Goto Chockstone Home

  Guide
  Gallery
  Tech Tips
  Articles
  Reviews
  Dictionary
  Links
  Forum
  Search
  About

      Sponsored By
      ROCK
   HARDWARE

  Shop
Chockstone Photography
Australian Landscape Photography by Michael Boniwell
Australian Landscape Prints





Chockstone Forum - General Discussion

General Climbing Discussion

Poll Option Votes Graph
Yes 9
36% 
No 16
64% 

 Page 1 of 2. Messages 1 to 20 | 21 to 25
Author
Out door/ covered climbing and boulder facility
Cataraqui Climber
27-Mar-2015
12:31:18 AM
Hello people!

It been awhile since I've visited this site as well as quite some time since I've done any climbing.

I've been a busy beaver as a FIFO in the rope access game for too long and am looking to open an out door climbing and bouldering centre in a beautiful bush setting with tree top walks, a few zip lines and free fall rigs and challenges thrown in for a nice distraction! Also looking to provide a remedial massage service, fresh juice bar and spa and sauna for recovery...all this just two minutes out of Daylesford!

Thing is, I need to know if I build it, will they come?

I do have some very talented climber friends who are egging me on and are also very keen to set some challenging and versatile climbing scenarios and assist during the build.

Just wanting to know how many of you are in the area and would consider utilising such a facility.

Cataraqui Climber
27-Mar-2015
12:37:39 AM
Ok....I admit it...I voted yes for myself.
Cataraqui Climber
27-Mar-2015
2:22:28 AM
Well at least its balanced now! ; )
I'v up for comments too.
I've always preferred to wander out and find real rock myself, but like the idea of having a training venue in my back yard.
Was hoping a few locals would like the idea too...

shortman
27-Mar-2015
7:37:56 AM
I've got to be honest and say that this does not sound like the sort of place that is going to attract climbers, which is not saying that it's not a good idea. If I had the option to drive to Daylesford to climb at your facility, or go to any number of smaller crags around Melbourne then I'd choose the latter every time.

Eduardo Slabofvic
27-Mar-2015
9:34:11 AM
Most climbers are a bunch of self obsessed tight wads. You'll want as many people through the door with as little overhead as possible. School groups, corporate team building, all that malarky will have you farting through silk
Cataraqui Climber
27-Mar-2015
9:57:28 AM
Ha!
Good point....
I guess it depends on the local crew and how the climbs are designed.
I'm definitely aware of the attraction of natural crags ...this was more to put feelers out to how many climbers are local to the area who would be interested in an easy to access training facility.

Not so interested in revenue...
Cataraqui Climber
27-Mar-2015
10:06:52 AM
Thanks for the feed back!

How far out are you from Daylesford out of curiosity?

I know there are heaps of natural places to climb in the area ( some real hidden gems too : )

I am also aware of the amount of young people in the area without the means to get to some of them...
Im hoping the venue could act as a meeting point , training spot for those wanting regular challenges and a nice social atmosphere.

Nothing beats a long walk in the bush and the feel of natural rock though...

Howsie
27-Mar-2015
1:33:30 PM
There are times when you plan a trip on the weekend and the weather turns feral.

This probably only happens 2-3 times a year and its an excuse to head to the Bayside gym.

I probably would visit on the rare occasion for the novelty when the weather is simply too feral.

I dont doubt it will be popular though for the local community and the heaps of weekend break visitors.

Cataraqui Climber
27-Mar-2015
2:08:34 PM
Thanks for the feed back Howsie!

I am pretty confident it would be a solid business venture , regardless if it attracts the more diligent out door climbers or not , but I am really hoping it can supply serious climbers with the right level of challenge as well as even providing a space to catch up , meet before a trek or even train for a specific climb. Proximity to some nice restaurants and pubs isn't a negative either!

Daylesford isn't the most stable or forgiving weather in winter...I lived in a tee pee through two winters with my wife before getting the house built. Having said that, cold stone is pretty invigorating!

I'm looking into using the shotcrete method for as realistic features and texture as possible.

Climbing gyms never really grabbed me personally but it was always due to the ambiance or vibe. I did however love bouldering around a mates living room in Moreland years ago...guess there's a lot to be said for the right company.




skegly
28-Mar-2015
8:36:35 AM
Get your people to call my people; )
I think there is 7 actual climbers 15mins around Daylesford. A bunch of guys I work with have started training at the wall down at the arc once a week. Also we are blessed with lots of rock plus gramps as a big day trip.
Then again to crack into the tourist dollar could be good and it would go off at the chill out weekend.
Heating would be good to stop frost bite 8 months a year!
Cataraqui Climber
28-Mar-2015
11:34:20 AM
Noice...Thanks Skegly.

I remember doing quite a bit of climbing and exploring out this way years ago.

Check out Jon Bassindale's photos and climbs on this site!

He was a mentor to me before he left back to England, and although I never even came close to his ability the best times climbing had him there coaxing me up things I wouldn't tackle on my own...at work and play.

It would be good to get back into it. our rough plans look like we might be able to make some good ten meter climbs with overhangs as well as a few primo boulders.

I think the tourist dollar would sustain what Id like the place to be at its core...a quality space to get strong , catch up and promote climbing in the area.

Hopefully I can get Jon back down under to set some routes for us...
Howsie
30-Mar-2015
8:37:35 AM
Good luck with it all and I look forward to visiting.
cataraqui climber
30-Mar-2015
6:39:37 PM
Thanks Howsie.

Im pretty excited about this project and it seems to be gathering momentum, despite the luke warm response : )

Its a pretty vague concept and I appreciate the honest feedback from people, Im getting a lot of input from other avenues that is inspiring and illuminating.

At the very least it will be a nice spot to pump out at close to town.

Having a pow wow out at the block when I get back from work to brain storm a few ideas/ wall concepts.


Jahmz
30-Mar-2015
9:17:44 PM
It would be a one time visit unless there was something challenging, far to often I see these places restricted by legislation until they are little more than playgrounds. I want to try things that leave you with a few more gray hairs after braving it.

And some non rock-climbing technical climbing would be fun. log problems and balance trinkets.

Cataraqui Climber
31-Mar-2015
12:04:49 AM
Hi Jahmz,

I have got some pretty good consultants on this project ...a few world class climbers and people with hard training experience. We have already discussed the longevity of the climbs and will be looking at some tilt walls amongst other ideas to keep the target shifting.

I've designed some high ropes parks for a Brisbane client through the company I work for and have 14 years experience working in the rope access industry which I'm planning to put to good use on some of the large trees on the block. Also some interesting totem pole climb ideas floating around.

I'm definitely leaving the boulder and climbing designs to the ones with the experience and skills.
If its a challenge for them it should keep the rest of us busy for awhile : )

Height shouldn't be restricted if the proper systems are in place...

I'd like the place to be dynamic ...not a one demensional vertical climb wonder.

This is the kind of feed back I'm looking for!!

Thanks heaps.


One Day Hero
31-Mar-2015
12:04:52 AM
How much money are you hoping to lose on this venture/money-laundering scheme?
Cataraqui Climber
31-Mar-2015
12:17:50 AM
Hahahahahahha...yes, well that remains to be seen.

There are certain benefits of having a large cross section of friends with just the right skill sets, trade quals, and degrees behind them which should bring the cost down...I'm no fool though. It will take a chunk of cash.

We are quantifying things and its not out of reach ( pardon the pun)

It's not a cash grab for me, I've done that for the last 10 years ; )

This is about creating a sustainable lifestyle doing what I love and doing it with my family ,friends and like minded individuals next to me.

There may be a lot of two minute noodles in my near future ; )

MonkeyBoy
31-Mar-2015
1:27:23 PM
I live in Melbourne so probably wouldn't use it as a training facility but as other have said would maybe consider it on a wet day or taking the young Nephew and Niece out for a day trip, great idea though and I think key would be to appeal to ( and cater for) a few specific groups really well,

- Local cheap climber training facility
- Team building / corporate experience thing (or school groups)

If you try and cater for all and spread yourself too thin the experience could end up too diverse and not really end up being anything that's particularly great for anyone.

Cataraqui Climber
31-Mar-2015
2:43:14 PM
Very good point MonkeyBoy.

I definitely don't want it to be helter skelter.

Your bullet points highlights what Id like to accomplish really.

Id like to sustain a good quality training venue for local climbers which will mean catering for the tourist , corporate, school and recreational adventurers to keep the cash flow there.

Im thinking of specifically graded areas and subtley designed zones to help keep people in their comfort zones...

I guess Im trying to see how many people out here would get into the training aspect...for strength and what not.

The other revenue from the tourist side of things is a bonus to keep it going.

if it was to ever turn into a crowded fun park Id have missed the mark...no matter how much cash it may generate....although I doubt it would be crowded if it was some weird wobbys world like place....shudder.

Its a beautiful block right now...I want to keep that.
Star
31-Mar-2015
7:57:51 PM
Hey I think this is a great idea, I work with young people and can see this being a valuable resource for them. This sort of thing can do wonders for self esteem, team work and trust for young people. This would suit the area perfectly and could cater for hard core climbers and people just wanting to have a go. Nice one.

 Page 1 of 2. Messages 1 to 20 | 21 to 25
There are 25 messages in this topic.

 

Home | Guide | Gallery | Tech Tips | Articles | Reviews | Dictionary | Forum | Links | About | Search
Chockstone Photography | Landscape Photography Australia | Australian Landscape Photography | Landscape Photos Australia

Please read the full disclaimer before using any information contained on these pages.



Australian Panoramic | Australian Coast | Australian Mountains | Australian Countryside | Australian Waterfalls | Australian Lakes | Australian Cities | Australian Macro | Australian Wildlife
Landscape Photo | Landscape Photography | Landscape Photography Australia | Fine Art Photography | Wilderness Photography | Nature Photo | Australian Landscape Photo | Stock Photography Australia | Landscape Photos | Panoramic Photos | Panoramic Photography Australia | Australian Landscape Photography | High Country Mountain Huts | Mothers Day Gifts | Gifts for Mothers Day | Mothers Day Gift Ideas | Ideas for Mothers Day | Wedding Gift Ideas | Christmas Gift Ideas | Fathers Day Gifts | Gifts for Fathers Day | Fathers Day Gift Ideas | Ideas for Fathers Day | Landscape Prints | Landscape Poster | Limited Edition Prints | Panoramic Photo | Buy Posters | Poster Prints