Ok what follows is a little info about the club what we do and how we do it, feel free to ask any questions or get in touch about anything.
The University of Surrey Mountaineering Club is based in Guildford, Surrey. We are mainly a mountaineering club but are usually up for anything! Inparticular we also mess about with powerkites, kayaks, as well as doing a little caving and winter mountaineering.
We meet every Tuesday from 6:30-8:30pm at the Surrey Sports Park, near Tesco and the hospital. After a good climb, we usually go to the Bench (in the sports park) for drinks
We also meet on Wednesdays around 2-4pm at the wall.
On top of this we do our best to organise many outdoor trips trips generally weekend trips which leave uni in a minibus friday afternoon and getting back sunday evening, but we also have week long trips to cornwall, scotland and europe.
Finally and most importantly are the social events which will be advertised on here when they happen. They usually involve some form of pub crawl and end up at the union (or Rubix as its now called)
If you want to join the best thing is to get in touch via this board then come along on a Tuesday night.
Here are some questions answered...
How much does it cost to join?You can join the club through Surrey Sports Park (SSP) at a cost of £10 on top of whatever membership you get.
For non-students you join through unisport too.
This gives you...
BMC membership (including free 3rd party insurance when climbing and outdoors).
10% off virtually every climbing shop.
15% off at Cotswold (
www.cotswoldoutdoor.com).
Use of club equipment.
Various other wonderous things, that you'll find out about!
Do I have to be a member of SSP?If you are a student, you can buy a sports club only membership, which will allow you to use the wall during designated club times (Tue/Wed) ONLY.
Alternatively, you can pay for full membership, which lets you climb whenever you want, as well as use all of the other facilities the sports park has to offer.
I've never climbed can you teach me?Yes, we will show you how to do all aspects of climbing from beginner to expert - but this isn't an offical course run so you wont get a certificate etc (many of the members are fully trained instructors - not all though!).
What equipment do I need?To start with nothing, the club can provide everything you need to begin with (except climbing shoes - but trainers will do to start with).
Club equipment will only be available at club times so if you want to climb outside these times you will need to purchase your own things.
If you're serious about cllimbing, you will most likely want to buy your own gear, at a minimum:
-Harness (the club ones are rather uncomfortable)
-Climbing Shoes
-Belay Device and Carabiner
-Chalk Bag + Chalk
How much do these cost?The only things you need are: -
Climbing shoes ~ £35- £65
Harness ~ £40 - £50
Belay and Krab ~ £15
Chalk Bag ~ £10
The shoes will wear out in time but the harness and belay will last for ~5 years if looked after.
On top of this the club can provide virtually everything for when we go on trips, including ropes, tents, racks, helmets, guidebooks, ice axes, crampons, cookers, bouldering mats etc etc.
What about the outdoor trips anything else i'll need?The club can provide all climbing kit, cooking equipment, as well as tents.
We do not have sleeping bags, roll-mats or other personal items.
If you have your own tent feel free to bring it same for your climbing kit (just remember there is limited space in the bus!).
Below is a basic kit list: -
Essential:Warm clothes - Including hat and gloves especially in winter months.
Waterproof Coat & Trousers.
Reasonably decent trainers / boots.
Backpack (plastic bags are not advised, you will have to carry it a short way).
Water bottle (tesco value spring water comes with a free bottle for <20p).
Torch.
Foam sleeping mat / Therma-rest.
Sleeping bag.
Alcohol
Munchies.
Cash (to pay camping, possible pub things)
Optional:Harness
Climbing Shoes
Other climbing gear (belay device, lead racks, prussocks, nut key)
Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Wash stuff (there are usually showers if you want one)
Plate/Eating Irons/Mug
Tent (we have loads, if you have one though, feel free to bring it)
First Aid Kit (again, we have them)
Whistle
If you don't have a mat or sleeping bag often you can borrow one if you tell us in advance.
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