Throwback: building the climbing wall

It’s no fun that we can’t climb for a couple of months, but the situation does give the opportunity to develop other hobbies. Playing skribbl.io and agar.io with other TSAC members for example, or more running and slacklining. And obviously you can also use the time to read old Theeblaadjes. (The association magazines) That’s how we we discovered that our beloved sport climbing wall is now 27 years old! Maybe someone should check if it’s still safe? Regardless, the process of building this climbing wall was documented in the Teeblaadjes of 1992 and 1993, which at the time were still simply printed on paper. To make sure that this piece of TSAC history is not forgotten, and to provide you with something to do, you can now read it here.

New climbing wall (Theeblaadje 1992-4)

Once a good bottle of wine (French of course) has been bottled, it still takes a long time before it is on the shelf at your liquor store. In the meantime, nothing happens ... At least it seems that way! While the bottle is in some rustic cellar, it matures.

Building a climbing wall undergoes the same process. When the plans have been ready for years (3 years already), it seems as if nothing is happening. Yet, while many a climber expressed his displeasure about the concrete grips getting smoother and smoother, while someone else removed some of the grips from our artwork and yet someone else tried the quality of the hooks, the wall committee (me) was struggling to make the much needed extension of our training accommodation. After much lobbying (i.e.: attending drinks, *hiccup*) one of these days a decision will be made about the construction of a new climbing wall.

Since the cost of the wall is not disproportionate, and the extension is more than desirable, it seems to me that the RCV has no choice but to agree to its construction. However, just like uncorking a wine with an excellent label (and price tag), it will still be an exciting time.

New climbing wall (Theeblaadje 1993-1)

It has been a long wait, but finally it is there, the brand new sports climbing wall of the TSAC. This photo report gives you an idea of how the climbing wall is built. At the opening reception, Mr. van Veelen (director of the sports center) recalled in his speech the LV&S's position that the climbing wall should above all be safe and strong. If you still have your doubts about the strength of the construction, those doubts are now a thing of the past!