Adv 223 Yumpu

Riley Howell, community support for a campus challenge! - Photo by Lee Howell
Sarah Hay coaching youth at Northern Rocks - Photo by Lee Howell
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but Northern Rocks feels like home to
me. Since Northern Rocks opened, I feel
like I have found my place in the world
because climbing is my passion. All the
coaches are amazing there, they have
helped me improve so much over the past
few years. They also train and teach us
how to prepare for competitions. I have
met friends at the Boulder Bashes and
in the classes - it’s a lot of fun going to
competitions together and on outdoor
climbing trips. I don’t know what I’d do
without Northern Rocks!" Grace Hansen,
12 years
Our Boulder Bash social competitions
have become a fantastic community event
that is looked forward to by staff and
climbers alike. We held two in 2019, with
the second one focusing on raising money
for the NZ Cancer Society. Unfortunately,
our 2020 Boulder Bash events have had to
be postponed due to covid19, but we are
looking forward to kicking off the new year
with our overdue Birthday Boulder Bash
2021 (fingers crossed).
The NZAC (NIBS) National Indoor Boulder
Series is one of the highlights of the year,
and we were fortunate enough to hold
one in both 2019 and 2020. Both the
Boulder Bash and NIBS events are open
to all abilities, with young kids, beginner
and intermediate climbers right through to
some of the top advanced climbers in New
Zealand.
We hosted the Climbing New Zealand
National Open Boulder Championships in
2019 and look forward to hosting it again
February 2021 – so get training! We were
lucky to have Stream Shop live streaming
the event as part of the newly established
Sky Sport Next initiative, showcasing
youth in sport. It is fantastic to be able to
offer elite competition and training facilities
like these events, in addition to community
sport for families and young people.
The effects of Covid19 of course have
been difficult, with two full closures this
year during level three and four. The full
effects of the pandemic and subsequent
closures continue to be felt for months
after we reopened; however, many
have returned to the gym with relief as
it is ‘my zen place’ according to one
member. Our focus is to continue growing
our community and providing positive
opportunities for those around us.
"I never knew how much I needed
Northern Rocks until it came into my life.
The impact bouldering has had on me
has been unexpected and profound. This
place, this community... it's my home.
When I started here, other climbers were
so welcoming that I quickly felt at ease
and was able to learn so much, both
about climbing and myself. Now, having
worked here for the past year, I realise
how lucky I am to be part of a great
team and I am eternally grateful for the
experience." Henry Burgess
We recently held a fundraiser event for
Kenzie’s Gift, a charity care for youth
and families facing substantial grief or
loss. Rebecca Hounsell is a member at
Northern Rocks and has been climbing
since she was 4 years old. She's now
14yrs, but when she was 7 years old she
lost her mum to Leukaemia. Kenzie’s Gift
were there throughout her Mum’s illness
and when she passed away. Collectively
we have raised over $14,000 so far and
special thanks to Lee Howell for the video
and photography work for the event and
exhibition.
"Climbing gives me an opportunity to be
free; free from worry, free from doubt
and freedom from the judgement from
other people. By climbing outdoors and in
facilities like Northern Rocks I am given
time to be myself, do what I love and grow
as a climber." Rebecca Hounsell.
Kate and I have recently launched ‘Bo(u)
lder Women’, a supportive group for
women who love to boulder or want
to give it a go! We realised there are
a number of women who may feel too
intimidated to try bouldering or be in the
gym on their own. We wanted to initiate
a group to show women that bouldering
is gender equal and open to all abilities,
help them with ‘beta’ or how to solve the
boulder problems with technique and
movement advice, and give girls and
women opportunity to feel comfortable in
the gym.
Our next meet up is December 7th
6:30pm – 8pm, it’s free and just regular
entry applies. Come along and join us!
Other upcoming events:
• Christmas Carnival Friday 4th
December: celebrate the end of
the year with us! There will be
live music, silks performance,
challenges, a pizza oven (bring your
own ingredients, we’ll bake it!), and
a secret Santa (bring a $10 pressie
and we’ll swap gifts!)
• Boulder technique workshops and
regular yoga classes: check out the
website or give us a call 09 278 2363
• Climbing New Zealand National
Open Boulder Champs: February 7th
2021
• Youth Climbing Classes 2021: join
our climbing teams! See website or
email for info
So if you haven’t given bouldering a go
yet – come on down! You’ll get a chance
to meet your fitness goals, make new
friends, socialise and enjoy this amazing
community sport. Follow us on social
media to get all the updates!
FB & Insta @northernrocks.climbing
www.northernrocks.co.nz
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