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General Climbing Discussion

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New Climbing Gym In Coburg 6-Mar-2016 At 11:24:31 AM Tarala

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I might bring in a few suggestions too.

Running the danger of seeming elitist, I would argue that Australia is over saturated with the "Come and try"/group outings approach. While I believe that being inclusive is important, we need places that cater for experienced climbers who do it regularly. I started out in a European gym where no ropes where provided. There were bolts for your quickdraws and you started by leading the route and could then top rope if you wanted, using your own ATC. When you change, you take your rope down and lead the next one. This meant that a) far fewer staff members were required as instructions were run by booking and perhaps twice per year. Because it was not full of newbies much less supervision was required, if any. B) climbers were regulars who came back because they loved to climb and they didn't have to wait around for newbie groups. C) maintenance (of the gym) was heaps cheaper as everyone brought pretty much everything save for the wall. I know australia is expensive, but my year pass there used to cost me $100 for unlimited access. Most of us have Ye hear anyway. If people don't there's already lots of gyms who cater for that.

I look forward to seeing the new gym!