking the right crag to go to, warming up before you climb at your limit and picking a route that's in condition, not a wet crack on a north facing wall in December. 
 
Before you jump on the rock its about route pl...
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Whats been happening

Posted by Matthew Woodfield on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, In : Updates 
A busy weekend saw two Gorge Walks and a Climbing session, then a big day out caving in Britain's deepest cave on Monday. A big well done to all those who braved the chilly river, conquered the cliffs and survived underground, its all part of the adventure...

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Technique

Posted by Matthew Woodfield on Friday, March 16, 2012, In : Top Tips 
The next T in our climbing development series is Technique.
Technique fouses on your movement skills, the basic act of climbing.
As with Training, Technique is a subject that has beeen well covered by books, articles and magazines over the decades.
 
It can be broken down into three areas, hands, feet and movement.
Hands:
The way we use our hands when climbing vary on what holds are available. The classic jugs and crimps are often prefered over slopers, undercuts or dare I say it...jamming.
Each tec...

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Award Winner!

Posted by Matthew Woodfield on Friday, March 16, 2012, In : Updates 
We are please to announce that Matt Woodfield of Outdoor Matters has won the Outdoor Professionals Co-operative's (OPC's) 'Instructor of the Year' award. Not just highly qualified and experienced, but now an award winning instructor! Book a day with Matt and find out what for yourself...
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Gower Rock

Posted by Matthew Woodfield on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, In : Updates 
The 1st draft of 'Gower Rock' is back from the publishers, some small changes and additions need to be made, then its back for another proof reading. Better work fast if we want it out before the summer!
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The 4 T's - Training

Posted by Matthew Woodfield on Monday, March 12, 2012, In : Top Tips 
Training is the first of the four T's of climbing development that we'll look at in this series, and the one that is often most focused on.
Training is about getting stronger, developing your muscles and better preparing your body for climbing. This element of climbing development has been the subject of thousands of books, articles and online debates, there is a wealth of information about training to be had, including the lists at the end of this article. 
Training can be broken down into a f...
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Gorge Walking Training day

Posted by Matthew Woodfield on Monday, March 12, 2012, In : Adventure report 
A successful day this Friday on the Sychryd river with the annual OPC gorge walking workshop. We covered safe interesting use of the area and refreshed our environmental knowledge. 
Although the water was rather chilly everyone got stuck in to the water rescues practice, and even braved to old silica mines with a quick trip underground. 
Looking forward now to the coasteering workshop in May, see you there...
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A windy day on the cliffs

Posted by Matthew Woodfield on Saturday, March 3, 2012, In : Adventure report 
A rather windy Saturday on Gower today with Myles and Jess braving the elements for a good day out climbing and abseiling. 
Very well done to you both...
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The Pillars of Climbing Development

Posted by Matthew Woodfield on Thursday, March 1, 2012, In : Top Tips 
The gap between the level at which you climb today and your potential limit is unknown.
You may feel like you have a long way to go, or that you already climb as hard as is possible, but either way there are four things that can hold you back, or push you forward and help reach your goals.

These 'Pillars of climbing development' are four distinct areas that support you're climbing ability. It is best to think of them as the legs of a chair, each as important as the others, and if one is not pul...
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