gravical

Petzl RocTrip China

2011-11-05T18:35:00.016+08:00

It's been quite a while since I wrote something on my blog. Not that nothing happened in my life this year, just that there's nothing exciting enough to keep me rooted in front of the desktop. Two weeks ago, I attended the Petzl RocTrip China in the Getu Valley, the first time Petzl has ever held a RocTrip in Asia since its inception in 2002. Getu is a small rural village of rustic houses, quite the opposite of Yangshou. There' just a handful of restaurants, guest houses and sundry shops along the main road. The climbing crags requires some decent walking from the basecamp. Wednesday, October 25 After registering, we were invited for an equipment inspection and safety check on our topping-up technique.After completing the check, our guidebook was officially stamped with an event seal of the event and we were issued an access passes for entry into the park and a wrist band. The venue of choice on the first day had to be the Great Arch which is northwest of basecamp and the only way to get across is by boat manned by a single boatman with long bamboo pole. This is followed by climbing more than 1700 steps.

Francis, Sulhan and Ronald heading for the Great Arch

The Great Arch

Look who's at the dock?

Routes ranging from 8b (5.13d) to 9a (5.14d) on the left-hand side of the arch drew the most attention. Renowned climbers such as Sasha DiGiulian, Dave Graham, Chris Sharma and others took turnout on some of the most difficult routes.

Francis on Drill Team 7c+ at Great Arch Right Side

Thursday, October 25 The opening ceremony took place at the climber's basecamp. We later walked though the drizzle and muddy path in search of Banyang's Cave. Most of the routes have very obvious positive holds in the form large features on monster tufas.

The treacherous path to Banyang's Cave

Ronald on Calf 8a at Banyang's Cave

Friday, October 26
We decided to head to Oliver's Crack which is is about 50 meters from the road. The wall is equipped with 12 routes between 6b and 7c. This crag, which is has a mixture of featured and steep walls, Climbing at Oliver's Crack tend to attract curious stares from the locals passing by on the road.

Saturday, October 27
The finale was back on the Great Arch where all the invited pro athletes gave a real show with numerous sends of the sport routes and many ascents of the multi-pitch routes. At nightfall, all climbers gathered on the plaza of the village for the the party. There were some very memorable surpriseas two Chinese climbing couples were officially married on stage under the witness of Lynn Hill. It was hardcore partying there after with all the Petzl team athletes on stage leading the party

Dave Graham

Myself, Dave Graham and Francis

By Sunday morning, the entire village had quieted down and majority of the climbing community has left Getu. The luckier ones stayed around for a couple more days and took advantage of the amazing climbing in this beautiful valley.

ACSC Continental Officials Course 2011

2011-06-09T22:30:00.004+08:00

The second ACSC Continental Officials Course was held in Putrajaya, Malaysia from 24 to 29 may 2011. This is the first time I am assisting as a trainer to IFSC Jury President Mr Francis Lo. Francis is also my trainer when I was taking my Judges Course in Imst 2005. A total of 19 participants from China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand attended the course. Prerequisite for course is that particpants need to be a National Judge with one year judging experience. They are also required to write an essay of not less than 70 words on why they hey want to attend the course. A Continental Routesetter COurse was conducted concurrently by IFSC Chief Routesetter, Mr Kim DongHyun.

A written test was held on the first day of the course to determine the participants' knowledge and familiarity of the current rules. This test constitutes 30% of the overall results.

The training course were focused on going though the current rules. Participants were required to read off the rulebook as well as to explain sections of the rules based on their understanding as a test of their proficiency in English. Case studies were discussed and personal experience were shared among the class. The second day of the class ends of with a practical session on typography and dynamic belay. That was also the only day where participants had time to do some climbing and bouldering.

Judgment Day arrived in the form of a four hour written examination which forms the remianing 70% of the overall results on the third day. The course was concluded on the fourth day with with a recap of the test and exam questions. Now the participants are probably waiting anxiously at home for their results.

Participants with an overall result of 80% or higher will be conferred the status of Continental Aspirant Judge where they will be required to practise in two competitions cpbvering all discplines of Lead, Buldering and Speed. Participants scoring 60 to 79% shall be conferred the statues of Regional Judge.

This course has reinforce my belief of establishing a formal structure for the development of Judges in Singapore as the participants who have done well in the test on the first day hail from countries with very established system for the development of Judges in their country. I hope that the with a structure in place, our next batch of Singapore Judges can do us proud in the next Continental Judges Course.

A tip on the prerequisite of a continental judge:

1. A National Judge with at least one year of active judging experience
2. Need to be familiar format and rules of all the disciplines
3. Be aware of the changes in the Rules
4. Proficient in English
5. Make friends with your Routesetting Team

The Month of May Welcomes Two More Climbing Gym

2011-05-02T21:37:00.005+08:00

Singapore welcomes the opening of two more climbing gyms in the month of May:

14 May 2011:Kinetics Climbing
22 May 2011:Onsight Climbing Gym

Tempest Freerunning Academy

2011-04-05T23:08:00.001+08:00

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

2011-02-14T15:02:00.004+08:00

Yes, China has upgraded from counterfeit milk powder to counterfeit Petzl products.

Ice Ice Baby

2011-02-07T23:37:00.002+08:00

It's quite seldom that we get to see videos of ice climbing competitions:

2011 UIAA ICE CLIMBING WORLD CUP from hwang sang kyu on Vimeo.

They Make Your Shoes

2010-10-19T21:31:00.013+08:00

Climbing Weakness Evaluated - Footwork

2010-09-14T17:33:00.007+08:00

The revised SNCS Sport Climbing Level 2 syllabus is focused on lead climbing on artificial climbing wall (ACW)environment. This means no more anchor set-up, no more rappelling, no more rope ascending using friction knots: just lead climb, lead belay, topping up as the main course.

Even with a reduced syallabus conducted over two days, there is still hardly time to help participants identify their climbing weakness. I guess it will be good to introduce a couple of common climbing weaknesses in this post starting with the legs.

Heavy legs. The legs are stronger than the arms, hence climbing movement should be initiated from the legs (body shooting upwards). Most beginners tend to pull with their arms and drag their legs up to follow through. Try saying "Push" out loud whenever you engage your leg muscles when climbing, this instruction will create a direct communication to the legs muscle to push upwards.

Silent feet. Noisy footwork are indications that climbers are either not watching their feet while climbing or not confident to place full pressure on the footholds.

Small steps. Arm muscles are need to pull the body if the climber engages in high step moves. Taking two small steps are always better than high-stepping.

In Memory of Chloé Graftiaux

2010-08-23T08:50:00.007+08:00

On 21st August, Belgian climber Chloé Graftiaux fell to her death while descending the normal route of the Aiguille Noire de Peuterey, after climbing the South Ridge.

Chloé’s sudden passing has been a shocking and painful one. Shocking that her win in the IFSC Boulder WC in Vail and Sheffield was so recent. Painful that for someone who had a whole life of climbing ahead, her passing is too early.

My encounter with Chloe may be few and brief but I remember her for her beautiful, bright smile whenever she topped a boulder.
My condolences to the family of Chloe Graftiaux.

Here's another look at Chloe's podium topping performance at Vail and Sheffield WC and her interview before Munich WC.

IFSC Rules 2010 - 4.6.5

2010-07-21T13:57:00.003+08:00

"If the Jury President has ruled that one or more quickdraws shall be clipped from a particular hold or earlier, this information shall be announced to the competitors during the technical briefing in the isolation zone, and the actual hold(s) and the quickdraw(s) shall be clearly marked, preferably with a blue cross, and pointed out during the route observation."

Vienna World Cup Live

2010-05-28T16:19:00.003+08:00

The second event of the IFSC Bouldering World Cup goes live on Friday and Saturday

28 May 10, Friday
Qualifications Men - 1600 (Singapore Time)
Qualifications Women - 0130

29 May 10, Saturday
Semi - 0630
Finals - 0130

A Friend's Visit

2010-03-20T16:26:00.020+08:00

Met up with Arthur and his fiancee this morning for a climb at Diary Farm. Arthur's my classmate during 2005 Judges Course in Imst, he's currently part of IFSC Rules Commission. The weather has not been kind to our Polish Friends as we were forced to climb under the rain, managed to do four of the driest route for the day. The couple are now heading up to Penang to continue their adventure.

Arthur, myself and Thomasz during the 2005 Judges Course

2012 IFSC World Youth Champsionship

2010-02-27T22:06:00.003+08:00

The IFSC Plenary Assembly in Bali has elected Singapore as 2012 World Youth Championship.

2020

2010-02-24T11:21:00.003+08:00

IFSC has been granted full recognition by IOC during the recent Plenary Session at Vancouver, Canada. The earliest possible date to see climbing in the Olympics will be 2020 which will be decided in 2013.

Here's an interview with IFSC President Marco Scolaris by Planetmountain.

Tag Team Speed Climb

2010-02-09T23:44:00.002+08:00

PA Water‐Venture will be organising the Tag Team Speed Climbing Competition in conjunction with the opening of the new climbing facility at Water‐Venture (Pasir Ris) on 6 & 7 March 2010.

Categories:
Junior Boys, Junior Girls (12yrs old & below) ‐ born on or after 1 Jan 1998
Youth Boys, Youth Girls (16yrs old & below) ‐ born between 1 Jan 1994 and 31 Dec 1997
Men’s Open, Women's Open (17 years old and above) – born on or before 31 Dec 1993
Mixed Open (17 years old and above) – born on or before 31 Dec 1993

Both members of the team must satisfy the criteria for the chosen category. Each team is allowed to take part in one category only

Registration forms are available online at www.Water‐Venture.org.sg.

French Connection

2010-02-03T21:50:00.002+08:00

In celebration of LFS 10th International Climbing competition:

Poutre et Power Plate avec l'équipe de France de bloc from Emmanuel Charruau on Vimeo.

LFS 10th International Climbing Competition

2010-02-02T19:44:00.003+08:00

Lychee Francais De Singapour (LFS) organised their 10th climbing competition last week. Same place, same catgory with a slight twist to the format. Competitors are tested on the 2 technical disciplines in each round: boulder and difficulty. Their ranking in each discipline are later added to attain the combined ranking.

While the competition may be open to competitors no older than 18 years-old and a start list of no more than 50 competitors, the managment of the competition is something that organisers of difficulty competitions should look upon especially in the area of time management. Pack a comp with too many competitors and back-to-back categories will only take the toll on your officials which is not very helpful in tricky situations.

Congratulations to LFS for organising 10 good years of climbing competitions and i'm sure there will be more to come.

First Ascent On Nat Geo Adventure Airing

2010-01-13T22:36:00.003+08:00

There seem to be a difference in timing between the First Ascent trailer running on Nat Geo Adventure and Starhub TV Guide:

14 Jan 10 - 1830
15 Jan 10 - 0030
15 Jan 10 - 0630

Episode 1 see Chris Sharma taking on Jumbo Love (5.15b/9b) at Clark Mountain.

First Ascent On Nat Geo Adventure

2010-01-11T22:58:00.003+08:00

First Ascent: The Series will be shown on Nat Geo Adventure on 14 January 9.30pm. Here's a peek on what's in stall for the next six Thursdays.

Happy Holidays Videos

2009-12-25T11:19:00.002+08:00

With all the partying that goes on in December it can be quite easy to lose the motivation to climb. Rest is important but returning to the wall without motivation can be frustrating. Here's some videos to keep you psyched through the holiday season.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Chamonix World Cup 2009 - First lead World Cup of the season

IMS Boulder Cup 2009 - "Shoot-Out" mode where competitors are eliminated with three male and female competitors left after three boulders. The remaining competitors will then move to final boulder.

Putrajaya Challenge Park Climbing Gym

2009-11-16T09:00:00.002+08:00

Yes! The gym is now open to public. Until prices have been finalized, there is no entrance fee at present. So take advantage of its free entry status now to have a look and try the walls.

The gym is open now from 10am to 8pm weekdays and 10am to 10pm Friday and Saturday.

REEL Rock Film Tour 2009

2009-08-25T19:32:00.002+08:00

This is probably the closest we can get to seeing climbing on cable.

Sender Films and Nat Geo has produced a six part climbing series based on the popular climbing film, First Ascent. Estimated premiere date on Nat Geo is January 2010.

IFSC World Cup Imst

2009-08-19T23:28:00.004+08:00

The IFSC World Cup - Imst will be telecasted live on www.sporttime.tv.

Check here for competition timetable. Imst is 6 hours behind Singapore.

IFSC World Cup - Barcelona

2009-08-08T17:47:00.001+08:00

The IFSC World Cup - Barcelona is now live on Top30 TV

Finally... No More Judging

2009-08-04T22:06:00.002+08:00

It's been six gruesome weekends of competition climbing... from the world biggest championships to the national schools and finally the country's oldest competition. I can now rest my yellow and red cards for the remaining months of 2009.

Was looking at the comments left by the exTP folks on Garick's Rockamania XV photo album on FB. Fifteen editions of Rockamania... somehow the competition seems to be getting more complicated each year... hope that Rockamania can revert to what it once was... as Cedric comented in the photo album "main objective of having Rockamania should transcend time - promote sport + have FUN !"

Bye Rocka... cya next year (I hope)... don't forget to include a TP Closed Veteran category next year...

Summary of The IFSC World Championship

2009-07-08T22:50:00.002+08:00

China got off to a perfect start but clinching the first two gold medals in the 10m speed event. The Chinese women swept the top 3 positions in the women's final while the men's final had a rather dramatic ending. The Russians handed a suprised Alexandr Nigmatulin the silver medal when both of Ivan Novikov and Sergey Abdrakhmanov fell at exactly the same spot.

The Russian team had the agony shortened when they won the men and women bouldering discipline.

Experience triumph over talent on the last day of the Championship when Patxi Usobiaga beat Adam Ondra in the lead finals. With Patxi climbing first and toping the finals, the pressure seems to take out Adam who fell off just before the last move.

It's a Championship with lots of unforgettable moments. I hope the next World Championship in Arco will be just as exciting.

IFSC World Championship 2009

2009-06-24T21:12:00.003+08:00

With an impressive wall and more than 400 athletes, we are now just days away from the IFSC Climbing Championship in Xining, Qinghai.

IFSC World Cup Eindhoven Live

2009-06-12T20:07:00.002+08:00

The final series of the Boulder World Cup will be held in Netherlands. We are looking at a very high probability of an overall boulder champion from Asia in the form of Akiyo Noguchi.

There will also be World Record Dyno Competition on Sunday.

There's Always Room For 2 More at The Top

2009-05-22T09:41:00.004+08:00

On 22 May 2009, Joanne Soo age 39 and Lee Peh Gee age 32 reached the the summit of Mt Everest at 5.31am and 5.56am respectively - Nepal time. The two girls are making their way back to camp 4. Jane Lee and Lee Lihui have arrived back at Everest Base Camp yesterday afternoon while Esther Tan is scheduled to be back later today.

They Made It!!!

2009-05-20T12:43:00.001+08:00

Lee Li Hui, 27, Esther Tan, 26, and Jane Lee, 25, stepped on the top of the world at 3.45am, 3.54am and 4.43am Wednesday Nepal time respectively, making the team the first Singaporean women to reach the world’s tallest mountain.

The second summit team are currently on the way from camp 2 to camp 3 and they plan to go for the summit on 22 May.

Pumpfest 2009

2009-05-15T00:11:00.007+08:00

Pumpfest 2009 is scheduled to take place this weekend at Velocity @ Novena Square. This will be the first time we are seeing a climbing wall surfaced with resin and quartz sand finishing. The last time I came across a wall with surfaces of such a quality is the 2007 IFSC Birmingham World Cup. Expect some top climbers from our neighbouring countries to give our local lads a run for their money. Here's a sneak peek of the competition wall.

Sport Climbing in SEA Games

2009-05-07T20:27:00.004+08:00

The Indonesia Olympic Committee has officially announce that Sport Climbing will be featured in SEA Games 2011 in South Sumatra, Palembang. Indonesia will propose the inclusion to South East Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) council meeting after SEA Games 2009 in Laos.

National Schools Sport Climbing Championship 2009

2009-05-06T20:41:00.002+08:00

NSSCC 2009 is back with a new twist. With sport climbing being included in the National Inter-School Sports Calendar next year, this year's Championship will only be available to the secondary schools, JCs and CIs in A B and C division. More information can be found on SMF website.

In order to meet the demands of route judges in this year's NSSCC, there will be a route judge clinic to be held in SAFRA Yishun on 23 , 24 and 30 and 31 May 09. Interested particpants are to email admin2@smf.org.sg for registration by 15 May 09.

Photo From Everest Camp 2

2009-04-27T23:13:00.005+08:00

Just received a photo of Joanne at C2. The NATAS-Singapore Women's Everest Team should have reached C3 by now. We wish them success in conquering Earth's highest peak.

Jerry Moffatt Revelations

2009-04-19T21:10:00.010+08:00

Revelations is an autobiography of British climbing legend Jerry Moffatt.

As a 17 year old boy, Jerry was already aware of his destiny of being the best in the world. Reading it is like a blast to the past, while following Jerry's meteoric rise to rock climbing stardom. It also provides substantial history on the development of sport climbing in the early 80s. Interesting chapter in the books includes overcoming injuries, coping with competition pressure and money issues.

Get ready to be inspired by Jerry's dedication.

"Some people go through school and remember everything they are taught. They never have to revise and they sail through exams. These are the people who are seen as the smart people. But really, often they are just lucky enough to have a good memory fro what they are being taught. It doesn't necessarily mean they are smarter than people who don't - or can't - remember those things."

"Climbing is often seen as a lifestyle thing, something a lot of people dedicate their lives to. They do it obsessively when they are young, then fit it in around work and family commitments, and later carry on doing it for as long as they are physically able. It's one of the biggest things in their lives and some people build everything around it. There are climbers who never loss their drive, even when their ability dies off."

The Danger Of Open Slings

2009-04-17T23:25:00.002+08:00

DMM's climbing gear designer Graham Drsroy shows us the dangers of using open slings as runners:

Safety Video - The Danger Of Open Slings from UKClimbing.com TV on Vimeo.

IFSC Climbing Worldcup (B) - Kazo (JPN)

2009-04-10T13:36:00.002+08:00

The IFSC World Cup season for Boulder discipline starts tomorrow in Kazo, Japan.

Singapore's very own IFSC aspirant Judge Woo Chee Yeong will be doing his final aspirant in ths Kazo World Cup. Upon successful completion of the aspirant training, Chee Yeong will be the fourth IFSC Judge from Singapore. We wish him all the best in his final aspirant training.

Swiss Mountain Cleaners

2009-04-04T22:46:00.003+08:00

Now we know why the Swiss Alps is so beautiful...

Mountain Cleaners from swissmiss on Vimeo.

Home Gym

2009-03-30T17:04:00.003+08:00

8a.nu recently ran a contest for nice and inspiring home gyms. Check out the photos posted by some of the contestants.

Off to Everest

2009-03-21T15:00:00.004+08:00

Was at Changi Airport this morning to sent the Joanne and the NATAS Singapore Women's Everest Team off. We saw Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, sponsors, representatives from various organisation and legions of supporters who have been there since 5 am... somehow I felt that someone was missing...

The girls were a year late in their meeting with earth's highest peak but I believe this extra year has enabled them to be better prepared in their biggest challenge to date.

All the best

IFSC Officials Seminar 2009

2009-03-17T17:30:00.004+08:00

Two IFSC Officials seminars were held concurrently in Imst and Hong Kong last weekend. The seminars were open to all IFSC Officials (Routesetters and Judges) and this is the first time the seminar is held in Asia. The Hong Kong seminar saw participation of 28 officials.

Some of the updates include the confirmation of Asian Youth Championship 2009 in Kazakhstan in July, a demo of the Speed Relay in this years' Would Championship in Qinghai.

Many thanks to Sammy and Kit of HKSCU for the effort and warm hospitality when we were in Hong Kong.

Back to Nature

2009-02-22T20:28:00.010+08:00

Was back in Dairy Farm after more than a year. The Farm's getting more crowded and there's some pretty good line since i last went. The climb was unfortunately cut short due to a sudden downpour

Popping Bolts

2009-02-17T20:47:00.003+08:00

A reminder to always check the bolts while climbing outdoor.

A climber fell and died in a tragic accident in Australia this January. Nick Kaczorowski fell on one of the bolts, unfortunately cutting his rope on a very sharp edge of rock. An investigation followed during which it was discovered that this route (Last Chance for Happy End) had been bolted with 8mm expansion bolts which are not suitable for the soft rock in that area.

On Saturday (1st February) Mike Law, Andy Richardson and Simon Carter, acting with the support of National Parks and Wildlife Service Rangers, fixed rope down the entire 270m route and removed ALL of the bolts from this climb.

All of the bolts (including belays) failed at ridiculously low loads. Up to 90% were easily tugged out by hand.

See video below:

Training From Home

2009-02-12T21:22:00.001+08:00

Chairmen of the board from beastmaker.co.uk on Vimeo.

2009 Competition Calendar

2009-01-30T10:09:00.004+08:00

31 Jan to 1 Feb: French School
04 to 05 Feb: Bouldermania(NTU)
06 to 08 Mar: Gravical(SMU)
08 Feb: Climb Asia 'Discovery' Championship
20 to 22 Mar: Boulderactive(NUS)
04 to 05 Apr: Climax(Outram Secondary)
May: Climb X(TJC)
15 to 17 May: Pumpfest(NTU)
24 to 26 May: Let's Rock(Springfield Secondary)
13 to 21 Jun: Rockmaster(Singapore Poly)
June: Rockmania(Temasek Poly)
June: Rock On(Safra)
July: NSSCC
Aug/Sep: Climb On(Climb Asia)
Sep/Oct: Climbaprix(Singapore Poly)

Last Climb in the Year of the Rat

2009-01-25T21:53:00.015+08:00

Wishing everyone a prosperous Chinese New Year.

The newest route at the outdoor wall in Climb Asia

KSMD redpointing the newest route

Allsports Promotion

2009-01-12T22:21:00.003+08:00

BEAL HARNESSES*
AERO-CLASSIC $99.00 NETT
AERO-MOUNTAIN II $89.00 NETT
AERO-CLIFF $79.00 NETT
AERO-TEAM III $79.00 NETT

CLIMBER STARTER KIT at $120.00*
BEAL AERO-TEAM III/ AERO-CLIFF Harness
FADERS HMS Carabiner
FADERS FIGURE 8 Belay Device
SNAP Chalk Block
FIVE TEN Chalk Bag (SMALL)

Address: 52 Ubi Ave 3 #04-44, Frontier
Tel: 6848 9489/ 6337 7728
Email: email 0464@starhub.net.sg

*While stock last

The Yishun Climbing Community

2009-01-02T15:36:00.005+08:00

Climbing in Yishun SAFRA has become more exciting ever since a regular climbing group took matters into their own hands to routeset for the Centre. There's aa fair share of coloured routes as well as taped ones with climbing beta neatly documented next to each climbing wall. There's even facebook group dedicated for The Yishun Climbing Community.

Here's some photos of the group's hard work and do give them a pat on the back the next time you see them in Yishun. If you are not sure who they are, just ask the cashier seated at the counter.

Last Day of 2008

2008-12-31T11:37:00.007+08:00

With 2008 coming to an end, we wonder what's brewing in 2009. Rock On will be back next year after a 2 years hiatus. Republic Polytechnic and SMU will also be opening up their competition on a invitational basis next year. We will also be seeing some sort of boulder league among Rockmaster, Boulderactive and Pumpfest. A group of volunteers are ready to extend their assistance to next year's NSSCC while another group has taken the effort to document climbing routes in SAFRA Yishun in Facebook

2009 will be even more interesting.

Happy New Year!!!

Climbers Laboratory Official Opening

2008-12-28T19:08:00.009+08:00

Guests were greeted with luminous climbing routes during the official opening of Climbers Laboratory last weekend.

Allsports Moving

2008-12-20T13:02:00.004+08:00

Allsports Equipment will be shifting from Peninsula Plaza to Ubi after 20 Dec 08. Retail business will resume in Jan 09. Address is 52 Ubi Ave 3 #04-44, Frontier. You may call 6848 9489 or email 0464@starhub.net.sg for more details.

Climbers Laboratory Climbing Bash

2008-12-14T20:22:00.002+08:00

Climbers Laboratory will be opened to all members for free this coming Sunday, 21 December 08. Members just have flash and leave their membership card at the counter to enjoy a day's free climb from 10am - 7pm..

Non-member who wishes to join in the event, can sign up as member on the very day itself. Membership is $30.00 and they are entitled to 1 free climb pass..

See you at the Lab on Sunday.

Climb.MAX '09

2008-12-13T12:14:00.004+08:00

Start: 13 Dec 08, Saturday at 12:00pm
End: 8 Jan 09, Thursday at 3:00pm
Location: REPUBLIC POLYTECHNIC,
9 Woodlands Ave 9, Singapore 738964

Contact: Aidil Adli, 91823970
Email: aidilace_@hotmail.com

Ayden Says Hi

2008-11-27T09:35:00.003+08:00

Baby Ayden says hi to the climbing community. He arrives on 26 Nov 08, 1155pm.

French School Climbing Competition

2008-11-18T21:48:00.008+08:00

Saturday 31st January and Sunday 1st February 2009.

Categories
12 years old and under (boys and girls)
14 years old and under (boys and girls)
18 years old and under (boys and girls)

Format
4 boys and 4 girls per age category

Registration Deadline
11th December 2008

Competition info

The Sunday Times - Extreme Performers

2008-11-16T20:18:00.005+08:00

A familiar face in today's The Sunday Times

The Sharp End Trailer

2008-11-15T22:32:00.003+08:00

Formation of European Climbing Council

2008-11-01T12:20:00.004+08:00

The European Council for Sport Climbing (ECSC) was formed during a meeting after the European Championship in Paris.

ECSC will be responsible for the administration, development and furtherance
of sport climbing in Europe.

IFSC European Championship in Paris

2008-10-17T15:17:00.000+08:00

The IFSC European Championship will be broadcasted live on the following address:

http://www.orange.fr/bin/frame.cgi?u=http%3A//team.sports.orange.fr/videos/orange-sports-tv/

Singapore time 18/10 from 2:15 to 5:30
Singapore time 19/10 from 2:15 to 5:30

Bouldering will delayed telecast after Lead and Speed.

Climb On! Singapore 2008

2008-10-10T10:14:00.000+08:00

Once again Climb On! Singapore us back from 1 - 2 November 2008 at Pasir Ris Park

Registration is now OPEN
Early Bird Prices till 24 Oct only!

Please be reminded to avoid swimming at Pasir Ris beach as water is unclean.

Photos from IFSC World Cup - Imst

2008-10-06T11:46:00.000+08:00

Here's some photos of the recent IFSC World Cup in Imst, courtesy of Mr Macro Togni from Italy. More photos can be found on http://www.marcotogni.it/imst2008/

IFSC World Cup Puurs Live

2008-09-26T14:32:00.000+08:00

Photo courtesy of http://www.traveladdict.be/

IFSC World Cup Bern Video

2008-09-23T21:24:00.000+08:00

WorldCup 2008 Magnet from Jan Sigrist on Vimeo.

IFSC World Cup - Imst

2008-09-18T17:40:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow's World Cup in Imst will see Competitors will be spared hours of isolation during the qualification round. The qualifiers will be competing in flash modus over 2 routes. All lead World Cup competitions will be using this format from 2009 onwards.

http://wettkampf.sportzentrum.at/wcimst08/

Route Judge Clinic

2008-09-03T11:56:00.000+08:00

There will be a route judges clinic for teachers and coaches to be held at Climb Asia on Saturday, 13 Sept 08, from 1200hrs to 1700hrs.

The aim of this clinic is to
1) provide up-to-date information about Lead Climbing Competition rules,
2) equip them with practical knowledge about conducting and judging lead climbing competitions,
3) build up a pool of trained judges to facilitate future school climbing competitions.

This clinic will be conducted by National Judge, Melvin Low. This clinic is free and participants are encouraged to help out in future climbing competitions as judges in order to reinforce what they will learn from the clinic.

Please email to amuerte@climb-asia.com if interested.

A Muerte - Climbasia

2008-09-02T11:30:00.000+08:00

Category
U16, U18, Open , Invitational

Format
Qualification: 3 routes via red-point from 1st to 14th Sep 08
Finals: On-sight on 20th Sep 08

For more beta, kindly visit http://www.climb-asia.com/

Remember to bring your belayer during the qualifiers

IFSC World Youth Campionship - Sydney

2008-08-28T09:44:00.000+08:00

Catch the IFSC World Youth Championship live from today

http://www.sportclimbingaustralia.org.au/1.0/WYC/streaming.htm

Asian Youth Cup & Spiderkids 2008

2008-08-27T11:45:00.000+08:00

The Asian Youth Cup & Spiderkid 2008 is probably the bigeest regsional youth competition to date. 36 categories, all 3 disciplnes and 6 age-groups. This is the first time we are seeing competitors under 13 years old competiting in a regional event.

The competition saw Thailand winning 2 superfinals over Indonesia in the boulder discipline. Indonesia nevertheless become the overall champion winning 30 out of 36 gold.

Competition for the first day was rather chaotic (staring list was not prepared, competitors were given duplicate number tags). AFSC Delegate, Jury Pres and I had to do everything ourselves. The local judges who are Sydney-bound were not helping as much as we expected them to. For the next few days, I have to double up as results service while Jury Pres have to oversee the isolation. I even have to bring the laptop and printer to my room to finish the work, going to bed only after 2am. As the competition continues, we seek to slowly get back on track starting and ending on time with the luxury of a well deserved rest between the running categories.

Asian Youth Cup 2008 can be described as catastrophic, but the experiences obtained is definitely much more than a well orchestrated competions as it forces one to think first and learn quickly from the limitations. Comparing day one and the last day of the competition, I could proudly said that we have done a good job.

Bali Here I Come

2008-08-20T11:58:00.000+08:00

Am now boarding my plane to Bali for the Asian Youth Cup judging assignment. This competition will feature the youth categories and the first ever spiderkid categories (13 years and under). All 3 disciplines will be included.

The IFSC International Judges & Routesetter Course will take place in Sydney next week. Applicants will have to see for a theory test and practical training in the World Youth Championship. Chee Yeong will be the only person attending the Judges Course while Rozihan (Yan) will be going to the Routesetter Course. Wish them all the best and look forward to hearing their experience.

There's been a lot of discussion with regards to the recent NSSCC. Issues ranges from judging and routesetting issues, format, quota etc. This has prompted part of the climbing community to hold a dialogue session with SMF to see how both groups can complement each other and work together next year. We look forward to a better NSSCC next year.

Wrap it Up Like This

2008-08-01T11:36:00.000+08:00

Using a video compilation is probably the best way to wrap up a comp...

NSSCC 2008

2008-07-20T22:34:00.000+08:00

Here are some pictures of the NSSCC that took place over this weekend. Semis and Finals will be held next weekend.

Rockamania XIV

2008-07-12T08:21:00.000+08:00

Open Pro Men
Yam
Foo Xiu Quan Haroz
Md Hazlee

Open Pro Women
Sue Ann
Alyssa Tang
Sarah Jean Toh

Open Intermediate Men
Adrian Looi
Shaun Goh
Mohd Shahizan

Open Intermediate Women
Fong Weiling
Mayafirhana Bte Hairulhassan
Celine Goh

Open Novice Women
Md Faliq
Treven Tan
Muhd.Fitri

Open Novice Men
Zhang Bin Bin
Ainul Aqilah
Amelia Tay Mei Sze

Speed Men
Muhammad Ridzuan
Uzair
Mohd Hanif

Speed Women
Chloe Tan Yi Ting
Ng Li Janice
Sarah Jean Toh

World Championship Coming to Asia

2008-06-23T15:27:00.000+08:00

World Championship 2009 will move to Qinghai, China after it was cancelled by the Swiss Alpine Club. This should enable more Asian Federations to take part in next year’s championship as it is now more affordable to travel to China instead of Switzerland.

Asia will be hosting 2 International Championships next year; World Games 2009 (Kaohsiung, TPE) and World Championship 2009 (Qinghai, China).

Everything Is Rising

2008-06-15T21:52:00.001+08:00

First it's rice, then it's petrol. Now the price of climbing has also increase. Starting 1 July, the rate of Safre Yishun climbing wall will be increased to $8 (before GST) for SAC members who are now paying $4 (before GST). Next time you head down to the wall, remeber to climb twice as hard to get your value for money.

Rockamiania XIV

2008-06-12T19:49:00.000+08:00

Climb Adventure Closure

2008-05-29T11:29:00.000+08:00

Climb Adventure will cease operation with immediate effect.
Any latest development will be updated in Climb Adventure website.

SNCS climbing instructors can call Geraldine for purchase of course certificates.

Rockmaster 13 Results

2008-05-28T10:23:00.000+08:00

Open Men
1 Hafzanizam
2 Yam Choon Hian
3 Muhammad Zaki

Open Women
1 Siti Rohani Binti Rosli
2 Salfarina
3 Sarah-Jean Toh Min Ler

Intermediate Men
1 Terry Lim
2 Muhammad Hafiz
3 Leong Chee Hong Leon

Intermediate Men
1 Alyssa Tang Meiyan
2 Clara
3 Uyanga Otgonbayar

Novice Men
1 Muhammad Izzuan Bin Sa'adon
2 Hilman
3 Don Tantono

Novice Women
1 Lin Kaishi Doris
2 Ng Li Janice
3 Nur Ayuni Bte Sudirmaji

Climbing In Yangshuo

2008-05-25T20:41:00.000+08:00

Was chatting up with a climbing friend recently when he spoke about climbing in Yangshuo, China.

Rock climbing in Yangshuo was first put on the map by the late Todd Skinner who visited in 1992 establishing a number of classic lines such as "Moonwalker" which traverses the famous Moon Hill arch.

There are around 200 documented routes in Yangshuo with new routes being established daily by visiting foreign climbers or expatriates residing close by. While most routes are single-pitch bolted sport climbing routes, a growing amount of multi-pitch sport routes are beginning to appear as climbers venture above the first anchor. There is also great potential for traditional climbing.

GRIGRI - Belaying the leader

2008-05-20T10:53:00.000+08:00

Petzl has uploaded a video to demostrate the correct technique to belay the leader with a Grigri.It's worth to take a look especially if you are a Grigri owner. The longer you live, the longer you get to climb.

GRIGRI - Belaying the leader
Uploaded by Petzl-crew

Rockamaster XIII

2008-05-10T10:41:00.000+08:00

Pumpfest 2008

2008-05-07T21:01:00.000+08:00

Venue: Kallang Leisure Park

30th May 2008 - Qualifiiers
Novice (School)
Novice Men
Novice Women
School Team
Intermediate Women

31st May 2008 - Qualifiers
Intermediate Men
Open Women
Open Men

1st June 2008 - Finals

Registration are to be made before 18th May 2008. There will also be a registration booth set upat Climbasia on 10th May and next 17th May from 12 noon to 7pm.

Climbing in Perth

2008-05-06T11:57:00.000+08:00

While visiting his relatives inn Perth last month. Stan took the opportunity to travel to some of the local crags an gym. More information of the climbing location can be found at http://www.rockclimbing.com/

Deep water solo at Black Wall Reach...I see no water though

The Churchman's Brook

"The Hang Out" in the Estate of Bayswater in Perth.

Statham's Quarry

National Schools Sport Climbing Championship 2008

2008-04-26T17:25:00.000+08:00

Dates: 19 July to 27 July 2008
Venue: Meridian Junior College
Category: Individual & Team

More information will be announced in May.

Exponent Asia

2008-04-06T23:23:00.000+08:00

Here's a preview of the newest climbing gym located in the west.

Spot The Difference

2008-03-30T14:19:00.000+08:00

See if you can spot the diffenence between the 2 posters.

Boulderactive 2008

2008-03-23T16:11:00.000+08:00

We got no boulder gym still managed to put up a good fight. Was in 5th in the team category, better than teams with a bouldering facilities.

Salute to these brave souls...

Asian Championship 2008 - Dyno and Speed Relay Included

2008-03-12T23:09:00.000+08:00

China will be hosting the Asian Championship 2008 from 22 to 25 May in Guangzhou. New disciplines such as Dyno and Speed Relay will be introduced during this championshp.

Speed relay will consist of Men's Relay, Women's Relay and Mixed Relay. The Men's and Women's Relay shall consist of 3 competitors per team while the mixed relay shall consist of 1 male and 1 female competitor.

NUS Boulderactive 2008

2008-03-05T20:50:00.000+08:00

21st March 2008 - Qualifiiers
Under16 and Novice Men
Under16 and Novice Women
Team event

22nd March 2008 - Qualifiers
Intermediate Men
Intermediate Women
Open Women
Open Men

23rd March 2008 - Finals

Online registration opens on 10 March 2008 and closes on 16 March 2008

Happy Chinese New Year

2008-02-07T12:12:00.000+08:00

Gravical wishes everyone a Prosperous New Year!

LFC Compétition d'Escalade/Climbing Competition Results

2008-02-06T20:04:00.000+08:00

Under 12 Girls
1-Louise Ribet (LFS)
2- Saphia Pétard (UWC)
3- Celesti Loh (Springfield Secondary School)

Under 12 Boys
1- Charles-Nicolas Gaubert Amy (LFS)
2- Muhd Azeem (Springfield Secondary School)
3- Bin Han (Outram Secondary School

Under 14 Girls
1- Janice Ng (Outram Secondary School)
2- Mirella Reboulet (LFS)
3- Joyln Tan (Outram Secondary School)

Under 14 Boys
1- Muhd Hafiz (Springfield Secondary School)
2- Muhd Faliq (Springfield Secondary School)
3- Md Zulfahmi (Springfield Secondary School)

Under 18 Girls
1-Goh Xiao Xian (Victoria Junior College)
2- Penelope Teoh (UWC)
3- Zoé Pétard (UWC)

Under 18 Boys
1- Wong Yun Hao (First Toah Payoh Secondary School)
2- Muhd Kamarularifin (ITE College East)
3- Muhd Haikal (Springfield Secondary School)

LFS Climbing Competition - 2nd & 3rd Feb

2008-02-01T23:31:00.000+08:00

Competition Calendar 2008 (Provisional)

2008-01-26T23:20:00.000+08:00

French School Comp, LFS (D)
2 - 3 Feb

NUS Boulderactive, Plaza Singapura (B)
22 - 23 Mar

Outram Comp (D)
Apr

SP Rockmaster, Central @ Clarke Quay(B)
May

NP (D)
17 - 18 May

TP Rockamania, Temasek Poly (D & S)
13 - 15 Jun

NTU ODAC Pumpfest, Leisure Park (B)
20-22 Jun

Let's Rock, Sec Springfield (D)
18 - 20 Jun

NSSCC (D & S)
17 -19 Jul

IFSC International Officials Course

2008-01-19T21:47:00.000+08:00

The IFSC International Officials Course for Judges and Routesetters will take place on the week prior to the Youth World Championship as in 2007 in occasion of the Ibarra Ecuador YWCH.

Course details will be made available in the coming weeks and will be announced online.

The YWCH is in Sydney Australia 28-31 August. The courses will include a few days of theory, prior to the competition, and then practical during the YWCH.

Sir Edmund Hillary dies

2008-01-12T11:42:00.000+08:00

"I can't give you any fresh answers to why a man climbs mountains. The majority still go just to climb them."

Sir Edmund Hillary, the unassuming beekeeper who conquered Mount Everest to win renown as one of the 20th century's greatest adventure passed away in New Zealand on Friday, aged 88.

Sir Edmund and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay were the first men to climb Mount Everest on 29 May 1953. They were members of the ninth British expedition to Everest, led by Lord John Hunt. Norguay passed away in 1986, Lord Hunt in 1998.

Sir Edmund Hillary was born on July 20, 1919 in Tuakau, New Zealand.

While the triumph over Everest has propelled him to international fame, His effort towards the Nepali people left a greater legacy . After Everest he devoted his life to the Sherpas Communities in Nepal's Khumbu region over the next 64 years. In 1960 he established The Himalayan Trust to help battle poverty in the region building schools, clinics and bridges. He was made an honorary Nepalese citizen in 2003.

A state funeral is being planned in New Zeland, whille flags are lowered to half mast nationwide.

New TP Wall

2008-01-04T22:51:00.001+08:00

New Wall, Old Faces

2008-01-03T22:57:00.001+08:00

Was back in TP to visit Terence and Yeuan Huei today. Suprised to see the chicken rice auntie back in businss canteen.

Saw the new wall. The 2 flat wall on each side has been replaced by T-Wall GRP Triangle System. There are also 2 abseiling towers, one above the roof wall, the other on the left.

Photos to follow soon

Marmot Mountain Festival

2007-12-16T01:04:00.000+08:00

Had a good night out at the Mamot Mountain Festival. Met up with some old friends, free flow of Stella Artois, terrific presentation of the Cho Oyu by SWET.

Come next year, the girls will attempt to summitt Everest. Check out the SWET website for more details:

http://www.womenoneverest.com

Sport Climbing welcomed into the Olympic Movement

2007-12-14T01:26:00.000+08:00

The IOC Executive Board has granted provisional recognition status to the IFSC on December 10.

Notably the IFSC focus on youth was cited as a factor in the EB decision. The recognition gives the IFSC an official association to the IOC, not to mention membership in the ARISF.

The IFSC was created January 27th 2007, when 48 member federations voted unanimously to create the new International Federation, which was a continuation of the International Council for Competition Climbing – in existence since 1997. Exactly three months later the IFSC was granted membership of the GAISF, The General Association of International Sports Federations. IFSC is member of the International World Games Association and Sport Climbing premiered in The World Games in 2005 and will again feature in The World Games 2009. Looks like we might soon see the inclusion of Sports Climbing in the SEA Games and Asian Games.

SEA Games Calendar
2009 – Laos
2011 – Jakarta, Indonesia
2013 – Singapore

Asian Games Calendar
2010 - Guangzhou, China

8a Airpad

2007-12-08T10:35:00.000+08:00

Inflatable crashpad by 8a and HGB.Inflatable crashpad by 8a and swedish company BHG. Takes 3 minutes to be inflated using a pump.

Marmot Mountain Festival

2007-12-07T01:21:00.000+08:00

Venue: Ice Cold Beer (SMU)
Date:15 Dec 07, 3pm - late

Come join the Singapore Women's Everest Team (SWET) at the Marmot Mountain Festival on the Sat, 15th of December.

The Women's Team will also be sharing their Cho Oyu (6th highest mountain in the world) experience at the event, complete with never-before-released footage.

Ticket on Sale at Campers' Corner @ SGD$30. Ticket sales will contribute towards making the Everest climb next year possible