In the build up to Paraclimbing London's next public event, we're releasing two incredible articles from Anoushé Husain, the groups founder and Castle sponsored athlete. In this article Anoushé explores what (and who) motivates us to climb.
Why did you start climbing?
I started because a friend of mine thought it would be a great way of rehabilitating myself following cancer treatment. When I ask other climbers how they started, it’s often because someone they know is already climbing or they have come upon the sport without planning to and decided to try it out.
Aside from a couple of friends I knew who climbed, no one else I knew personally or professionally climbed. Frankly, I wouldn’t have started without my friend and so this begs the questions, who are the role models in climbing and how is it that they don’t seem to be reaching the grassroots non-climbers? Why is one of the most accessible sports I know not being accessed by more people?
Climbing unfortunately suffers from several perceptions which is not helping the sport: it’s a dangerous sport, it’s expensive and you need to be strong to do it.
It’s fair to say that climbing can be seen to be a dangerous sport by those who are unaware of just how much goes into keeping the participants safe. From inductions to staff members being on hand to make sure things are going safely to a culture of climbers watching out for each other. But you’ll only find out about the safety of climbing if you actually try it and so this perceived danger remains to any non-climber.
Most climbing wall memberships are comparable to any gym membership and a lot of walls also provide gym areas and other facilities. If you decide to buy simple kit, there are lots of types for different budgets and once bought, a lot of your kit will last for a very long time. Having been a swimmer, martial artist, cricketer, gym-goer, hiker and climber, I would say climbing is not expensive.
So, why do people think they have to be strong or able-bodied to try climbing? All the climbing I saw on the media when I wasn’t a climber was people climbing mountains like Everest. Now that climbing is an Olympic sport, the focus is obviously on elite and amazing climbers like Shauna Coxsey or Will Bosi. It’s sort of normal that people assume they have to be strong to climb or climbing isn’t for them when all they see is an Olympic standard climber crushing their route at a World Cup.
So, does climbing have role models that can reach grassroots non-climbers? Loads! Each climber, regardless of who they are, where might come from, their climbing level or ability is a role model. You are showing non-climbers just how accessible and inclusive the sport is! By starting to climb and bringing people to climb with you, you are growing the sport which is awesome.
Over time, the various perceptions around climbing that will discourage many to try will go away and we will see more people join the sport. it's already happening.
If you want to follow more of Anoushé's story, you can find her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To find out more about Paraclimbing London's next event visit our Facebook event page.
Photo: Ben Grubb
