29 October 2024
Father and son adventurers, Micha and Lleu, tackle indoor climbing At more than 10 metres high, with an added 2-metre overhang for those of you that are inclined, The Hangout, the indoor climbing wall at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre should pose enough of a challenge for all ages of explorers.
We decided to don our climbing gear and check it out with the help of two intrepid adventurers.
The adventurers: Micha (35) and Lleu (9)
Your challenge, should you choose to accept it.
We challenged Misha and Lleu to scale any of the 38 routes the climbing wall offers, and survive! Their verdict was…
Lleu starts making his way up the blue route, each route is graded and ranges from an easy 3 to a difficult 7c. In no time at all he’s reaching for holds mid-height along the wall and doesn’t seem to be tiring!
He’s been coming here to climb with Micha since it opened so he’s familiar with the wall, but not with the new routes – they’re changed every month or so to keep all the climbers on their toes.
The Hangout
Lleu is well on his way to the ceiling so Micha tells us about taking a one-hour competency test (they run at least 3 times a week) so that he can safely belay Lleu as he climbs without the need for supervision from staff. This means they can use the climbing wall whenever they want to, and don’t need to wait for a class.
Classes aren’t just for kids though – Pembrokeshire Climbing Club uses the indoor climbing wall on Monday nights too.
When Lleu has reached the ceiling on his route and abseiled back down the wall with help from his Dad, he shows off some of the pretty brilliant knot-tying skills he’s been learning.
Other climbing options
Wild Lakes bouldering wall, Martletwy
Bouldering has grown rapidly in the last few years prompting Wild Lakes to build a bouldering wall in addition to its wake-boarding lake and aqua park. The ever-changing routes are set out to challenge young and old climbers alike. There are no harnesses or ropes in bouldering, making it more accessible and you will find thick matting to cushion any fall. It’s an activity that’s super easy sport to get into, as all you need is yourself, some chalk and shoes to participate.
The team at Wild Lakes recommend an intro session for those with little to no experience of bouldering. You'll be amazed how much there is to learn and with help from their friendly instructors you'll be safely guided into a new sport.
The intro lessons are 1.5 hours long and take you through all the basics of climbing you need to know. These sessions are tailored to the group, so if the instructor see's you are doing wellthey'll challenge you a little further.
Why not make a day of it and try some wake boarding too? And don’t forget to stop off at the dining tipis for some delicious grub at the Stoked restaurant. Or refuel with coffee and homemade cake in their relaxed and funky clubhouse.
Wild Lakes offers one-off turn up and climb passes, progression sessions and annual membership. Check their website for more details.
Pembrokeshire is a world-class climbing area, renowned for its atmospheric sea cliffs and dramatic rock architecture and attracting climbers from afar. If you’d like to head outside and onto the majestic Pembrokeshire cliffs, there are many experienced and highly qualified climbing instructors just waiting to pass on their knowledge and help you begin a lifelong passion for climbing.
