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CADETS REACH NEW
HEIGHTS IN INAUGURAL
CLIMBING COMPETITION
In a display of agility and strength, a hundred cadets have successfully completed the first-ever Wing indoor climbing competition. This landmark event marks a significant advancement in the Wing’s commitment to adventure training. Awesome
Walls in Sheffield kindly hosted the event which saw cadets engage in both top rope climbing and bouldering.
Top rope climbing is a climbing style where the climber is attached to a rope which runs through an anchor system at the top of the climb. This rope is controlled by a belayer at the bottom who takes in slack in the rope. During the competition the grades became progressively more difficult to challenge the cadet’s ability in selecting the optimum routes. The cadets also enjoyed an introduction to bouldering, which is a more intense form of climbing with short, complex routes without the aid of ropes, relying on skill, strength, balance and problem-solving skills.
Each participant began with a warm-up climb to prepare for round 1 and 2 of the competition, the best climbers then competed in the semi-final and finals within each age category. Each round involved progressively more difficult climbs with the highest wall being 16.5 metres in height! The event not only tested the cadet’s physical strength but also their mental resilience, strategic thinking and problem solving skills.
Congratulations to the below for achieving gold medals;
Under 15 Female: Olivia Major (2460), Over 15 Female: Gabriella Tredinnick (366), Under 15 Male: Danny Bird (366), Over 15 Male: Jake Parry (59)
The competition was a unique experience
Squadron Leader Kat Barton, the Wing Adventure Training Technical Officer, who both planned and oversaw the event, expressed her pride in the cadet’s performance and gratitude towards the staff: “This has been a fantastic event that showcased some fantastic climbing whilst providing an introduction
to climbing for cadets across the Wing. This event was very complex to organise, and my profound thanks must be extended to the huge staff team for organising this landmark event. Their tireless efforts have been instrumental in the success of this event."
CWO Jake Thomas (185 Sqn) said "The competition was a unique experience that allowed
CADET REVIEW SUMMER 2024 51