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DEPENDING ON YOUR SENSE OF ADVENTURE AN INDOOR CLIMBING WALL MAY BE JUST WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR THIS SUMMER, WRITES STACEY ROSS
AS temperatures soar and the sweltering summer months roll in, hibernating indoors seems like the only way to escape the heat. But, it’s the ideal time to move inside and get involved in some adventurous activities. Run by Muscat Diving and Adventure Centre, the indoor climbing wall is the perfect opportunity to beat the heat and hone your climbing skills – not to mention this activity will have you sporting a toned physique in next to no time!
Whatever your experience and ability, there is something for everyone that can be enjoyed by all age groups. Located in Al Khuwair, The Wall climbing centre is equipped with a bouldering cave, a climbing wall fitted with over 30 lines and an abseil tower. Increasingly popular especially among Omani youth groups, The Wall has seen a surge in numbers recently as individuals seek out more adventurous and thrilling alternatives this summer!
If you’re a beginner try a Rock Climbing Taster! This one hour teaser will let you get a feel for the sport and includes Bouldering (climbing short routes without ropes), climbing techniques, using safety equipment, top rope climbing, belaying a climber and making a safe descent.
Provided it is taught by qualified instructors with extremely high safety standards, rock climbing is a relatively safe sport. “Our instructors are dedicated climbers and have a great depth of knowledge of the crags around Oman. They are qualified and experienced in teaching climbing at all levels from beginners to more advanced climbers and will be keen to pass on their knowledge to you,” says Justin Halls, a qualified climbing instructor. Whilst you can learn to rock climb outside “the indoor facility is a nice safe environment to sort of pick up the basics, and obviously with the weather it’s nice to be indoors,” adds Hall. Open six days a week, The Wall also hosts an open late night climbing session twice a week which attracts a horde of local climbers and outdoor enthusiasts. “We’ve got quite a social gathering now and it’s a great place to meet like-minded people and plan your next adventure!” adds Hall.
But don’t get too comfortable inside! Once you’ve figured the basics it’s nice to push yourself and head outdoors as soon as possible. “People are coming in now to train and prepare themselves for when it cools down and the adventure starts again,” adds Hall.
The range of adventure trips available to you is endless and depends entirely on your sense of adventure. But, how far are you willing to push it? Multi-pitch rock climbing, canyoning and caving are all popular activities.
“It’s a beautiful country but you have to get out of Muscat and go up to the mountains. I’ve shown people photos of these new trips we’re finding and people can’t believe this is Oman -- its lush green wadis with crystal turquoise waters and waterfalls. It’s a real gem out there but you’ve got to put in some work to get yourself out there,” adds Hall.
For those of you thrill seekers looking for an adrenaline rush, it doesn’t get any better than this! It will no doubt infuse some excitement into your wee. But be warned this adrenaline-fuelled sport is certainly not for the faint hearted! So go on push the boundaries, awaken your senses and give yourself a boost -- a one-of-a- kind experience awaits!
sross1988@hotmail.com
Oman Mirror |
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