Rock climbing
Take in some amazing scenery, while testing your strength, agility and balance. Your success is literally in your own hands (and toes) as you select grips to climb up, down or across rock formations.
Rock climbing is physically and mentally stimulating and has taken off in popularity with inclusion in the Olympics.
You can practise your techniques and build your skills indoors, before taking on the challenges of nature. Or you can start in the great outdoors straight away. Whichever way you choose, it’s important to have the right equipment, the right training and the right people around to make it fun and safe.
There are many ways to tackle the rock our youth program focuses on Top Rope Climbing, in the Djurite, Geburrh and Nanadhong. It’s a similar method to climbing in gyms, but the view is much better when you get to the top. For more adventure we offer lead training to Ventura aged youth as well.
Top Rope Activities
In Top Roping climbs, the rope is always anchored above the climber. Any fall would only be a short distance, quickly stopped by the rope. It’s ideal for beginners because they can concentrate on technique and enjoy the progress without too much fear of falling. Advanced climbers also turn to Top Roping when they want to develop new techniques or work on their endurance.
Outdoor Top Rope climbing is open for Scouts, Venturers, Rovers and Leaders. (Cubs linking to Scouts are also accepted.) Climbs are available for all experience levels, from the most nervous first timer to gifted climbers. It’s all about challenging the participants to gain new skills and to achieve more than they expected.
Artificial Top Rope climbing is also available on Scout climbing walls to Cubs and Joeys. Top Rope climbing is also available through your local climbing gym or public bouldering wall on a normal program night. Please note different gyms have varying age restrictions. Groups can book their normal scout night as a local gym or, book in to one of the indoor sessions organised by the climbing team. Check our our booking calendar for dates.
Learn to Lead
In Lead climbing the climber tackles the climb from the ground up with the rope trailing and progressively attaching the rope to safety anchors as they climb. There are two main flavours of lead climbing sport and traditional. Here in Victoria traditional climbing is the main style undertaken on natural rock.
The competent lead climber can construct their own anchors, efficiently belay others, navigate climbs, communicate effectively and be self-sufficient on the rock. We teach all the skills one needs to be self-sufficient in both single and multi-pitch. Lead climbing is available for Venture aged youth, Rovers, and Leaders.
Awards
Rock Climbing activities form part of the Scout Outdoor Adventure Skills vertical stream. Top Rope activities can be used up to level 4, Lead climbing at more advanced levels and then additional training progresses the activity helper towards guiding skills and the higher OAS levels.
Getting involved
Please contact the team at least four weeks before to the activity to discuss plans and expectations.
We limit the number of participants in each climbing group depending on location, activity and supervision requirements for a fun and safe adventure.
Climbers will usually pay $50 per Outdoor Top Rope activity, depending on the location. Full payment is required four weeks before the climbing activity.
Book in to an event
Training Courses
The Victorian Scout Climbing Team offers training for Rock Climbing Qualifications that can be accredited nationally. These usually run over four weekends.
For further info contact:
booking.rockclimbing@scoutsvictoria.com.au
Contact
State Leader – Rock climbing
Bob Edwards, state.rockclimbing@scoutsvictoria.com.au