All of this week, we’re going to be sharing experiences of University of Nottingham students in various sports societies. We hope this will encourage you to #GetInvolvedAtUoN !
Today we start with an interview with Alex Coles, the training secretary for UoN Climbing Society, where he talks about what inspired him to get into the sport and why he still loves it now.
Why do you like climbing?
It’s a challenge both mentally and physically. I can be stuck on a climb because I’m not strong enough to do a certain move or because I haven’t figured out the right sequence of moves. Therefore I have to put effort in to complete the climb and I get a massive sense of achievement out of completing a hard project.
Climbing also gives me an escape from everyday life – I can spend over four hours climbing and it will only feel like one hour has gone by. I guess it’s just something to do that I can get a sense of achievement out of and I can say, yes I did that!
When did you start climbing and why?
I started when I was three years old. My dad started climbing with his mates in his twenties, so I got taken to a climbing centre when I was young yet I didn’t immediately fall in love with the sport. I was incentivised with Lego bionicles to climb hard top rope climbs.
It wasn’t until I started to climb with friends my own age that I began to challenge myself and enjoy climbing for myself.
Now? Climbing is a huge part of my life and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone… or just talk about it non stop until they give in and give climbing a go themselves.
What is the best part about being in the society?
The best part about climbing society is the people. I’ve never met a better group of people than climbers; we are always cheerful and trying to help each other succeed at harder and harder climbs (unless you’re some of my friends in which case we pray for them to fall off so we can complete the climb before them.)
In general, I’ve never found a climber I haven’t gotten along with.
What would you say to people wanting to get involved?
Join our Facebook group, head to our taster sessions or just head down to your local wall and get an induction. Climbing really is for everyone and is one of the few sports where you can see yourself improve every week if you put the effort in.
If you’ve ever wanted to climb, seen people do it on YouTube or even in films, give it a go – you won’t regret it!
What is the best thing you’ve ever done with Climbing Society?
Technically not an official trip but a lot of the members from the society went to Fontainebleau this summer; the mecca for bouldering in Europe, if not the world. We had a great time in the sun climbing so many boulders and meeting really nice people from all over the world.
Climbing is a sport where, if you understand the risks and prepare for them, you can go to thousands of rock formations and crags all over the world and see a perspective few get to see.
For more information on Climbing Society and to #GetInvolved, click here