A little music, some philosophy and uber hard climbing

BD athlete Nico Favresse on La Reina Mora (8c+) in Siurana, Spain from Black Diamond Equipment on Vimeo.

Profile - Ben West

Ah ha - now it is the turn of our very own Ben West, the one and only!

1. What is your role at UCR?
I'm the Centre Manager, Chief Route Setter and ' I will do whatever.'

2. How did you get into climbing?
It was on a school trip with my 'old' science teacher, Guy Jarvis. By-the-way, he didn't teach me much science.

3. What is your most memorable climbing experience?
There are quite a few - most of them involving Steve Findlay. The highlight, if you can call it that, was being caught up in the tsunami in Thailand. As a party of 6 we were climbing at the Ao Nang Tower. Steve and I had climbed the route, signed the book and lowered off. Whilst the others were climbing, Steve and I were deep water soloing around the tower when we noticed the tide rushing out. We got back into the boat and then noticed the wave - OMG! We took the boat around the back of the tower for shelter but then the 2nd wave capsized us. Steve became entangled in the anchor rope but managed to free himself. We swam through the waves to the capsized boat and eventually were washed up on shore. Our friends on the tower were rescued 4 hours later by a police boat but we didn't find out that the girl friends were safe until 10 hours later. It was epic!

4. What is your favourite meal?
It has to be roast lamb dinner.

5. Who are your climbing heroes?
I have three. Firstly, there is Martin Crocker. He has done so much in terms of hard trad and sport climbing around the country. Secondly, there is Malcolm Smith. He is a dark horse - super strong but shys away from publicity. Thirdly, there is Ian Vickers who is an unbelievably talented climber with a style all of his own.

6. What are your climbing ambitions?
I want to climb as much as I can and as hard as I can all over the world. Ideally, I would do 8c before the kids arrive!

7. What would be your theme tune?
It has to be 'Eye of the Tiger' by Survivor.

Competition Dates for 2010/11

Our competition and festival dates have been finalised for the coming season and here they are:

Date Details
Thursday 21/10/10 Bouldering Round 1
Saturday 27/11/10 Autumn Festival & Bouldering Round 2
Monday 24/01/11 Schools Comp
Thursday 10/02/11 Bouldering Round 3
Saturday 12/03/11 Spring Festival & Bouldering Round 4

Many thanks to Snow and Rock and Lyon for providing prizes for all categories of climbers from novices through to the experts. Our festivals will be the usual mix of mayhem, fancy dress, good climbing and entertainment.We look forward to seeing you there.

Our website will have more details closer to the date.

Profile - McKenzie Lloyd-Smith

It is the return of the UCR profiling machine and it is the turn of our youngest member of staff, McKenzie, to reveal all.



1. What is your role at UCR?
I hold the role of the youngest employee - I represent the Youth at UCR.

2. How did you get into climbing?
It was through school, QEH, I was injured and couldn't play rugby so I came along to the climbing sessions instead.

3. What is your most memorable climbing experience?
I spent the day trad climbing with Tom Heslam at Gull Bay in Devon. It was an eye-opener to what is possible.

4. What is your favourite meal?
Continuing in the trad line it is good old-fashioned fish 'n' chips especially with minted peas.

5. Who is your climbing hero?
I have 2 - it is Le Cox and Mr West, especially for their natural ability and being able to do what it is they do without seemingly doing any training.

6. What are your climbing ambitions?
It would be to climb abroad and to be able to climb consistently at 7a.

7. What would be your theme tune?
It is Rappers Delight by the Sugarhill Gang.

Price Increases

Our entry prices will be increased to the following rates from Monday August 16th 2010:

New registration £2.00
Re-issue registration card £1.00
Off-peak entry £6.00
Peak entry £7.50
16/17yrs old £5.50
Youth £4.00

We appreciate your assistance in this matter.

No problems climbing walls for disabled students

A GROUP of disabled students from a Bristol school went up the wall, here at Underocver Rock. The trip was arranged to encourage the students not to let their disabilities get in the way of leading an active life and to help them believe that with support they can do everything able-bodied people can do.

The students – five of whom are in wheelchairs and have disabilities including muscular dystrophy, spina bifida and cerebral palsy – each needed the help of two instructors but were determined not to let their disabilities stop them from tackling the 20ft walls.

Academy learning support assistant Nina Matthews, who helped organise the trip with colleagues Rosie Hart and Rachel Gregor, said: "This is the second trip we've organised to the centre. The first, in March, was such a success we decided to do it again. One child said he wasn't even going to take part because it seemed so daunting but he decided to have a go, and the look on his face when he made it to the top of the wall and back was a pleasure to see.

"The main reason for the trip is to broaden the horizons of the students to show they can do anything with a little help."
Student Danielle Lawrence, 14, said: "At first I was frightened but it turned out to be good fun. It really helped me feel more confident."

Story taken from The Evening Post http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/problems-climbing-walls-disabled-students/article-2371049-detail/article.html

The last days of Cheddar

In the last hours before Cheddar eases up for the Summer 2 of our erstwhile staff set out their stalls.

Ben gets Serious
Our Centre Manager decided to go out with a blast. He warmed up on the classic Still Waters 7b, moved onto Metal Detector 7c+, which he dispatched on his first redpoint before turning his attention to The Wrecking Crew 8a+. He sent this also on his first redpoint before warming down on Hellbent 7c. Not bad for an afternoons work!

Tom moves up the grades
Just as impressive, Tom Heslam, on the day before completed his first ever 8a with Fornicator Simulator - he did this on his first redpoint.

Well done to you both - were these guys not supposed to be working?