The two Year 10 Outdoor Education classes headed for the hills last week to develop the skills they had gained from their indoor rock climbing excursion earlier in the term. After studying a navigation unit and then investigating a range of styles and techniques of rock climbing in the classroom, these two excursions provided a terrific opportunity for students to showcase their climbing skills and knowledge.
We were fortunate to spend some time doing a rock scramble around Sugarloaf Saddle in the Cathedral Ranges that challenged students, who had to squeeze through Wells Cave and scale boulders to eventually reach Sugarloaf Summit at over 1000m elevation.
Below Brooke T from Year 10 White writes about the experience:
The excursion was so much more than I thought it would be with a combination of rock climbing, abseiling and a fun yet challenging rock scramble circuit to the peaks of Victoria. I think one of my strengths in rock climbing is my speed. Once I mentally map out the route I’m going to take I’m able to climb pretty quickly, which is something I didn’t think would be a strength.
The indoor rock climbing session helped give me a sense of confidence in climbing and made me more comfortable when attempting outdoor rock climbing at Cathedral Ranges. It was also helpful in practicing rock climbing techniques such as the three points of contact and understanding how to use equipment such as harnesses, carabiners and ropes.
The rock scramble was a favourite part of the excursion, having the freedom to explore and challenge myself. I built on checking equipment before climbing including harnesses, carabiners and the knots tied on the ropes as well as the belayer themselves.
I found outdoor rock climbing more challenging because it was naturally geological. As for climbing outdoors you also have to be mindful of other factors like weather, temperature, time of day. Climbing indoors was more controlled, there's fixtures, lighting, heating and cooling and no wind so the environment is easier to climb in.
I thought it was really enjoyable and was absolutely worth the view from the peak. It was probably my favourite part of the entire day and involved so much more than I initially planned for. But I think being so hands-on and requiring so much teamwork is what made it so fun. I think I liked being challenged, especially with the heights and the claustrophobic feeling of being in the caves, because it made it so much more real and exciting.
