DURHAM CLIMBING CENTRE BLOG

THE BOWEN TECHNIQUE @ DCC

2010-05-01T04:12:00.000-07:00

Durham Climbing Centre welcomes a new therapist Jack Walton MSc. BSc. E.C.B.S. to our Treatment Clinic. Jack is a Soft Tissue Therapist / Corrective Exercise and Strength Coach.

The Bowen Technique and Climbers

Soft Tissue Therapy
Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
Effective for finger / wrist / elbow / shoulder injury
Alleviates lower back pain
Enhanced movement and strength
Postural alignment and muscle balance

Whatever your health or performance goal, it will be specific to you. Bowen treats the individual and the person as a whole, not just the condition or symptoms.

This soft tissue involves a series of precise, light rolling-type moves over muscle, tendon and ligament junctions.

Your response is individual and may involve alleviated pain, reduced inflammation, released tension, restored muscle and joint function, structural/ postural alignment, biomechanical efficiency and increased energy.

Climbing subjects the body and its connective tissues to intense physical loading. Whilst training, climbing and bouldering will improve, there will also be damage , strain and tension which can put you at risk of injury. The Bowen Technique can restore circulation and structural health to these tissues. To book your appointment phone 0191 3789555.

All treatments take place in our private treatment room

Bowen Sessions - Every Thursday 4 - 8pm

Introductory Offer - First Session only £20.00 (usual price £35.00)

Phone 0191 3789555 to book a session

Find out more:
Northern Integrative Health Practice www.healthnorth.co.uk

TREATMENT CLINIC @ DCC

2010-03-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge

Durham Climbing Centre launches a brand new Treatment Clinic on Monday 29th March with Shiatsu Massage Therapist James Linton Hunter MRSS joining the DCC Team.

Shiatsu is an ancient Japanese physical therapy and system of healing. The positive effects of regular Shiatsu treatments for a climber include using Shiatsu to; reduce muscle fatique, increase energy levels, improve flexibility and enhance performance. James himself is an experienced climber and understands the needs of the client. Shiatsu treatments may be delivered before or after a climbing session.

Until May 1st, James is offering an a reduced rate on your first 60 minute session of £20 (usual price £35.00)

Shiatsu Works @ Durham Climbing Centre takes place every Monday 12pm - 8pm.

All treatments take place in our treatment room in
complete privacy.

Book your appointment now by phoning the centre on 0191 3789555

EASTER EGG HUNT!

2010-03-19T06:04:00.000-07:00

Easter Egg Hunt! Sunday 4th April 2.30pm - 4.00pm

Come along for a fun Easter Egg Hunt with climbing fun and games! Enter the decorated egg competition!

Just bring along a hard boiled egg decorated however you like to enter the competition! The wackier the better!

£10 per child Phone 0191 3789555 to book!

EASTER HOLIDAY PROGRAM

2010-03-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

HALF TERM CHILDREN'S PROGRAMME

2010-02-09T05:20:00.000-08:00

DCC are running Children's Sessions as usual during February Half Term. Please see the time table below for dates and times. Daytime sessions replace Tuesday & Thursday evening sessions. Please phone the centre to book a place 0191 3789555.

'ROCK HARD CAFE' IS LAUNCHED!

2010-02-09T05:08:00.000-08:00

Hard working climbers and spectators can now enjoy a light bite during their climb from our brand new 'ROCK HARD CAFE'!

Hot snacks on offer include paninis, toasties, soup & sandwiches. Try our cheese, onion & sweet chilli panini... it's proving to be a winning combination! Along with a selection of crisps, chocolate and fresh fruit; we now also sell a selection of handmade flapjacks, muffins and cakes to enjoy with one of our famous speciality coffees.

Now there are even more great reasons to visit DCC!

WINTER COMPETITION & BOREAL BOOT DEMO!

2009-10-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

BOREAL BOOT DEMO - Saturday 14th November 12.00pm - 4.00pm

Come along to try on and have a climb in some of Boreal's outstanding climbing shoes including: LUNA, MUTANT, CRUX & JOKER. Any shoes bought on the day will receive a 10% discount!!

ADVENTURE GENERATOR: THE TWITCHHIKER CHALLENGE!

2009-08-19T04:21:00.000-07:00

North East write Paul Simth aka Twitchhiker (Twitter) has been exploring activities in the North East this week visting us for a spot of bouldering yesterday.

Paul has over 11,300 global Twitter followers who have been voting for activities for him to try using the new 'Adventure Generator' interactive online tool at www.visitnortheastengland.com/adventure.

Direct from Pauls Twitter blog is his schedule for this week, as voted for by Twitterers!

Monday: I have to climb to the peak of Roseberry Topping

Tuesday: I’m bouldering in Durham

Wednesday: I’m conquering my fear of heights in a hot air balloon above Durham

Thursday: I’m going to walk on water in Hartlepool…

Friday: I have to Go Ape at Matfen Hall - that means swinging through the trees like a big monkey. Which I sort of am already.

Paul arrived at the centre around 1pm and met up with owners Hayley & Kevin. Paul confessed he had little experience of bouldering and was encouraged to give it a go.

The full article can be read on twitter:

http://www.visitnortheastengland.com/site/what-to-see-and-do/activities/durham-climbing-centre-p340361

Durham Climbing Centre on Visit North East England
http://www.visitnortheastengland.com/site/what-to-see-and-do/activities/durham-climbing-centre-p340361

BRAND NEW ROUTES ADDED!

2009-08-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

During the Summer months the centre has benefited from a wide range of new routes added every week.

The Junior Wall has been completely reset with a range of easy problems V0 – V4. All grades have been catered for so far the feedback has been incredible. At least one new circuit will be added each week as well as our complete changes every 8 -10 weeks.

New “Easy” Spotty Circuit V1 – V3 added 7th August 2009

A mix of yellow and black spotted holds; nice and easy made up of large classic holds, small crimps, large slopers and large jugs.
A mix of black and green spotted holds including Limestone Edges and Thai Mondo jugs.
The tunnel section has a range of black and green spotted holds on less overhanging problems. Great for promoting balance and technical movement.
The main advanced area has a range of yellow and black spotted holds. Includes larger holds on more overhanging parts of the wall. Volume work included on some of the problems.
This circuit is suitable for beginners and includes two technical problems on the slab to work with!

New “Hard” Black Circuit V5-V7 added 14th August 2009

A wide range of Fontainebleau creations from Bleaustone.
Includes: mini jugs, crimps, mondo jugs, edges, pinches, pockets, slopers, specials and screw-ons.
Very interesting problem on the slab. Big footholds and no handholds traversing across to a big boss. Big rock over move to finish. Great Jonny Dawes style problem.
Powerful arête slapping on big slopers and crimps.
Interesting problem in the cave might be a test for those shy on body tension. Requires good control to get to the second stage of the boulder problem. Then gets a little easier if you have any power left to finish.
In the tunnel area there is a good problem working in with two volumes. Challenging start to this problem with the awkward foot placements.

DCC DOES BIKEWISE!

2009-08-18T07:16:00.000-07:00

The 15th annual BikeWise show took place on the 16th August 2009. We were invited to support the M.A.D. Mountain Bike Trials/ Stunt Dispaly Team who reguarly train at the Climbing Centre.

As well as the M.A.D. display team, there was a whole host of activities including Dave Coates stunt rider a fantastic supporter of BikeWise, the police dog displays and of course the ever popular skid pan and 4 X 4 experience.

Overall a great day out, we were able to speak to lots of people about the Climbing Centre and generate interest in rock climbing in the local area.

MP VISITS DURHAM CLIMBING CENTRE!

2009-08-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

On 11th July Local MP and Assistant Regional Minister for the North East, Roberta Blackman - Woods visited the climbing centre as part of the Department for Children, Schools and Families Open Weekend.

Roberta did some climbing with Kevin and talked to many of the young people who use the centre.

Speaking after the event Roberta said:

'I was delighted to be able to come and see this fantastic centre for myself. Just talking with the young people, I could tell their enthusiasm and energy and I want to congratulate Kevin and Hayley and all involved for establishing and developing this great facility for Durham.'

The full article can be read on Roberta's news page: http://www.roberta.org.uk/news/news_detail.asp?aID=622

DCC BOULDERING SERIES UNDERWAY!

2009-03-06T02:59:00.000-08:00

Two rounds of the DCC WINTER BOULDERING SERIES have now been completed with climbers gaining some excellent scores and the opportunity to win some top prizes. Each round is sponsored by different brands who are supplying us generously with prizes.

Round 1 was sponsored by Metolius and Evolv. Andy Watmaugh took home a Metolius Fingerboard for coming first in the VETS MALE and Evolv shoes went to the winners of the Beginner Male cat Brett Penfold and Michael Daglish. The turnout was excellent and problems were considered hard but 'challenging'! Congratulations to everyone who took part.

The results are now online for Round 2 of the ever successful Winter Bouldering Series. Once again there was a fantastic turnout with everyone psyched for new problems. The event was sponsored by Bleaustone & Climb On! Who provided an excellent selection of prizes including Bleaustone Fingerboards, Climb On! Products, Bleaustone T Shirts and Chalk Bags. Over 60 people entered with some choosing not to hand in their score sheets! Dan Smith took home a Bleaustone fingerboard for winning the ADVANCED MALE Category and young climber Jamie Naden won a CLIMB ON! Hand Care Kit for his efforts! All totals are carried over to the next round so points do count. As usual the competition was fun and friendly, and everyone who paid their £1 to enter claimed their free sample of Climb On, which is surely worth a pound! Keep posted for details of Round 3; dates and sponsors.

See you all down at the centre to try out the new blocks– more problems added today: 20 new ones grade V2 - V6!

ROUND 2 DCC WINTER BOULDERING COMPETITION SERIES 2009

2009-02-13T02:43:00.000-08:00

Friday 27th February 5.30pm – 9.30pm

SPONSORED BY BLEAUSTONE & CLIMB ON! FREE SPORTS MASSAGE FROM THE SHIATSU WORKS! FREE CLIMB ON SAMPLES!!

The second date has been announced for Round 2 of the Winter League. Route Setters confirmed are Jamie Cassidy, Jason Pickles and Ben Meeks.

Prizes include:

2 x Bleaustone Compact FingerBoard
2 x Beta Hand Care Kit
10 x Bleaustone Large Bags of Chalk
5 x Bleaustone Team Tees
2 x ClimbOn! Creme
10 x Bleaustone Crimp Key Rings

Categories include:

Beginner Male & Female
Under 16 Male & Female
Advanced Male & Female
Veteran Male & Female
Sponsored & Pro Climber

There will be freebies for the first 50 participants at the competition including Climb On! Mini Samples! Prizes are awarded in each round with overall winners of the league receiving prizes in Round 4! Competition entry is only £1 on top of entry which buys you a score sheet!
Good Luck!

INDO ACTION AT DCC!!

2009-01-29T09:54:00.001-08:00

Last Friday DCC took delivery of a brand new toy for our members in the shape of an Indo Board Balance Trainer. As well as being an extremely cool piece of kit, using the Indo Board for fun or as a serious workout helps the rider develop balance, coordination, and increased leg strength, while enhancing all important core fitness. Indo Boards improve motor skills, making the Indo Board a great cross training tool for a variety of sports, from extreme board sports to all mainstream sports that require agility and innate balance coordination. Check out our video complete with some quality tricks and some hilarious falls! Next Indo session will take place in the Junior Climbing Room this Friday as well as over 20 new problems!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=rMaYams8TQI

DCC BOULDERING COMPETITION SERIES 2009

2008-12-15T11:13:00.000-08:00

The second weekend in January gets off to an exposive start with Round 1 on Friday 9th January 2009 5.30pm - 9.30pm. Problems will be set by our usual setters Ian Vickers, Jamie Cassidy & Ben Meeks. Round 1 is sponsored by Evolv and Metolius - Top Prizes are up for grabs including rock shoes and metolius fingerboards. Prizes will be awarded in each round. Free samples and spot challenge prizes will be up for grabs along the way finishing off with a grand raffle and more prizes in Round 4! Keep posted for more dates and details! It costs just £1 to enter the comp. for a scoresheet and set of rules.

Saturday 10th January - Evolv Boot Demo, Trials Bike Stunts & Free Shiatsu Massage!
Sunday 11th January - FREE CLIMBING OPEN DAY 12pm - 4pm- for all new members who want to have a go!

Keep posted for more details on the web and our facebook page!

BRITISH TEAM SUCCESS!

2008-12-15T09:45:00.000-08:00

DCC regular Ben Patterson competed at Ratho on 6/7th December for a place on the Junior Team. After two qualifying rounds Ben was joint first out of ten competitiors. His success continued in the semi - final and he was eventually awarded a place as an Aspirant Member. Ben usually trains with his Dad and brother Nick at Durham Climbing Centre and other walls and crags around the country. Ben is currently sponsored by Evolv and wears either Pontas or Predator.

His ambitious plans for the future include to come in the top 5 in the BRYCS next year and to make the Bristish Team for the European Youth Series next year. Good Luck Ben - we know you can do it!

Over 50 New Problems V0 - V4!

2008-12-10T04:51:00.000-08:00

The Junior Climbing walls have been completely reset in time for the Christmas Break. Over 50 new problems have been added ranging from V0 – V4 in difficulty. Easier problems and a lower wall height than in the advanced climbing area appeal to all ages especially children and beginners. More advanced climbers often use the wall to warm up / down. Something fun for a child has been added with the Alphabet Grid. Children can spell out their names by climbing between the holds.

CHRISTMAS SALE!! UP TO 50% OFF!

2008-12-05T07:40:00.000-08:00

With Christmas just around the corner, DCC is having a Christmas Sale with up to 50% off everything.

T Shirts from £10, Trousers from £20, Hoodies from £25!! Also included in the sale are chalk bags, hats, DVD's, Guide Books and Bouldering Crash Pads with plenty of bargains to be had. Plus 20% off all shoes. Starts Friday 5th December - Hurry when its gone its gone!

TWO DOWN, ONE TO GO!

2008-11-26T07:21:00.000-08:00

Well, its been a few days since the advanced area was reset and the new problems have gone down a treat. In the training area the new pinch grip training traverse has received rave reviews! Ian and Jamie's super problems have both been won by strong men Micky Page and Adam Young respectively. Micky lived up to his reputation by completing all three problems! For their prize, Micky chose a hoody and Adam chose rock shoes and is mulling over which style to go for. This means there is only the ten session pass left for the first person to complete Ben Meeks' problem in the stepped roof next to the highball. To top that there will be even more new problems going up on Friday.. and don't forget Ben's problem is still up for grabs.

Adam goes for glory on Jamie's Problem.

Micky makes it look easy!

DCC PROBLEMS OF DOOM & DESPAIR!!

2008-11-22T04:54:00.000-08:00

All problems in the advanced bouldering area have been reset yesterday by top setters Ian Vickers, Jamie Cassidy and Ben Meeks. They have providing us with over 150 new problems and each of the lads have set a super hard problem to complete. The first three climbers to complete one of these will win their choice of a pair of shoes, session pass or a hoody! So be quick!!

SECOND CHANCE FOR REEL ROCK FILM TOUR SUNDAY 23rd NOVEMBER... £5 ON THE DOOR...

2008-11-09T03:26:00.000-08:00

The third annual Reel Rock Film Tour comes to DCC on Sunday 23rd November. Kicking off 7.30pm - 9.30pm footage from the 2 hour show includes:

Corey Rich Slideshow

Reel Rock Filmmaking Competition Winners

Grand Canyon Walls

On Sight

Aerialist

Rocklands, South Africa

PLUS Full Screening of Sender Film's new movie The Sharp End

Log on to the website for more info: http://www.reelrocktour.com/

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=23752682170

DJ NIGHT FRIDAY 17th OCTOBER!

2008-10-14T06:32:00.000-07:00

DCC are launching the much anticipated DJ Night this Friday! Everyone is welcome to come down where a selection of music passed by management (!) will be played from some awesome twelve tens. If you would like to mix please contact the centre before the night - those spinning the decks will gain free entry on the night!

E9 Launches in Equipment Shop

2008-10-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

E9 Clothing has been launched today in the equipment shop. The range includes mens and womens tops, t shirts and trousers. We are offering 20% off all clothing until the end of October - but be quick when its gone its gone!

Happy Birthday DCC!

2008-10-11T07:18:00.000-07:00

DURHAM CLIMBING CENTRE CELEBRATES ITS FIRST BIRTHDAY IN OCTOBER!!

All through the month of October we will be celebrating our one year anniversary by offering all our visitors a selection of exciting offers and events. The last twelve months have been amazing and we would like to thank everyone who has visited the centre or mentioned us to their friends for their support. Fortunately for us, all of the feedback has been positive with members being genuinely excited by the centre and the problems here.We asked some of our members for their opinions on what makes our centre work and here is what a few of them said:

‘DCC has the right formula... regular route changes using some of the best British climbers mean the problems are always world class…’

Delicious coffee and hot chocolate!’

'Always a friendly atmosphere – not intimidating at all’

‘I like the way you can talk to other climbers and get tips about how to do different problems’

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS
· Annual Pass Special Discount in October only £300 / £250*
· Introduce a friend… Introduce 5 friends as new members and climb for free**
· Lifetime Membership – all current and new memberships will be extended to
lifetime membership – no renewal fees ever!
· 20% OFF all clothing and shoes INCLUDING new brand E9 launched in the equipment shop until 31/10/08.

OCTOBER EVENTS
· Friday 10th October - Pro climber DAVE GRAHAM visits to demonstrate his phenomenal
climbing ability and talk about his adventures. A must for all enthusiasts or anyone
interested in finding out more about the sport. Tickets on sale now from reception
£15.00 / £13.50* including climbing entry on the day.
· Friday 17th October - Much anticipated DJ night launches. If you would like a
chance to DJ on the night please speak to one of our team before the event.
· Saturday 25th October 12pm – 6pm Festival Day - Come along for a FREE climbing s
session for anyone who is not a member. Other activities going on include FREE
Sports Massage!

*£250 / £13.50 applies to concessions (students & under 16’s) and annual pass members.
** Free session is for one person per five new members.

DCC would like to thank all their members and sponsors for their support and encouragement over the past year and welcomes any feedback members may have. Hayley & Kevin.

The night Dave Graham came to Durham...

2008-10-11T04:11:00.001-07:00

Last night saw the arrival of Pro Climber Dave Graham as he embarked on the fifth leg of his European Tour.

Dave's inspirational lecture was epitomized by his current climbing philosophy of 'Stepping it up a Notch' encouraging climbers to take it to the next level and push themselves. He talked of his artistic style of climbing never tiring from finding new problems and new ways to work problems, describing how it took him years to complete some problems. Dave had the audience captivated with his hilarious references and inspirational words.

At the end of the night all tickets were entered into a free draw for the chance to win a signed fingerboard. The lucky lad was Nick Patterson a regular at Durham Climbing Centre who was chuffed to win the prize and have his photo taken with Dave. Some of our younger climbers were genuinely star struck by meeting Dave!

Overall a great night, thanks to all who attended and Dave himself! Check out more pictures from the event on our Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1516721557&ref=profile