Foundry Climbing Centre

THIS BLOG HAS MOVED!

2012-01-25T13:41:00.000Z

Yep.

The Foundry now has it's own integrated blog on the new look foundryclimbing.com.

This blog will stay live for a bit, just as an archive.

Happy Climbing!

Tom.

Round 3 of The Foundry Winter Bouldering League THIS MONDAY!

2012-01-13T12:10:00.000Z

Round 3 is on monday, starting at 5pm.

There'll be more cash prizes and another raffle for FiveTen boots and CragX vouchers.

Rob has also been busy away in the workshop to make things even spicier!

If you've not been to the comps before, then you should come down and give it a try. It's a friendly comp, with lots of prizes to be won (for the most part, you only have to enter to be in with a chance of winning!)

And remember, Full Time Students get a free scoresheet!

- The Foundry Winter Bouldering League is sponsored by CragX, FiveTen and The Clinic.

The Mammut Climbing Challenge!

2012-01-10T11:10:00.000Z

The Mammut Climbing Challenge starts today!

Come down and try the ten new routes for a chance to win a Mammut rope!

The competition is free to enter, with a weekly draw for prizes, as well as prizes for the overall winners.

Grab a score sheet from the front desk.

Check out some of the routes in this video of Rob and Emma Twyford testing their routes..

The Mammut Climbing Challenge from The Foundry Climbing Centre on Vimeo.

Video of Rob Napier and Emma Twyford testing routes set for the Mammut Climbing Challenge, hosted at The Foundry from 10/01/12 to 08/02/12.

'The Clinic' physiotherapy injury screening - CANCELLED!

2012-01-05T10:45:00.003Z

Unfortunately 'The Clinic' have had to cancel this evenings screening session. There will be a new session organised in the near future. Our apologies to those of you who were hoping to meet the physio this evening.

Full time student 3 month memberships - only £60

2012-01-05T10:42:00.003Z

We are offering this 3 month full membership special to the first 25 takers from today!

Full time student Monthly membership - £20

2012-01-04T16:43:00.002Z

You can now get a months full membership for only £20. This is available for a limited period only so get down to The Foundry asap. You must be a full time student!

The Foundry 's Christmas Opening Times!

2011-12-13T12:33:00.001Z

Just a quick note to inform you of the centre's opening times over Christmas.

Sat 24th December
10am - 6pm

Sun (Christmas Day)
CLOSED!

Mon (Boxing Day)
CLOSED!

Tue 27th December
10am - 6pm

28th/29th/30th - Open as normal! (10am-10pm)

Sat (New Year's Eve)
10am - 6pm

Sun (New Year's Day)
CLOSED!

2nd January
10am - 6pm

3rd January - Back to normal!

Have a good 'un!

Tommy.

Bouldering Comp 5-9.45pm Monday 5th

2011-12-02T12:18:00.002Z

Yes, its the second bouldering comp of the winter with 25 brand new problems. Loads of great prizes to be won in the raffle (2 pairs 5.10 shoes, CragX vouchers) plus there will be THREE flash problems this time. Every person who flashes the problems gets the chance to win either £40 or 2x x£20 cash prizes. The flash problems will be f6b+ to f6c+/7a. See you on Monday evening - dont forget students get a free score sheet and its only £4.50 to climb on this eve.

BMC Leading Ladder starts 26th November

2011-11-23T11:34:00.002Z

Its the BMC Leading Ladder starting this weekend. Running from 26th November to 11th December. Its £1 for a score sheet from reception. With ten new routes to have a go at from 5+, 6a, 6a+, 6b, 6b+, 6c, 7a, 7b, 7c and 8a set by Rob and Ash.

New routes in The Furnace

2011-11-20T19:01:00.002Z

Following on from customer feedback Rob and Ashley have created some new 6a's in the furnace!!

Dry tooling this season!

2011-11-10T15:38:00.000Z

Dry Tooling is now back on the schedule for the winter season.

Rob and Ash have set 9 new dry tooling routes either in the Furnace or the Main Wall.

The new routes take advantage of the Furnace Wall chimney extension, and are graded between M1 and M8.

The first dry tooling session is TOMORROW - Friday 11th November. Starts at 7.45pm.

Give us a call on 0114 279 6331 to book a place!

Bouldering League Fever + Photos!

2011-10-28T11:29:00.000+01:00

The first round of the Foundry Winter Bouldering League nears!

I've been to pick up a few more boxes of holds this week. The steady trickle will become a torrent next week when the bulk of our holds order comes in..

I have to say, it is rather enjoyable unwrapping all these bundles of bolt on resin. We've now got a lot of rather bright and clean holds crated up and ready to be set with.

The plan this year is to have a competition circuit. This will be in place of the current level two circuit, and will consist of 25 problems through a range of difficulty levels.

The comps this year are gearing up to be pretty great. On the night there'll be raffles for Fiveten rockshoes and CragX vouchers, as well as a special flash problem, with a £40 cash prize. (And it won't be absolutely nails, so it'll be quite open!).

I'm quite excited; and I'm not really very excitable normally.

All that remains now is a long stressful day for Rob and the route setting team, and a bit of finger crossing that other people will get excited too.

Hopefully see you down the wall on comp night. The first round is on Monday night, 7th November. It's gonna be be a doozer.

To reiterate, the dates are:

MON 7TH NOVEMBER

MON 5TH DECEMBER

MON 16TH JANUARY

MON 13TH FEBRUARY

Tom

The Cafe is now open

2011-10-10T15:40:00.002+01:00

Ready for the winter season the Foundry cafe is now open and serving it's usual range of cakes, chip butties, paninis, sandwiches and homemade snacks and meals.

FOUNDRY WINTER BOULDERING LEAGUE DATES!

2011-10-06T16:46:00.000+01:00

It's that time of year again!

The first round of the Foundry's Winter Bouldering League is just round the corner.

The dates are:

MON 7TH NOVEMBER

MON 5TH DECEMBER

MON 16TH JANUARY

MON 13TH FEBRUARY

If you've never been to a Foundry comp before, then, well, you should! They're fun and friendly bouldering competitions, with a whole set of brand new problems to get stuck into.

Raffles for great prizes on each night, and overall winners will also get reap a special bounty.

If you've entered the comps before, then the format will be similar. However, we've got something very special planned for this year......

Stay tuned!

Save up to 20% off selected Five Ten Rockshoes at CragX

2011-10-05T11:19:00.003+01:00

Just in time for The Grit Season we are offering up to 20% off selected Five Ten Rockshoes, both instore and online:

Anasazi LV ~~£100~~ NOW £90

Anasazi Blanco ~~£105~~ NOW £89

Anasazi VCS ~~£100~~ NOW £89

Anasazi Verde ~~£105~~ NOW £89

Blackwing ~~£115~~ NOW £99

Dragon ~~£105~~ NOW £89

Galileo ~~£100~~ NOW £85

Hueco ~~£90~~ NOW £79

Newton ~~£105~~ NOW £89

Rogue ~~£75~~ NOW £69

Siren ~~£85~~ NOW £75

Spire ~~£80~~ NOW £69

These prices are available for a limited period only - sorry, no further discounts apply.

Boulder Resets Ahoy!

2011-09-28T13:06:00.000+01:00

A big chunk of the bouldering circuits are going to be reset on the 7th October!

All new problems will be up for you to get to grips with before the comp season starts.

The first round of The Foundry's Winter Bouldering League is a month later, on the 7th November.

So get your eye in with the style of problems that are set on the Wave, Bleaustone Wall, Traverse Corridor and Woody Board - you've got a month to prepare!

Tom

MASSIVE STUDENT DEALS!

2011-09-22T23:53:00.000+01:00

Still sore about £9000 a year tuition fees?

Make yourself feel a bit better by taking advantage of The Foundry's stupidly good value membership deals this term.

Full Time Students can get a 30 day membership for £20 at the moment, instead of the usual £35.

But that's not the big news.

Starting 26/9/11, the first 20 people to take out a 3 month membership pay £50 instead of the normal £85. That's simply an unmissable deal.

Or you can go the whole hog and get an annual membership for £200 instead of £220. But, again, there's only twenty of these cheap memberships available!

26.09.11

BE THERE!

CragX Climbing Shop - at least 20% off all clothing

2011-09-15T14:24:00.002+01:00

End of Summer clothing sale is now on at CragX. This is an instore only sale and will end next week!

FREE Injury Screening Clinic

2011-09-14T16:35:00.001+01:00

The guys from the clinic are back for the winter season. Their first FREE injury screening clinic is on:

Monday 26th September - 7pm-9pm

Come down for free advice on climbing injuries and injury avoidance. An expert team will be on hand to give you the all the information you need to deal with your injury!

Monster Reset

2011-09-01T15:46:00.000+01:00

Over the past month or so, Rob, Ash and Steve have been working furiously to reset the whole of the centre.

Since June:

Every circuit on the Wave/Bleaustone Wall/Traverse Corridor has been reset;
There's been a new section of wall built in the furnace, creating a whole new line (and meaning I got to paint in a number '36' at the bottom of the wall);
The CragX vert wall has been reset;
The Livingstone wall has been reset;
The yellow slab has been reset;
40 NEW ROUTES have gone up on the Main wall;
The whole of the Furnace has had a reset...

.... And every volume in the centre has been taken down, filled, painted and put back up somewhere else.

We just need to get the Green slab reset next week to get full marks.

Our route setters have really busted a gut to get such a big selection of top quality routes on the wall; and this is all before the winter season has got underway!

Over the coming months, look out for the return of dry tooling, the winter bouldering league, the BMC's leading ladder, and another gazillion or so new routes and boulder problems. There will also be some pretty hefty deals a-happenin at CragX.

So stay tuned!

New CragX Summer Opening Times

2011-08-17T12:02:00.003+01:00

From Friday 26th August:

Monday, 12-6pm

Tuesday-Thursday, 12-8pm

Friday, 12-6pm

Weekends, 10.30am-5.30pm

Remember you can order and pay over the phone, then collect from Foundry reception after the CragX closes in the evening - Please try to ring at least and hour before the CragX closes so we have time to process your order.

Alan Cassidy Repeats Metalcore (8c+)

2011-08-08T17:53:00.002+01:00

CragX sponsored climber Alan Cassidy repeated Metalcore (8c+) last week, adding to a very impessive 2011 tick list.

Alan Cassidy - Metalcore 8c+ from Matt Pycroft on Vimeo.

To find out what Alan up to head to his Blog - Alan Cassidy (& others) Climbing.

And in the yellow corner.....

2011-08-04T17:37:00.000+01:00

The new wall build in the corner of the Furnace opened last night!

Rob worked a long day get some new volumes and routes up on the left hand side of the Furnace.

Line 36 is now open, and sports a pretty nails jamming crack (into a finger jamming crack!). There's also an easier route up there, with more to go on tomorrow.

The climbing in the corner is different to any other part of the centre; now it's filled out with volumes, the corner should make for some of the most interesting and technical top roped climbing at the Foundry.

Let us know what you think!

Tom

Missed out on Cliffhanger? Check out these deals on Marmot clothing and Tents!

2011-07-25T15:31:00.006+01:00

We have a wide range of clearance Marmot clothing bought in specially for Cliffhanger which is now available instore at MASSIVE savings.

These are just some examples of the kind of discounts to expect....

Precip Jacket RRP £80 NOW £36
Driclime Windshirt RRP£ 70 NOW £30
Guides Down Sweater RRP£ 130 NOW £55
Alpinist Jacket RRP £400 NOW £170

We also have a couple of heavily discounted tents to go. One is currently up for you to look at in the main hall of the Foundry.....

We've got the Marmot Nusku 2 person tent, and the Widi 3 person tent up for grabs - each tent is around £200 cheaper than normal.

It's a no brainer!

Volumes of new routes!

2011-07-19T12:24:00.000+01:00

Rob and Ash have been working hard stripping the CragX vertical wall and they are now in the process of re-setting it.

The volumes have had a nice lick of paint and have been moved around to keep things fresh and interesting. There's plenty of laybacking, mantling and rockovers for you to get stuck into, and that's before the bolt on holds are even on the wall.

New routes will be set today and tomorrow.

As always, we look forward to your feedback. Look out for updated route topo's at foundryclimbing.com.

Holly

New Bouldering Circuits

2011-07-04T12:56:00.002+01:00

Rob, Gav and Tim reset the Level 1, 2, 3 and Kid's circuits at the end of last week.

The volumes on the Bleaustone Wall have also had a lick of paint, and a shuffle around to keeps things interesting.

This time around there's more problems in the level 1 and 2 circuits, with fewer level 3 problems.

There are about 70 new problems to get stuck into now. As always, we like to hear your feedback.

Enjoy!

Tom

Recall Notice - Grigri2

2011-06-27T12:41:00.002+01:00

Petzl has discovered that exerting excessive force on the fully extended handle of the GRIGRI 2 can cause internal damage, such that the GRIGRI 2 handle may become stuck in the open position.
When the handle is stuck in this position the assisted braking function is disabled. A damaged GRIGRI 2 in this configuration will function similarly to a manual belay device (e.g. tube style device).
A GRIGRI 2 with a damaged handle must be immediately retired from service.

Please check the first five digits of the serial number on your Grigri2 and if it is between 10326 and 11136 discontinue use and return to Petzl for replacement.

Full details of the recall and of how to return your Grigri2's are on the Lyon website - please return direct to Lyon and not via your local climbing shop.

Please note the original Grigri and Grigri2's with serial number 11137 onwards are NOT affected by this recall.

BMC Youth Climbing Series Final - June 25th

2011-06-27T10:14:00.002+01:00

Jim Watkin, area youth coordinator, has provided a short report on how the Foundry based competitors did - well done to all of you who took part.

Some good results Saturday. No podium places to report but some excellent performances on some very difficult routes. Results as follows. - there were 30+ competitors in each group

In Girls 8-10, Pippa Watkin and Abbie Rivett both had strong days finishing 7th and 12th respectively

In Boys 8-10 Mark Alkins-Tooth also climbed strongly finishing 6th overall

In Girls 11-13 Dana Windle did really well on some tough routes to finish 22nd in a field with many girls a year older than her

In Boys 11-13 Tom and Ben Lee matched each other all day to finish joint 25th again against boys a year older

In Boys 14-16 Alex Hall again competed against much older competitors finishing 30th.

All Foundry climbers did extremely well on some really tough routes and did The Foundry proud!

Full results are on the BMC site

Jim Watkin

BMC Area Youth Rep.

Foundry on ITV Daybreak!!

2011-06-18T18:51:00.003+01:00

Whatever you're doing this coming Monday 20th at 6.30am, if you're near a tv, switch on ITV Daybreak. They will be airing a couple of films based on a small group of beginners having a go at climbing/abseiling at The Foundry. Sean James from Foundry Mountain Activities/Sheffield Mountain Guides and Matt Roberts, TV fitness expert, take them through their paces!

What the furnace?

2011-06-16T15:40:00.000+01:00

Massive scaffold in the furnace.

You may have spotted the anchor point in the corner of the furnace - that's been there a while now....

It's not there for nothing.

The Furnace has been shut during the day for most of this week whilst Rob Napier and Ben Tedstill (with a little bit of help from the Portland Sheet metal guys next door) have been panelling out the area just left of the Furnace lead wall.

This'll create an awesome chimney feature in the corner of the furnace, and increase the top roping in there to potentially 6 or 7 routes rather than 2.

Neil overseeing the new build. Rob and Ben T-Nutting panels

As I type, the panelling is just about finished. There should be paint up there by the end of the week, and hopefully some new routes, exploring new territory in the Foundry, once the paint's gone off!

Enjoy.

Tom

Peak District Bouldering IN STOCK

2011-06-14T17:09:00.003+01:00

After much anticipation we finally have it!!! The NEW Peak Bouldering guide is in.....new pictures, problems and topo's for you to get stuck into! This is a must have! Fingers at the ready!

Cliffhanger 2011 - 2nd/3rd July

2011-06-08T12:05:00.004+01:00

For the fifth year CragX will be taking our popular pull-up challenge and a Marquee filled with bargains to the annual Cliffhanger event in Millhouses Park.

For more information about Cliffhanger click HERE

More new routes...

2011-06-06T22:36:00.001+01:00

A few more routes in The Furnace by Ashley.

More new routes.... and a bank holiday.

2011-05-23T11:56:00.000+01:00

Ash is currently stripping routes from lines K and M on the main wall. New routes will be up on these lines today and tomorrow.

Also, next week is a bank holiday.

That means, Monday 30th May, the Foundry will close at 8PM rather than 10.

Tom.

New routes on main wall

2011-05-17T13:22:00.003+01:00

Following a BMC National competition route setters course we now have 12 new mid to hard graded routes from 6c+ through to 8a+ on the prow of the main wall.

Reset of Vertical wall and Foundry slab May 3rd/4th

2011-05-03T19:24:00.002+01:00

Still busy seting this week Ash and Steve are creating master pieces from 3+ to 6c+, including some interesting variations around the offwidth chimney abd laybacks!

Re-setting of slab routes

2011-04-26T15:42:00.003+01:00

Both of the slabs will be reset over this week by Ash and Steve with routes from 3+ to 6c.

Too Hot to Climb?

2011-04-22T15:10:00.003+01:00

From what climbers are telling me today, it's just too hot to climb out in the Peak.

The current warm weather hasn't yet penetrated into The Foundry, so if you fancy escaping the heat (or smog?) why not head down for a climb.

We are open daily from 10am over the Easter Bank Holiday (see post below for closing times)

Easter Opening Times

2011-04-15T11:44:00.002+01:00

Good Friday - 10am-8pm
Saturday/Sunday - 10am-6pm
Easter Monday - 10am-8pm

Tuesday-Thursday - open as normal, 10am-10pm

Friday 29th - 10am-8pm
Saturday/Sunday - 10am-6pm
Mayday Bank Holiday - 10am-8pm

Photos from VARSITY

2011-04-12T12:16:00.012+01:00

Thanks to Jack Gilbert for the following photos:

We have done our best to caption the photos correctly - please email foundry@cragxclimbing.com with any corrections/additions

Bouldering Re-set April 11th-13th

2011-04-08T16:37:00.002+01:00

The right hand section of The Wave will be reset by Rob on Monday 11th, steep section on Tuesday and the Bleaustone wall/traverse corrisdor on the Wednesday.

Livigstone wall reset

2011-04-08T16:33:00.002+01:00

Steve and Ash have been busy creating routes from 3+ through to 6b+ on the Livingstone wall.

VARSITY 2011 Results

2011-04-07T11:09:00.004+01:00

Victory went to Sheffield with a score of 496 against Hallams 329, infact Sheffield too a clean sweep of the top three overall scores (Martin, Alex and Daniel) and the top female score (Rosemary). A big well done to all the competitors, especially Ruth as the only female competitor from Hallam.

Problems had been set at a range of grades to try and make a fun competition for everyone including those who aren't natural boulderers, but with some fiendish ones to split up the top end climbers. All climbers were also entered into a raffle with the chance to win prizes sponsored by CragX.

The full results can be viewed HERE

Sheffield Uni v Hallam Uni Competition

2011-04-04T11:01:00.006+01:00

Varsity Competition: Wednesday 6th April: 2 - 4.30pm Last year the University of Sheffield comfortably beat Hallam University, can they repeat this victory again? This year there will be 20 brand new problems set by Rob Napier to test climbers ranging from warm ups to rather tricky! If you want to compete for your Uni head on down for the 2pm kick off. It is sponsored by CragX Climbing Shop and The Foundry so if you enter you may win one of the raffle prizes just for being here!

Summer Opening Times

2011-03-28T10:21:00.002+01:00

The warmer/drier weather over the last few weeks, combined with the hour change means that it is now time to think about moving to summer opening times.

From Saturday 9th April - at weekends we will be closing at 6pm.

We will still be open at 10am daily and close at 10pm midweek.

Dry tooling routes are coming down!

2011-03-18T14:44:00.003Z

The dry tooling routes will be taken down next week so the last opportunity to climb on them will be Monday 21 st March from 8 till 10pm. New dry tool routes will return at the end of October.

Furnace new routes

2011-03-11T14:38:00.001Z

There are now 9 new routes in The Furnace ranging form 4+ to 6c set by Steve Yeoman.

BMC Youth Climbing Series Foundry finalists

2011-03-11T13:07:00.000Z

Following the success of the 8 Foundry based climbers in the BMC Youth Climbing Series we now have a photo of them all includng the two Area Champions in the girls 8-10 years, Pippa Watkin and the boys 8-10 years, Mark Alkin-Tooth. Well done again to all of you.

From photo we have:

Top Row Left to Right
Ben Lee – 3rd Boys 11-13
James Waterhouse – 3rd Boys 14-16
Alex Hall – 2nd Boys 14-16
Thomas Lee – 2nd Boys 11-13
Dana Windle – 3rd Girls 11-13

Bottom Row Left to Right
Mark Alkins-Tooth – 1st Boys 8-10, Area Champion
Abbie Rivett – 2nd Girls 8-10
Pippa Watkin – 1st Girls 8-10, Area Champion

Full results available at http://http//indoorsout.co.uk.htm#brycs2011results.htm
All the finalists now go forward to the National Final to be held at Wolf Mountain Wolverhampton at the end of June.

2nd Hand Kit Sale - 4th-6th March, Showroom Cinema

2011-03-01T13:10:00.006Z

Got any unloved climbing gear gathering cobwebs at the bottom of your climbing sack, still safe but heavy and unused since you upgraded to the latest shiny lightweight models?

Climbing boots you bought for a bargain, but which never actually fitted?

Winter sleeping bag bought for the trip of a lifetime, but you will never actually use again?

Kids outdoor clothing, outgrown but still with with plenty of life in it?

We've all got gear we bought on impulse and regretted, or which whilst still serviceable is now unused and just clutter at the back of a wardrobe. So this is your chance to sell off your unwanted gear and raise funds for more shinny bits.

Like a car boot sale but based on what can be fitted into a rucksack, this sale of outdoor kit will take place throughout the ShAFF weekend - please contact CragX for more information or to book a table.

For those wanting to buy, please note this is a CASH ONLY sale - although there are plenty of local cash machines.

Furnace heater repaired!

2011-02-28T15:54:00.002Z

Six weeks after breaking down the new part has arrived and the heater is now up and running again.

Re Setting

2011-02-16T13:31:00.003Z

Bouldering
he full bouldering reset is now just about finished with a couple more top end problems to set and finish the re set of the kids circuit. Circuit guides for Levels 1, 2 and 3 are now done.

Routes - Main wall - about 14 new routes have been changed including most of the central prow routes (including routes set with our new Lapis and Bleaustone holds).

FOUNDRY BOULDERING LEAGUE - FINAL

2011-02-13T20:00:00.002Z

Sponsored by FiveTen , Beta Climbing Designs, The Clinic and CragX Climbing Shop

An excellent batch of boulder problems from Rob Napier and Steve Yeoman lead to a close run final round. Thanks to our sponsors for some great raffle prizes through the series.The top placed senior male/female of the round 4 comp were Ned Feehally (scored 241/250) and Katy Whittaker (217/250)so well done to them. Both win £50 cash!
Overall results are downloadable from the foundryclimbing.com home page.
Overall winners, best 3 out of 4 scores win Foundry full memberships! Collect from Foundry reception.
OVERALL PRIZES Best ¾ scoresSENIOR MALE Free Entry Vouchers:

1st Richard Ames 3 months

2nd David Skoczylas 2 months

3rd Ed Morris 1 month

SENIOR FEMALE

1st Diane Merrick 3 months

2nd Michaela Tracy 2 months

3rd Beth Hoyland(jnr) 1 month

U16 MALE

1st Alex Hall 3 months

2nd Michael Aspinall 2 months

3rd Joe Swales 1 month

U16 FEMALE

1st Beth Hoyland 3 months

2nd Georgia Hoyland 2 months

3rd Dana Windle 1 month

Collect from reception!

Event Sponsors:

YCS competitor photos

2011-02-09T16:18:00.005Z

A few great photos from the weekend's Youth Climbing Series competition. All taken by Tom Napier.

Steve McClure 5.10 Boot Demo

2011-02-08T14:19:00.002Z

This Friday 11th evening Steve McClure will be running a 5.10 boot demo in conjuction with the final round of the bouldering comp. So if you want to test out various 5.10 boots come on down!

Youth Climbing Series - Saturday 5th

2011-02-07T17:38:00.003Z

Last weekend 39 young climbers aged 7 to 16 competed at The Foundry. The three age groups of 8 to 10 years, 11-13 and 14-16 included 22 girls and 17 boys. The Foundry based climbers did extremely well. In girls 8-10 years, Pippa Watkin took an impressive 1st with Abigail Rivett a close 3rd. Boys 8-10 Mark Alkins-Tooth also an excellent 1st place. In the next age category girls 11-13 years Dana Windle just missed out on the top spot in 2nd with a strong 3rd place to Georgia Hoyland, Mary Clerkin 4th, Bethany Hoyland 7th and Danielle Hoyland 8th, out of a total field of 11 climbers a very good overall performance from the 5 climbers. Boys 11-13 was won by an impressive Thomas Lee closely followed by brother Ben Lee in 2nd out of 9 climbers. Girls 13-16 years Bethany Hoyland came a solid 5th out of the 9 climbers. Finally in the boys 13-16 Alex Hall came a strong 2nd place.
Well done to all the climbers who took part from the Peak region.
Photos taken by Tom Napier will follow shortly.
Results can be found at http://http//indoorsout.co.uk/index.htm#brycs2011results.htm.

Youth Climbing Series Competition - 5th Feb

2011-02-01T15:54:00.002Z

The BMC Youth Climbing Series Round 2 will be here this Saturday starting at 10am. The 40 competitors will try 3 routes and 3 boulder problems each and it usually takes about 5 hours to complete. (The Centre is open as normal during the comp).

Tenaya Boot Demo - 3rd Feb

2011-02-01T12:10:00.002Z

As always boot demos give you a chance to "try before you buy" and do some proper climbing in a new make/model of shoe before investing your hard earned pennies. Unlike many other manufacturers Tenaya make their range of technical shoes down to very small sizes, so are of special interest to girlies who are unable to get technical shoes small enough to fit.

As well as the boot demo Mike Adams will be running a FREE Masterclass session.

The boot demo will be from 6pm on Thursday 3rd February.

Mammut Climbing Challenge - raffle winner, week 2

2011-01-28T15:30:00.002Z

The lucky winner of a 60m single rated Mammut rope is James Newby
(James, you can collect your rope from Reception next time you're down climbing)

There are still 2 ropes up for grabs in weekly raffles, all you need to do to enter is collect a free score sheet from reception and remember to hand it in each day after you have finished climbing.

This is an informal comp run over 4 weeks, so you can take your time trying to complete the twelve routes over multiple climbing sessions. Just remember it is a ground up competition, so if you fall off (or rest) you must lower to the ground before starting another attempt.

As well as the raffle prizes, there are also ropes up for grabs to the top scoring climbers in each category.

Grigri 2 - now in stock

2011-01-27T13:49:00.002Z

The eagerly awaited GRIGRI 2 has a new design that allows excellent control during the descent and it can be safely used on all single dynamic 8.9 to 11 mm ropes on the market (ideal at 9.4 mm to 10.3 mm).

Availabe in store or order online from CragX

The Big vertical Marathon - Charity Climb Event

2011-01-25T14:48:00.001Z

Starting on 22nd January, two climbers began attempting to climb the height of a marathon, thats 42,195m!! Not only that they will be doing it over 7 days at 7 different climbing centres around the country.
They will be climbing here on Thursday 27th so please come and support them.
The challenge is to raise money for Cancer Research.
Visit the event website at http://www.thebigvmt.org.uk/.

They need belayers so anyone willing to give up any time for this please come along.

BMC Youth climbing Series - Nottingham 22/1/11

2011-01-24T13:23:00.005Z

Area Youth Coordinator Jim Watkins reports on the 1st round of the Youth Climbing Series held at Nottingham Wall. Round 2 will be at The Foundry on 5th February.

In the Girls 8-10, Pippa and Abbie matched each other all day with perfect scores and could not be separated on countbacks or attempts etc. they therefore had to climb off with Pippa just snatching the win by a single point from Abbie!
- Boys 8-10, Mark Alkins- Tooth also maximum scored and won his category
- Girls 11-13, Mary Clerkin and Dana Windle gained a creditable 3rd and 4th places respectively. Bethany Jennings also climber well but finished 8th,
- Boys 11-13, Tom and Ben Lee came 2nd and 3rd respectively
- Boys 14-16 Alex Hall finished 2nd, whilst James Waterhouse unfortunately had to retire due to injury.
For BMC full results the link is here: http://www.thebmc.co.uk/News.aspx?id=3509

See you all on Saturday 5th Feb at The Foundry.

The Big vertical Marathon - Charity Climb Challenge

2011-01-24T10:56:00.000Z

Mammut Climbing Challenge - raffle winner, week 1

2011-01-21T15:34:00.006Z

The lucky winner of a 60m single rated Mammut rope is Mark Alkin
(Mark, you can collect your rope from Reception next time you're down climbing)

There are still 3 ropes up for grabs in weekly raffles, all you need to do to enter is collect a free score sheet from reception and remember to hand it in each day after you have finished climbing.

This is an informal comp run over 4 weeks, so you can take your time trying to complete the twelve routes over multiple climbing sessions. Just remember it is a ground up competition, so if you fall off (or rest) you must lower to the ground before starting another attempt.

As well as the raffle prizes, there are also ropes up for grabs to the top scoring climbers in each category.

2011-01-17T15:30:00.001Z

The Foundry hosted round three of the Winter Bouldering League on Friday night.

We've posted the results (both for that round, and league results so far....) on the web.

Click here to view them!

In the meantime, here's a few photo's from the night.

The next and final round of the Winter Bouldering League is on February 11th...

... Be there!

Aidan Cross on Problem 15 - the double dyno!

Adam Hodgson on the Bleaustone Wall

Neil and Rob on hand to draw prizes

Photography © Tom Napier

MAMMUT CLIMBING CHALLENGE!

2010-12-23T20:05:00.000Z

The Mammut Climbing Challenge starts January 13th and runs until February 10th

To take part, pick up a score sheet from reception. With your climbing partner, attempt the routes as often as you like, but always ground up.

Once you fall off you must lower to the ground and try again.

You'll get four weeks to have a go at 4 top ropes and 8 lead routes - graded from F5 - F8a.

The routes will be set on the Furnace, Main Wall and CragX vertical wall.

It's free to enter so you've no excuse not to have a go!

PRIZES:

Each week a Mammut 'single' rope will be raffled off using names from the scoresheets.

Overall winners (top male/female, and top U16 male/female) will each win a Mammut rope!

Foundry Indoor Clubs over Christmas

2010-12-17T13:41:00.002Z

Christmas weekend - no Spider Club
Wed 29th - no Adult Club
Thur 30th - Youth Climbing Club may run depending on booked numbers
Sun 2nd - Spider Club as normal

We are running 2 extra Spider Club sessions:
Wed 22nd 10:30 - 12:30
Wed 29th 10:30 - 12:30

Foundry Christmas opening times.

2010-12-13T15:28:00.006Z

As normal The Foundry will only be closed for three days over the holiday period, infact we are open (almost) as normal throughout the Christmas/New Year period.

Christmas Eve - OPEN 10am-6pm
Christmas Day - CLOSED
Sunday 26th - CLOSED
Monday 27th - open as normal, 10am-10pm
Tuesday 28th - open as normal, 10am-10pm
Wednesday 29th - open as normal, 10am-10pm
Thursday 30th - open as normal, 10am-10pm
New Years Eve - OPEN 10am-6pm
New Years Day - CLOSED
Sunday 2nd - open as normal, 10am-8pm
Monday 3rd - open as normal, 10am-10pm
Tuesday 4th - back to normal

CragX will be closed 25th/26th December and 1st January.
CragX will close at 6pm on 24th and 31st December.

Livingstone wall Re-set

2010-12-07T16:44:00.002Z

Ashley has reset all the routes on the Livingstone wall. There are 22 routes from 3+ to 6b+.

Foundry Bouldering League - Round 2 Results

2010-12-06T17:16:00.003Z

Despite a disappointing turnout due to the weather there was a great atmosphere down on the wall.

The full results for both round 2 and the league so far are HERE

Event Sponsors:

Bouldering Comp - tonight

2010-12-03T10:03:00.003Z

Despite the weather tonight's bouldering round will take place as planned.

For those unable to get here due to the snow, don't worry it's the best 3 of 4 round so you will still have a chance to make up your score in the New Year. But for those of you who do get here, with reduced numbers of climbers you will have a better chance of winning one of our spot prizes.

The whole Wave has been reset this week, so even if you miss the competition there is lots to have a go at over the weekend.

Event Sponsors:

We are open - Thursday 2nd Dec

2010-12-02T09:19:00.001Z

Busses are out of hibernation and I have just got into The Foundry.

Main roads are clear of snow, but Mowbray Street is very slusshy so do please take care if you decide to drive.

We are open

2010-12-01T16:15:00.004Z

Despite being closed this morning The Foundry is now open. Main roads in the City Centre are clear of snow and we hope to be able to stay open as normal this evening.

We are planning to be open tomorrow morning, but please check the blogg before travelling as mother nature may have other ideas.

Foundry Bouldering League - Round 2

2010-11-30T11:07:00.006Z

Despite the snow Rob and Tim were in early this morning to start preparing for round 2 of The Foundry Bouldering League.

This Friday (3rd December) from 5pm

£2 entry (plus your normal climbing fee) with all climbers entered into a raffle to win a range of prizes, including Five Ten rockshoes, CragX gift vouchers and goodies from Beta Climbing Designs.

Event Sponsors:

Bouldering re set and Round 2 of the bouldering league

2010-11-29T16:00:00.003Z

Starting last Friday, Rob and Tim re set the Level 1 and Kids circuits. On the 30th half of the level 2 level 3 will be stripped and reset. Then on Friday Rob will set another 25 NEW problems for the bouldering comp starting at 5pm in the evening.

Livingstone wall reset

2010-11-29T15:58:00.003Z

The Livingstone top rope routes will be re set over this week form 4's to 6b+.

New routes on main wall

2010-11-19T15:21:00.003Z

Complete reset of the right section of the main wall with lots of routes in the 6's from Rob and Dave. Rob has also reset two routes on line E.

Holds for sale

2010-11-15T14:11:00.003Z

We are retiring and selling off lots of holds. They ususally go fast so if you want some get down here quick!

Steve Mcclure sets hard new training route

2010-11-15T14:09:00.002Z

The Main wall now sports a new 8a+(or more?) from Steve for all of you who have climbed everything else on the prow!

Dry Tooling in the Mammut Sponsored Furnace!

2010-11-02T17:26:00.000Z

The Furnace now sports not only a handful of new routes, but is also now sponsored by Mammut.

Mammut have kindly provided brand new quickdraws for the whole of the Furnace.

Dry tooling is also back for the 2010/2011 season. This year Tim Hill has set some awesome routes with purpose built wooden axe placements.

Dry tooling sessions are £10, and run for the last two hours of every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

We provide all the gear, so there's not much of an excuse not to have a go!

WINTER BOULDERING LEAGUE - ROUND 1 RESULTS AND PHOTOS

2010-11-02T17:08:00.003Z

Tom Bonnert tackling the notorious 'brain'

Round 1 results for the Foundry Winter Bouldering League are now available to download from foundryclimbing.com as a PDF.

Gav Harness breaks out from behind the desk to rip it up on the wave.

Look out for the next three rounds of the winter bouldering league. These will be up as events on Facebook. But just to be sure you all know, the dates are:

3rd December
14th January
11th February

Ed Hartley in the traverse corridor.

Darren Attew placed 7th with 213 points.

Joe Broadhead tops another problem.

Foundry Bouldering league results Round 1

2010-11-02T14:50:00.003Z

The first round saw 49 competitors attempting 25 problems set by Rob Napier and Steve Yeoman. Top score for men was David Skoczlas with an excellent 244. Top female was Diane Merrick with an impressive 220 in 4th position overall. In the youth category top male was Joe Swales at 197 (12th overall) and top female was Beth Hoyland with 142 (23rd overall), both solid performances. Some pictures and the full score sheet will follow!

Event Sponsors:

Mammoth changes are afoot

2010-10-27T17:03:00.006+01:00

Thanks to sponsorship from Mammut the Furnace now sports a nice Mammoth logo, plus new Mammut quickdraws.

The middle and left sections will be reset over the next couple of days, so you can look forward to a selection of new routes for the weekend.

Dry tooling

2010-10-27T15:42:00.002+01:00

There will be no dry tooling session on Monday 1st November as we are running the first bouldering competition. Next session will be Friday 5th starting 7.45pm till 10pm.

Something is stirring in the Furnace......

2010-10-25T14:48:00.001+01:00

Well, it's Monday, and a certain Mr. Tedstill and a Mr. Hall have undertaken a mammoth job in the Furnace.......

..... watch this space!

CLIMBFIT IS COMING! - Starting October 25th...

2010-10-15T16:56:00.004+01:00

Dry tooling is back!

2010-10-12T17:06:00.003+01:00

New dry tooling routes for the winter season will be set this Thursday/Friday by Tim Hill - a climber and Foundry staff member who likes his mixed winter routes.

This year the dry tooling routes will also have logs and sleepers to tussle with as well as drilled resin holds!

The routes will be open starting Monday 18th 7.45-9.45pm.

You get 2 hours for £10. This includes gear - helmets with visors plus axes on leashes. You can bring your own axes provided you have springy leashes with your axes (or we may be able to provide leashes).

Dry Tooling sessions will be running every Monday/Friday evening 7.45-9.45pm and weekends 5.30-7.30pm.

All new Kids Cicuit

2010-10-12T17:03:00.003+01:00

Many of the problems were used in the comp last Saturday. Some have been changed and a couple more added for very young ones! This time within the 20 problems Rob has set more of a range from easy to quite tricky.

Results from Saturday's Youth Comp!

2010-10-12T16:39:00.005+01:00

We had 18 competitors in Saturdays comp, all trying 2 top ropes and five boulder problems specially set by Rob. The event went really well - thanks to the parents on hand to belay and score. Special thanks to Jim and Penny Watkin for organisation and results compilation!

Well done to all those who took part!

Meanwhile the winter bouldring league starts Monday 1st November (1st day back after half term). There will be some problems set just for kids as well as adults so do come along and give it a go. As ususal lots of raffle prizes on the night including FiveTen rock shoes and Beta Climbing Designs kit (Sterling ropes, Climb On, Bleaustone/Lapis holds), CragX vouchers.

BRYCS next year will be February 5th.

Girls 8-10
Pippa Watkin 476 1
Tia McKenzie 471 2

Girls 11-13
Georgia Hoyland 500 1
Emily Allen 495 2
Bethany Browne 483 3
Bethany Jennings434 4
Dana Windle 417 5
Lucy Clarkson 402 6

Boys 11-13
Thomas Lee 482 1
Alex Hall 435 2
Ben Lee 434 3
Harry Levick 354 4
Stephen Belk 352 5
Joseph Fowler 347 6
John Cracknell 310 7

Girls 14-16
Beth Hoyland 469 1
Pareesa Tai 458 2

Boys 14-16
Oliver Bisseker 309 1

Youth Climbing Friendly Comp! Saturday 9th October

2010-09-30T20:11:00.002+01:00

The Foundry is putting on a friendly youth comp intended to give young climbers a chance to have a go at a couple of top rope routes (one on the vertical wall and one in The Furnace) plus 5 boulder problems. Rob Napier will be setting for the comp next thursday 7th/friday 8th.

There are 3 categories ages 7-10, 11-13, 14-16. There are CragX shop vouchers for first boy/girl in each category and other prizes generously supplied by Beta Climbing Designs.

Entry is £6 and the centre will be open from 9.30am for registration. Jim Watkins (BMC Area Youth Coordinator/Foundry Academy) will be in charge of sorting out belayers / scorers from the parents present so expect to be given a job to do if you are a parent! Rob Napier will be there all day to sort any technical problems.

BMC Leading ladder 2nd - 17th October

2010-09-30T11:58:00.002+01:00

The Leading ladder is back for 2010/11. Ten routes to choose from6a to 8a. Score cards are £1. You can attempt the routes as many times as you like in the allotted time period.

The Foundry Cafe will be fully open from Monday 27th September.

2010-09-23T12:50:00.002+01:00

As usual we will be offering a range of hot/cold sandwiches, burgers, homemade specials and the all important chip Buttie.

Take advantage of free Wi-Fi access whilst you enjoy a latte. Or get a panini to stave off the hunger pangs, whilst you're waiting for your climbing partners to arrive.

Main wall prow now reset and new Level 2 bouldering circuit

2010-09-23T10:50:00.005+01:00

The prow is completely reset by Rob Napier and Steve Yeoman (new recuit from Bristol Climbing Centre). By the end of today we will have finished setting the 15 degree wall to left of the prow and have re set the Level 2 bouldering circuit.

Rob setting on Bleaustone wall

Steve setting on 15 degree section of main wall

Setting on main wall

2010-09-15T14:49:00.002+01:00

There will be route stripping and resetting on the main wall on wednesday this week and next week during the day up to 5pm.

New route setting

2010-08-20T17:48:00.003+01:00

The Livingstone wall will be re set on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th followed by the whole of the Vertical wall and Foundry slab on Thursday/Friday.

New Guide Books for Font and Rodellar.......

2010-08-09T15:26:00.002+01:00

One can get a little overwhelmed at the numerous Fontainebleau bouldering guides on offer. Certainly, in my experience, not all of them are great - some have decent area topos, others fare better at illustrating individual boulders. The lack of a clear guide for navigating the endless bouldering areas in the forest can, quite frankly, be a pain in le derrière....

The first instalment of Jacky Godoffe's new set of Font guides offers a glimmer of hope however. At first thumb through, Font à Bloc seems a bit spartan. Don't let the austerity of this guide fool you though. What it does offer is clear topos of the areas it covers, then a nice big photo of every bloc and a big red line showing where each problem goes. Throw in a brief description of each problem and how it starts, and what you have in front of you is a rather good Font guide. Definitely worth checking out.

Also in the shop this week, we've got the new Rodellar guide (have a look here). Once again, clear pictures illustrating the line of route, coupled with decent area topos make for a very useful guidebook. There's some pretty decent photography in this one too.

Important Information about Dragon Cams

2010-07-26T13:57:00.000+01:00

We've received some information about a recall of certain SIZE 6 DRAGON CAMS from DMM.

From DMM's website:

"DMM International has identified a raw material problem that may affect the strength on certain models of the Dragon Cam in size 6 (Product Code A7056A).....

..... The units affected were made between the 28th April and the 30th June and there are 604 units in the market that could be affected. The affected units have one the following serial numbers. The serial number is located on the back edge of one of the two centre cam lobes. If you own a Dragon Cam 6 with a serial number listed below then you should immediately discontinue all use of this product."

Here's a link to DMM's website (including the list of serial numbers of affected cams):

Dragon Cam recall

They've also posted a pdf which goes into a lot of detail about the recall. Here's a link to that too:

DMM International Recall on the Dragon Camming Device in size 6

To re-iterate, if you think you have one of the affected units, you should discontinue all use of the cam, and contact DMM.

Right then.

2010-07-23T20:25:00.000+01:00

The renovations to the right hand side of the main wall are now complete! There's all sorts of new angles to get on, with no more sieges through the awkward stepped roofs.

It's looking a tad bare at the moment, as setting is still ongoing (Rob is busy setting as I type).

But next week, the right hand side will be open, with a veritable smorgasbord of routes to go at.

These new renovations really make the most out of the space on the main wall, and the variety of climbing on offer now will undoubtedly spice up training sessions down the wall this season.....

.... didn't climb on the right hand side before? Bet you do now.

Wall Build Progress

2010-07-21T12:51:00.011+01:00

Rob and Ben are making good progress with improvements to the Right section of the Main Wall.

The structure is now almost completed and they are ready to set to work with paintbrushes to finish the job off.

Main wall improvements

2010-07-16T16:43:00.004+01:00

Starting Monday 19th Rob Napier and Ben Tedstill will be making some changes to the 'double roof' section of the main wall.

The two upper sections of roof will be filled over with flat panels to allow for improved routes and to make it easier to add extra volumes on the routes. Four of the quickdraw bolts will be re-positioned during the new build.

Autobelay

2010-07-12T15:31:00.006+01:00

For a trail period The Foundry has one autobelay installed, so even if you don't have a partner to belay you can still have a go at the routes on line 8.

This is a trial period only - the autobelay will be in use from now untill the 18th July

There is no extra charge for using the autobelay but before using it for the first time you must complete a short registration form, explaining how to use the equipment safely.