Page 90 - Wish Stream Year of 2019

We aim to start at a low grade and slowly develop the OCdts over the six days. The gradual increase in dif- ficulty combined with learning different tech- niques and increased resilience is what Sandhurst teaches you, and what we’ll teach the OCdts on this trip.
The climbs on the first
day are basic and it’s shown by the
OCdts, who basically run up the
wall. Whether it’s the adrenaline or
sheer skill, I’m still unsure, but it’s
a good sign. It means the options
for where we go are broader. Bet-
ter yet it means we get to see
more of this beautiful region and experiment with different walls – big walls, boulders, and over- hangs are no longer off limits. Brilliant! Need- less to say, it’s the climbs that Ali and I set up in about 45 minutes, have been completed by all in less than 30, so we experiment with one other: a 5a. Definitely a step up from what was previously climbed. Ali and I give more coach- ing on this climb, as it’s clear there’s a distinct lack of holds compared to the prior two. Some OCdts are struggling, which allows me to do my job and give advice as to where to put hands, feet and how to avoid disco legs (the act of hav- ing too much pump in your leg that causes it to shake uncontrollably). After the climb has been conquered by all, we call it a day and enjoy our first night in the hostel.
Our first full day of climbing! We aim for a 0930hrs set off that inevitably ends up being moved to 1000hrs due to leave-mode being engaged. After morning routine is complete, we set off from base in a positive mood with the sun blaring. We are heading to Jabali today that has climbs suitable for beginners and intermediates (grading 3-5), the right grades to get the lads confidence up for the week ahead.
Four climbs set up, there are plenty to have a go on. Ali and I are trying our utmost to develop each difficult area as much as we can, suggest- ing different handholds and emphasising to use legs more than arms. Your leg muscles are twice as big as your arm muscles and pushing is more
effective than pulling but try telling a group of OCdts to limit use of their biceps... ‘Primera Ola’ the 5+ route, the highest grade of the day, is getting a lot of attention. A 5+ in its grading with limited amount of obvious hand and footholds, it tested the patience of some OCdts. Per- sistence and tenacity prevail, and they all
conquer the tricky climb – a feat that made me proud.
Four days and many climbs later...
It’s been a solid week and the boys
are embellishing the final day of tra- versing rock faces for fun. We head to the wall and it’s a familiar sight as it’s the first wall we climbed when we arrived, Echo 1.5. The Lion King’s ‘Circle of Life’ goes through my mind as the wall symbolises the climber’s progression from beginning to end, starting off slow and end- ing as experienced climbers. We head further up the wall to the more challenging grades; after all, we can’t end on 3s and 4s as that’d be too easy. We aim for 5s to keep our egos high and ourselves challenged. The climbers with hands full of chalk scatter up the rock face and con- quer climb after climb. Satisfaction is the theme of today’s climb as all previous techniques that have been taught are put into practice and the success has been achieved.
It’s time to head home and, as we pack up our equipment, we look back on the familiar crag with fondness. Costa Del Sol has given us the climbers dream and I for one was melancholic to be leaving. 2 hours later and we’re back in Gatwick awaiting the generous 44 Sqn to take us back to Sandhurst.
The trip was a success in both overcoming fears and bonding us as soldiers in a platoon. I realise that the pressures of overcoming a climb can be directly translated to combat effectiveness. AT is a fantastic tool in developing soldiers, and I’ve been fortunate enough to be given a qualification to further promote mental resilience.
Whether it’s the adrenaline or sheer skill, I’m still unsure...
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