Phil was and still is a regular indoor climber he found himself wanting to improve his climbing technique and his grade so he came along to the Rock & Sun Performance Coaching Level 1. He came to Rock & Sun climbing F5. His enthusiasm and willingness to try everything made him a star pupil. He worked through all the consolidation work given by his instructor Chris after the course and was climbing harder and harder. After level 1 he was climbing 6b! He soon came back for more and joined a level 2 course and then a bouldering level 3 weekend. He is now climbing 7a!

Phil says ‘I found the Rock & Sun performance coaching holidays the ideal way to improve my climbing, certainly more quickly than I could ever hope to achieve working by myself. The courses are structured so that new techniques are first learned, cemented and then applied. The coaches know the crags intimately and select routes designed to challenge and as the week progresses the confidence increases, as do the grades - by the end of level 2 I found myself climbing routes I thought I would only ever be able to look up at!

Oh yes I’ve had great holidays too!’

His instructor Chris ‘Yoda’ Newton-Goverd says ‘Phil’s zest for learning and trying anything ensured he was quickly climbing harder and harder routes. He is an inspiration to anyone who wishes to climb harder. Phil has really shown with concentration and some hard work you really can see your grades soar higher than you thought was possible.’

This is the question………. Well it is for some of us who climb and find ourselves with child! This is one person’s story….Louise Davies.

I started climbing about 2 years ago but got really hooked after a bouldering trip to Albaraccin with Rock and Sun. Just as I was beginning to think that I would become the next bouldering superstar I found out I was pregnant. At first I thought that was the end of my climbing career, well at least for the next 9 months, but I did some research and spoke to Lisa, at Rock and Sun, and realised that with a few changes I could continue to climb. I gave up bouldering after 12 weeks and turned back to top-roping with my husband, Simon, as my belay partner and a safe pair of hands! I moved to a full body harness when I was about 24 weeks pregnant and the bump started to get in the way. I have found that climbing whilst pregnant has given me a tremendous mental and physical boost. Not only have I managed to stay toned and in shape (every pregnant woman’s secret dream) but I have also seen a great improvement in my climbing as I have really focused on my technique and, of course, I have been lugging all that extra weight up the wall too. In all it has been a very positive and empowering experience for me. Our baby is due in 5 weeks time and I am hoping to manage one or two more climbs before then.

My advice if you want to continue climbing whilst pregnant would be first to speak to your doctor, then climb with people you trust, listen to your body, stop when you start to feel tired and don’t feel pressured to continue climbing beyond when you feel comfortable. I took a bouldering trip with Rock and Sun at 11 weeks pregnant. Chris was great, advising me on the best way to climb and warning me away from anything that could be problematic. He also, very sensibly, steered me away from bouldering towards top-roping where I could push myself a little further but with less risk to the baby. It was with their advice that I had the confidence to continue climbing.

I look forward to my next Rock and Sun bouldering trip – babe in arms!

From everyone at Rock & Sun we wish Louise and Simon every happiness and we look forward to hearing from you very soon!

When a young dynamic cycling company introduced themselves to Rock & Sun and asked if we would sponsor their new team we said ‘Sounds like fun!’ This new team is made up of passionate riders of all abilities and ages headed up by ex Great Britain Cycling mechanic and coach, Craig Denning. Craig has worked, trained and raced all over the world with The Great Britain team and his experience is vast. After many years of the jet setting lifestyle Craig decided to set up a more permanent base with his family in Bristol and his dream was to set up his own cycling mechanic company and his own team. He has now done this suitably calling his company ‘Dream Mechanics’ and the team ‘Dream Cycling’

Here is Craig leading the field at a recent race.

We wish all the team members lots of wins and fun and to Craig every success with his new company.

For more info on Dream Mechanics or the team and the services offered including mechanics and servicing, personal coaching and training. Or if you fancy a nose at another mad sports enthusiasts log on to www.dreammechanics.co.uk

What better way to start climbing than when you are young!! Here are some photos of some of the young hopefuls!!

Introducing Jamie, Jotham, Finley, Rowan, Josep, Jordi and Raul.

Welcome to Stevie, a young talented instructor who has recently joined the Rock & Sun team. He will be running plenty of courses for R&S in the UK and Europe. Performance Coaching is his specialty. Here are some piccies of one of his recent courses.