Page 37 - 2017 AMA Winter

THE ARMY SPORT CLIMBING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017
by Dougie Stein
The Army Sport Climbing Championships was held this year on 17-18 May 17 at Awesome Walls in Liverpool.
Sandwiched between the regional competitions and the inter-Services championships, and after the bouldering league has finished, the Championships is the main opportunity for many climbers to experience competition climbing in a welcoming and all-inclusive environment.
The event was well attended as usual, with climbers of all abilities and all capbadges getting together in the name of their sport. As a lifelong climber, AMA member and UATO, I had always intended to attend, as it is a great event and a fantastic opportunity to catch up with old friends, network, and make new ones.
This year I had some interest from some of the novice trainees at my unit, so we managed to get some training completed at Redpoint in Birmingham to get the basics learned; before we knew it we were off to Liverpool. They all performed well as novices and quite possibly have been bitten by the climbing bug! Here are some their thoughts and impressions of the ASCC 2017:
“I had done some rock climbing during Phase 1 and I had really enjoyed it; I wanted to continue training and learn more but was unsure where to start. I met Capt Stein on an exercise and we got talking about climbing and he offered to train myself and two others to climb at the local climbing centre. After a couple of times climbing Capt Stein mentioned about the army climbing competition in Liverpool; we were nervous, but keen to give it a try! The day arrived of the competition and it seemed a little daunting, but everyone was helpful and kind. On arrival we got checked at tying in and belaying to make sure we were safe to climb. We then warmed up on some of the smaller walls and were given some helpful tips from other climbers at the competition. When it was my turn to climb I did my best and attempted every climb. On the second day I attempted my climb, and then while waiting Capt Stein taught me to lead climb, which I enjoyed. I really enjoyed myself at the competition and watching the better climbers compete, I found watching them climb an inspiration and I want to progress with my climbing in the future because of them, and for the love of the new sport I have found.” Pte Karen Roberts DMS(W).
“During Phase 1 I was given the opportunity to rock climb. I thoroughly enjoyed it, so decided to pursue it during Phase 2.
Getting Warmed up!
AMC competitors together!
After a few attempts climbing, me and few fellow rock climbing enthusiasts decided to enter the Army Sport Climbing Competition. During the competition I gained a lot of confidence in myself and in my team. Rock climbing is a thoroughly enjoyable experience everyone needs to try at least once; it’s built both my strength and my self-confidence.” Pte Lauryn Bland DMS(W).
The climbing was gripping, especially in the latter stages, with some outstanding moves being pulled by some very talented climbers in the finals. Scores were tight, and the RAMC ladies did well with both first and third place going to Lt Amy Johnstone and Capt Emily Palmer respectively.
Lt Johnstone had the following to say about the competition:
“The Army Climbing Championships proved to be a very enjoyable couple of days. As it was my first Army climbing competition, I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly and supportive everyone was. The route setting was fantastic and overall the competition was great fun with some interesting boulder problems and good company.” Lt Amy Johnstone MDHU (N)
I have been going to the championships for many years as an enthusiastic amateur, made many friends over time, and it has never failed to encourage and inspire me to stick with this great sport.
ASCC 2017 Ladies Winners: First place, Lt Amy Johnstone RAMC, Second Place, Cpl Jade Cooper RLC, Third Place, Capt Emily Palmer RAMC
ARMY MOUNTAINEER 35