REFLECTION FROM SEMESTER 1 ROCK CLIMBING

- First day on cliffs at Morialta

HLPE3532 Catherine SMITH- 2184049

The class arrived at the Tower Hotel before car-pooling to the top of the
conservation park. Before leaving for the cliffs; the entire class was instructed how to
correctly put on both a helmet and harness. After this the group walked down to the
top of the climbing cliffs where the instructors completed the rope set ups with
involvement from the class both verbal and non-verbal. All members took the
dangerous decent track down to the bottom of the climbs where the instructors
separated the group to detail how to belay and the calls that need to be made between
back up belayer; belayer and climber. From here the class was able to start climbing
for the entire day; while practicing the newly learnt ‘checks’ before safely ascending
up various cliff faces. The weather on the day was pleasant; however, being in direct
sunlight for majority of the day, and exerting a lot of energy it quickly became quite hot
and uncomfortable to continue; yet the enjoyment each student was having allowed
their involvement remain positive.

Many positives and negatives of the day took place as majority of the students
had only met briefly in previous classes and now had to prepare to become a close-
knit group of climbers to get through the semester. A positive that all students took
away was the newly made friendships between each other, these had taken the first
large step of development as we trusted each other heavily to keep each other safe
while climbing. Many of us had also began climbing as beginners; meaning we were
all on a similar level of knowledge and were able to help each other and work as a
team to remain safe and enjoy the day. Minimal negatives can be identified within the
learning experience on that day; one may have been the weather, however everyone
persevered and continue to embrace the experiences.

The new instructors we were introduced to showed three very different teaching
styles; from which many of us students drew closer to one or another. Dave had a very
relaxed style, treating us like adults and having a lot of trust in all of us. Dee was quite
up tight and made sure everything was completed as safe as possible before anyone
was to climb; this I personally preferred as a beginner, and I drew closer to Dee
through ongoing communication. And Joss who had a mixture of both while also
having to consider the ideas and liabilities of the university but could provide
contructive feedback while students were up on the cliffs.