I should probably take this time to point out that I'm rubbish when it comes to heights, something which seems to get worse as I get older and more aware. The first time I remember really panicking about being up high was as a child, I must have been quite fearless at the time as I'd used a lamppost to scale up to the top of the cemetery wall, all fine and good despite the risk of electrocution, however when I got to the top and had to think about getting down I was suddenly paralysed. I ended up lying rigid on the old stone wall, unable to move, with my little sister trying to coax me down and threatening to go and tell my mum (snitch)! I don't even remember how I got down, such was the extent of the trauma, I must have done otherwise I could imagine I'd still be there now, the crazy wall lady, living on moss with a lamppost as my only companion.
I also remember the first time I ever dared go off the "top diving board" at the Dolphin centre, for years it had scared me, I'd never even dared go up the ladders never mind jump off the damn thing! I was already scared of the diving pool as it was so deep I was convinced that a killer whale was going to get me....yes even as I child I had a very odd imagination...Anyhoo one day it seemed that I'd decided I was going to give it a go, I remember holding on to the bannister so had as I climbed up to the top, and still not letting go as I edged towards the end. I sat with my legs dangling willing myself to make the final push off the edge. I remember having to get up a few time to let other people go as I was holding the queue up so much. When I finally dared go, rather than jumping, I sat on the end and slid myself off. I was so impressed at my bravery that half way down I decided to take a huge gulp of air way to early, by the time I hit the water (hard) I'd completely ran out of breath and had to swim as fast as I could (also to escape the killer whale) to the edge of the pool where I emerged spluttering and red-faced. I never went off the top diving board again.
Anyway back to the bouldering, I went with a group, most of us were beginners which did quell my fears a little. We paid £15 for an induction course which meant we could at least be relatively safe on the walls, or at least less of a threat to the other (seriously cool looking) climbers. We put on our "special" shoes, ladies we could start a fashion revolution with these things, that's how stylish they were...and we were ready to go. We started out on the kiddie wall (yey) and our first task was to simply walk in a straight line around the wall, barely more than a foot off the floor. I fell off three times....not a good sign...
Once we had mastered the kids wall we progressed into the main room with the scariest looking walls ever, seriously how are people meant to climb upside down?! Our first tasks was a simple wall, nice and flat, nothing too fancy or complicated, we just had to stick to the blue foot and hand holds and work our way up. I sneakily shuffled to the back of the queue and watched my friends attempt to climb first, some made it look so easier, granted if you were taller it probably was, as a short arse I was already at a disadvantage with my stubby little arms. When it came to my turn I was feeling OK after watching other people who seemed to be as scared as me conquer their fears. I started to climb following the careful instructions of our guide "Spiderman" Dave on where to put my hands and feet, and I was fine until I looked down... I got stuck half way and suddenly my legs decided that they were made out of jelly, I wobbled and shook as I desperately tried to make my way back down the way I'd came towards the nice, safe, bouncy floor.
We tried out other walls of varying difficulties and I admit despite my rocky start I was starting to feel more confident, I was happy hanging about on the lower walls though I still couldn't get any higher than half way. The rest of the group were also starting to relax and have fun, it's fair to say we got a bit giddy with our conquests and I'd like to take this chance to apologise to my friend Gillian for putting white chalk hand prints on her bum...
So although I didn't completely conquer my fear I think it's something that will definitely improve with time, and I could see myself trying it again to see if I can actually get to the top now!
If anyone would like to give bouldering a go check out Climb Newcastle - http://www.climbnewcastle.com/ it costs £15 for an induction and it's well worth it to learn the basics and build up your confidence in a safe environment.
I'll let you know how the next session goes :)
Becky x
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