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.

Steven aspired to climbing more remarkable routes made up of a variety of different rock formations of varying technical difficulty and gradient. Steven was willing to try a number of different techniques but was not willing to spend many days working a route for a redpoint ascent. He was keen that the emphasis should remain on fun.

The solution…….

Steven enrolled onto the Rock & Sun Performance Coaching Scheme, where he worked through from level 1 to level 3. Chris Newton-Goverd, his instructor, says ‘Once Steve overcame the mental barriers and limiting perception of his climbing abilities he was able to try and succeed harder and harder routes also gaining skills in every area of his climbing. I expect him to continue to push his grade ever further and I will always enjoy climbing with him.’

The results……

Steven’s technical climbing ability has been developed such that he is comfortable and confident on many different rock types and climbing styles. He continues to aspire to climbing the most remarkable and significant lines and his overall technical ability has risen from F4 to F7b.

What Steven has to say……

‘The staff at Rock & Sun undoubtedly utilised their extensive experience to the benefit of my performance levels….I was extremely impressed with the results and have subsequently undertaken more advanced performance coaching courses with them. I felt that the coaching Rock & Sun provided was particularly beneficial in helping to develope my technique and inspire an inner confidence so that I would continue to climb with an enhanced performance level.’

One of our loved Rock & Sun climbers has left the sunny shores of ‘The Valleys’ and gone to America for on going career success and of course for the blonde haired, sun kissed babes.

Here is a piccy of his smiling face on one of his recent holidays with us.

Jason, Have a fantastic time and we wish you lots of luck and happiness. See you soon!

Performance Coaching Courses for March 2008

Level 1 - 15th - 22nd March
Level 2 - 22nd  - 29th March

Level 1 Intensive - 28th - 31st March

As a big thank you to all our Rock & Sun members and a welcome to all the new ones we are offering two special holidays at an amazing discount

Albarracin Bouldering Workshop
Friday 15th - 18th February
£299 save £100

General Climbing Week - Costa Blanca
Saturday 23rd February - Saturday 1st March
£299 save £200

Both Holidays include self catering accommodation, instruction, airport transfer, local transport and climbing equipment

Places will go fast so contact Lisa now to reserve a place and for more info

Chris Climbed his first 8a at L’Ocaive yesterday…

This long term project was a well welcomed achievement for Chris.

“it was almost becoming my nemesis! It had everything in a route that I was not good at…”