The first dedicated National Performance Centre for climbing in England and Wales has recently been approved by the British Mountaineering Council, and deemed suitable to hold both national and international competitions.
Awesome Walls Sheffield, which will open its doors to the public towards the end of this month, will offer both lead climbing and bouldering in addition to a 15 metre high competition wall featuring a 12.5 metre overhang and a total length of 23 metres. The competition area will offer difficult routes with grades ranging from 7a+ to 9a as well as a ‘speed wall’. As a flagship facility in British climbing, the wall will play an important role in providing training facilities for GB team members and professional climbers alike.
Managing Director of Awesome Walls, Dave Douglas said: “I feel proud and honoured to be able to operate the first National Performance Centre and I will endeavour to help the BMC and its values in any way feasibly possible.” The centre will host Britain’s premier lead climbing competition next month, alongside the British Speed Climbing Championships. The NPC designation was established last year by the BMC to encourage the development of climbing walls suitable for competitions.
RELATED LINKS:
www.awesomewalls.co.uk