Matrix Climbing Wall at Sheff Uni

[Cardboard 10]

Does anyone know what the bouldering wall is like?

 

Is it like the Foundry where you have harnesses and go high up, or is it a small cave with lots of bits to grab on?!

 

Cheers

[ox720 10]

The last time I went..(A couple of years ago) It was just a bouldering wall, no need for harnesses. Loads of routes and a big padded floor to fall on

[Knoxville 10]

If you're looking for bouldering you'd be better going here

 

http://www.climbingworks.com/

[Cardboard 10]

Whats more fun? Bouldering or climbing a wall?

[ox720 10]

That's like saying which is more fun Rugby league or union? Surly the best way to find out is to do it your self....but I would recommend doing it for real out in the peaks and not in at a climbing/bouldering wall.

[AtticusFinch 10]

The Matrix is just a bouldering wall with hand holds and a crash mat, so there's no need for any ropes. It's about 3.5 or 4 metres high and had some overhangs etc. There is a good selection of routes from beginners to more advanced. You can climb it okay with just trainers, although rock boots definitely make a difference. I took up climbing about 3-4 months ago and bought some rock boots after a month.

 

The Works is undoubtedly better overall as it has far more climbing surface area and routes. I think the Matrix is more suited to beginners though. The easy routes at the Matrix are easier than those at the Works, and the walls at the Works are just plywood, whereas the Matrix walls are manufactured to be more like real rock faces.

 

I go to the Works more often, but I visit the Matrix occasionally too.

 

[Cardboard 10]

Ive never done it before so all I need to take with me is myself and some comfortable clothes I take it?

[bigchris 10]

As ox says, its just a room with textured 'wall-esque' features. Maybe 12 foot high, and big crashmat style flooring to land on. No equipment needed, except talon like hands and grippy trainers.

 

Is nice, cheap, and good for newbies looking for an intro to climbing.

 

The foundary and edge, btw, also have climbing walls. Just as climbingworks is only a bouldering centre. However, routes are considerably harder for a newbie starting out than at the matrix.

 

Hope this helps.

 

(Ps, missus and I go bouldering/climbing, admittedly her more than I, so if you want to come along, let me know via pm).

[Cardboard 10]

Thanks for the offer bigchris. We'll be going bouldering on our own me thinks coz that sounds easy enough, but might take up your offer about the climbing so you can show us the ropes (pun fully intended )

 

So this may sound like a strange/stupid question...but doesn't bouldering get boring very quickly? It sounds like you just climb up and down a bit and thats it? over very quickly?....or do u just keep challenging yourself with different routes?

[mjlacey21 10]

Thanks for the offer bigchris. We'll be going bouldering on our own me thinks coz that sounds easy enough, but might take up your offer about the climbing so you can show us the ropes (pun fully intended )

 

So this may sound like a strange/stupid question...but doesn't bouldering get boring very quickly? It sounds like you just climb up and down a bit and thats it? over very quickly?....or do u just keep challenging yourself with different routes?

 

Go and try the bouldering, see how many routes you can manage and then see if you find it boring and easy!

 

First time you go you will struggle to complete one or two of the easy routes. Don't fool yourself that it sounds easy because you need less equipment. If I were you I would take up the offer of someone to show you around as it's not just about climbing up, technique is very important.

 

Rope climbing - I would strongly recommend doing a beginner course at the Edge or Foundry opposed to learning from someone you meet on the forum (no offence Chris ) . Safety is extremely important there for yourself and others. If you don't tie your knots properly you could go plummeting down. The course will also include equipment hire and ensure you learn properly and are safe before let loose on the wall.

[bigchris 10]

Thanks for the offer bigchris. We'll be going bouldering on our own me thinks coz that sounds easy enough, but might take up your offer about the climbing so you can show us the ropes (pun fully intended )

 

So this may sound like a strange/stupid question...but doesn't bouldering get boring very quickly? It sounds like you just climb up and down a bit and thats it? over very quickly?....or do u just keep challenging yourself with different routes?

 

I've found that the rope climbs are easier in comparison to bouldering. Therefore, for spice I like to do both. That said, there is a lot of scope for development as when you find yourself improving, you go onto harder routes etc. Never a dull moment!

[bigchris 10]

Go and try the bouldering, see how many routes you can manage and then see if you find it boring and easy!

 

First time you go you will struggle to complete one or two of the easy routes. Don't fool yourself that it sounds easy because you need less equipment. If I were you I would take up the offer of someone to show you around as it's not just about climbing up, technique is very important.

 

Rope climbing - I would strongly recommend doing a beginner course at the Edge or Foundry opposed to learning from someone you meet on the forum (no offence Chris ) . Safety is extremely important there for yourself and others. If you don't tie your knots properly you could go plummeting down. The course will also include equipment hire and ensure you learn properly and are safe before let loose on the wall.

 

 

No offence taken. Quite happy to let you tag along for 'the ride' but I too would strongly suggest you do a course if you find it fun. Safety first and all that!