SUMC - Swansea University Mountaineering Club

This page aims to answer some of the more frequently asked questions about the club. If you want to know about anything not covered here then please don't hesitate to contact us.

Do I need experience?

^ No, absolutely no experience is required! Climbers of all standards, including complete beginners, are welcome. With enthusiasm and regular attendance of club events you will be well into climbing after a year with us. The club also has a large number of experienced members who will be glad to pass on their knowledge to you. To help you get started we will be running beginner sessions so that we can teach you how to climb safely. There is also a code of safety, which must be followed.

Do I need any equipment?

^ Not much except the appropriate clothing to keep you warm and dry. We do suggest that you start climbing in an old pair of trainers, the tighter fitting the better. Later you may decide to buy some climbing shoes and the equipment that is required to second, and later still that required to lead, rather than rely on club gear. From the climbing you will have done by this point you should know what gear you will need!

Is climbing expensive?

^ Climbing can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. To start all you need to do is join the club (see the about page for details). The club owns all the gear you will need to start climbing, and will lend it to you as and when needed. If you decide you are serious about climbing then you will probably want to buy your own equipment. Members of the club receive discount at the local climbing shops - in previous years this has been in the region of 15%. To be able to second using your own equipment you will need to spend about £100. If you decide you wish to lead using your own gear this will cost you about £300, though it is possible to spend a lot more. Do remember though that the club gear is for club members to use so there is often no need to buy all your own gear save for the essentials. In addition, if you climb with someone who has their own gear then you may be able to borrow it as needed.

What about socials?

^ The club has regular social events each term including Christmas parties, curry nights, themed parties and summer beach BBQs. After every Thursday training session we go to JC's or Divas. We're sure you'll make lots of great new friends, and maybe your increasingly toned body will increase your pulling power!

Who is on the committee?

^ Take a look at the committee page to find out who the members of the current committee are.

Where are notices posted?

^ The club notice board is located in the student union building on the landing between the first and second floors at the Level 2 shop end, as shown on the sketch map to the right. Club notices, news, events and pictures are regularly posted on the club website. The website is where you go to sign up for trips, and the main place to look for other important club information.

Where do you meet?

^ Take a look at the events page to find out more about when and where we meet.

How do I find out more?

^ If you wish to find out more about the club then your best bet is either to see us at Fresher's Fayre, or send us an email. If you wish to find out more about climbing in general then take a look at the resources page.

Is climbing dangerous?

^ Climbing and Mountaineering are regarded as particularly dangerous forms of recreation. Climbing certainly does involve danger and there will be occasional accidents, but its very danger prompts the most judicious care and good judgement from its participants. Danger concentrates the mind wonderfully and climbers are extremely aware of this.

What do all these climbing terms mean?

^ A glossary of terms is available on the resources page.

Why all the coloured tape?

^ Coloured tape is used to denote ownership of the gear. This method is in common usage (hence this question being under general climbing questions), and a list of tape colours used by current members of the club is available.

What gear do I need to second?

^ To second you will need, as an absolute minimum, a harness, a screw-gate carabiner, a belay plate and a nut key. To make the actual job of climbing easier, rock boots and a chalk bag are also good ideas. Further a pair of prussik loops and another screw-gate carabiner are advisable. You can usually borrow most of this gear from the club, and so you won't need to buy it to begin with.

Where can I climb locally?

^ Gower is right on our doorstep and has a variety of climbs of most grades. This area is an easy car journey from the University, and can even, at a push, be accessed by public transport. Further afield there is much climbing in South Wales, which is covered in the same guide book as Gower, and Pembroke (which isn't). Both of these areas are about an hour's drive away. Indoor climbers are also well catered to, with Swansea's indoor climbing centre around 15 minutes away and the Welsh Indoor Climbing Centre just over an hour away.

Is there a guide book for the area?

^ There is a guide book that covers South Wales and Gower, and this is available from most local outdoor shops. The guide is titled "Gower & South East Wales" and is produced by the South Wales Mountaineering Club.