Hybrid Climbing - Manchester

This event is intended as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community; everyone will be warmly welcomed

Come along for a lovely Monday climb with Outdoorlads! The vast majority of events offered through Outdoorlads are separated into Bouldering or Indoor Climbing but we're spoiled at this venue with a wide selection of both types. So if you're not sure what to try or you enjoy all types of climbing, this event is for you! 

What is Bouldering?
Bouldering is a form of climbing that focuses on shorter "problems" emphasising technique, balance, body positioning, and sometimes power, rather than long, high routes. Without the need for ropes, harnesses, and belaying, bouldering is an accessible activity for newcomers and is often considered the "purest" form of climbing. As no ropes are involved you will be able to quickly join the rest of the bouldering group without needing to be supervised. Don't worry however, you wont be left on your own. We're a friendly bunch who will be happy to share tips and show you round the centre's varied routes, and the leader will be on hand to introduce you to the group and to answer any questions you may have. 

If you only want to boulder, all you will need to do is register with the centre, watch a safety video (which you can watch here in advanced to save time), and answer some questions based on the video. Look our for the leader in reception who will help you thorough this process. 

What is Climbing?
Indoor climbing centres offer the challenges of climbing that you'll find on natural rock crags - simply indoors! It's a fun way to stay fit, make new friends and develop your climbing skills. It focuses on longer and higher routes which require more stamina but don't worry as you'll be wearing a harness and attached to a rope.

Climbing has a slightly steeper learning curve than bouldering as it requires you to be proficient with ropes and belay skills before you can climb unsupervised. But don't let that put you off as with some supervised sessions, you will be scaling the walls in no time. 

I'm new to Climbing - can I come along? 

Yes!! If you're new to the sport you are welcome to come along and the event leader will supervise you whilst you climb, which will involve learning the ropes - literally, as well as giving you plenty of opportunities to climb some walls. Due to the restrictions within a climbing centre, a leader can only supervise up to 2 beginners. Please message the event leader before hand so we can make sure everyone is taken care of.

If the event is popular and there are not enough leaders to do a supervised rope session please don't be put off. The venue for this session has plenty of bouldering to have a go at and we will try our best to prioritise you for guided rope sessions in the future. 

I'm a proficient climber - what do I need to know?

If you are already an experienced climber, you will still need to register with the centre (which you can do here selecting the 18+ unsupervised form) and pass the centre's safety test. After that we will get you paired up with another climber so you can head out and explore the centre along with the rest of the climbing group. 

Do I need to be Supervised as a Climber? 

We have no control or influence over the centre's safety test and if you do not pass the test, you will not be able to climb unsupervised. If there is availability with a leader, they will be happy to supervise you so you can climb and practice the areas which need improving so you are ready to take the test again at a later date. If a leader is already supervising others however you may not be able to climb but will be able to boulder in the centre instead.

As a general guide, if you answer "no" to any of the following questions, you should opt for a supervised session and contact the leader in advance to check availability. 

1. Can you fit a climbing harness correctly?
2. Can you tie into a rope using the correct knots?
3. Can you belay and lower down another climber correctly and confidently?

IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement

You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend. 

Please note that every person participating should be aware of (and accept) that those members perceived as ‘in charge’ or leading the event are not necessarily qualified, do not need to be qualified, and are not regarded by OutdoorLads, or themselves as ‘technical experts’ but are amateur climbers with some experience and who are happy to impart their knowledge. Any advice given should be considered with this in mind by the recipient.

All those attending the event must also be aware of the centre's own terms and conditions of participation and abide by them, along with any instructions given by the centre’s staff. Everyone must also take responsibility for their own safety while participating in Indoor climbing events.