The Climbing Hangar has recently launched its new venue following the success of it’s Flagship climbing wall receiving over 100k customers, it was due to open earlier in the year, however lockdown meant this had to be pushed back. The Climbing Hangar Matchworks venue features a bright and fresh 11,200 sq foot indoor climbing area suitable for all ages and abilities.
We previously reviewed the Sandhills venue, so we were really exciting to be invited along to check out the the new Speke location and learn all about the benefits of bouldering and test out our skills with an induction session with one of the instructors. Following our session we caught up with the venue manager, Jon to get some helpful bouldering tips for beginners, his thoughts on the benefits and more about what the new venue has to offer.
Tell us a little about yourself, how did you get into climbing / bouldering?
I got into climbing while cycling in Vietnam, a friend I made was passionate about the sport so I tried it out. Although I found it very difficult I thought that it was really fun and wanted to try it more. When I arrived back in the UK a friend had independently taken up bouldering at The Climbing Hangar and so it worked out perfectly.
Do you get many ‘newbies’ at TCH?
Absolutely, each day there are approximately 30 ‘newbies’ coming through the door, and that’s with the current capacity restrictions in place.
What classes or coaching does TCH offer for beginners or anyone looking to improve their skills?
In normal, non-covid, times we offer a whole range of coaching from beginner first steps all the way up to 1 to 1 coaching. We also have coaches who have worked with Team GB and all are mad keen climbers who can get people excited and help them improve.
Can anyone start indoor bouldering / climbing? Do you need to be in good physical shape?
ABSOLUTELY! There is no pre-requisite to start climbing and while it is true that people who take part in other sports may find those initial few sessions easier I know some very good climbers who have come to the sport with no sporting background to speak of!
What would you say the top 5 skills / benefits of bouldering are?
Social skills, we have a great community! Confidence in yourself through physical exercise, exploring outdoors (climbing indoors is great training to get outdoors into nature!), Satisfaction (it’s really rewarding to complete a climb that you have been working for ages), Being able to eat more cake (If I burn 1000 calories climbing surely I can have 2 slices right?!).
Do you think bouldering / climbing has mental health benefits?
Absolutely, it’s well studied that doing any sort of physical exercise can have long term positive impacts on peoples life and climbing is no different. Furthermore, the problem solving and social elements of climbing can only be positive for mental health.
How different is outdoor bouldering from indoor bouldering?
Very! Both are brilliant in their own ways but it’s generally accepted that climbing outdoors is harder for a host of reasons. 1. The holds are not bright colours and so ‘route reading’ is more challenging. 2. The rock is normally quite a bit harder on the skin than the indoor resin and so people find it harder more difficult on their skin. 3. The centre has mats covering the whole climbing area and obviously this is different outdoors. People take their own mats but they only cover a small area which can be a challenge mentally to overcome. Etc. Etc. That being said, there is nothing as fun as climbing outdoors and climbing that problem!
Tips for improving bouldering skills?
For the first year just focus on climbing as much as possible! The real secret to climbing is good footwork and so this is probably the area where most climbers can make the quickest improvements. Every climber, from beginner to world class athletes like Shauna Coxsey, are always trying to improve their footwork.
What essential kit do you need to get started?
Simple – climbing shoes is all you will need for the first session and probably some chalk once you progress a little.
To inquire about a membership, book an induction with an instructor or for more info on The Climbing Hangar Matchworks venue, visit The website or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.
Mountains, trails, paddleboards – if it’s outdoors, I’m probably obsessed with it! As an Outdoor Adventure and Travel Editor, I’m always seeking my next escapade. Through my blog, I share adventure stories, mountain-tested advice, healthy food inspiration, and training tips.
Follow Sam’s adventures on Instagram @sams_adventures_x
