Reviews

ACTIVITY - MONTAGU ROCK CLIMBING, MONTAGU, SOUTH AFRICA

"Follow me!" Justin called as he hopped into his bakkie to lead the way to one of Montagu's much-loved climbing sites. It was a beautiful, sunny day and my 9-year old son James was looking forward to his first climb. And so did I, until I got out of the car and felt the icy wind on my face. Also, I hadn't climbed in more than 20 years, but fortunately soon, my excitement conquered my numb fingers.

When Justin opened his bag, I was delighted to discover top quality climbing gear in all sizes for us to use. There's no joy in climbing without proper climbing shoes and I was most grateful he'd organised it all. Justin is an experienced and accredited climber who resides in Montagu, and he quickly made me feel at ease. No matter how excited I get at the prospect of rock climbing, I'm no hero. In fact, I'd do anything to avoid getting close to the edge of anything steep ... and that includes climbing ladders. Rocks, however, attract me in some mysterious way and the exhilarating feeling that comes with it makes it worthwhile conquering ones fear.  

James didn't go through an elaborate psychological process; he tightened his harness, put on his helmet and shoes and went for it. One step here, one step there, and searching for the best grips, he worked his way halfway up the rock like an agile spider until, quite suddenly, he froze. "I want to go down," he pleaded. "You're doing just great!" Justin called. "I can't do it," he panicked. "You're almost there," Justin continued to encourage him. "Look to your right, there's a nice little grip over there. Push with your leg and you'll see, it's right there. I'm holding you tight." James conquered his fear and made his next move. And, just as Justin had predicted, the next grip was right there and it was a good one. A few obstacles later, James got to the top. A little shaky, but beaming with victory, "Yeah, I made it!"

   

Mom's turn. At the first touch of the rock, long-forgotten memories of fantastic moments on exciting Belgian cliffs started coming back: the texture of the rock, a dynamic move to reach the next grip, a sense of total freedom, the exhilarating sense of achievement when you reach the top and, of course, the views from above. The 2012 reality, however, came as a total shock: my fingers, as well as the rest of my body, were stiff and weak in comparison with what they were 20 years ago. The mind was still on top, but the body just didn't deliver. Nonetheless, the experience was great. I forgot about the cold wind and immensely enjoyed the contact with the sunlit rock. But, most importantly, I was totally 'in the moment', something I only get with rock climbing (you have to if you don't want to get hurt). And, for me, not being constantly aware of my 'to do list', is a luxury in its own right.

I found climbing with Justin totally stress-free, not only because he instills absolute trust, but also because I didn't have to organise a thing. He catered for everything.

James was very impressed by the experience. When I asked him if he'd like to come back and climb again, his immediate reply was a resounding and grinning, "Oh, yes!" 

Montagu offers outstanding climbing with over 450 climbing routes for all levels of experience. It looks like we had discovered yet another wonderful way to spend quality time together: staying physically fit in an awe-inspiring natural environment, pushing your boundaries, conquering your fears and bonding with your children. All at your own pace. How much better can it get?

For any climbing information or to find a climbing partner click here.  

Go to Justin's website www.montaguclimbing.com for more information. 

Author: Petra Vandecasteele
Source: www.InspirationalWritingByPetra.com
Date: 02 Jul 2012

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