Quiz: are you ready for your climbing date?

So, you’re going on a climbing date. The big question is: are you ready? Our instructors at Calshot have put together this fun quiz to see if your date will be a hit or a miss! Whether you’re a seasoned climber or new to the rock, climbing is a fun and exciting way of getting to know someone. Keep reading if you want some tips on landing a great belay-tionship!

1. You’re a confident climber and can see the solution to the problem your date’s working on. Do you…

A – Give well meaning advice to your partner at any given time, despite them not asking for a bit of help. A bit of unsolicited advice, known as ‘beta spray’, is ok right? Then slip out of your climbing shoes and into a pair of clogs to show them the hard moves for the finishing touch.

B - Give supportive advice after asking if they want help with the any moves. Describe the moves as best you can with encouraging affirmations like, “You can do that”, “Give it another try if you have the beans”.

You guessed it, the answer is B! Giving advice and sharing the moves or beta is a great way to bond and work through a climb. But remember, the fun of climbing is working out the moves yourself in a way that best suits your body. What works for one might not work for another. Beta spraying (unsolicited advice at a climbing wall) is a gym no no - always ask if someone wants your help!

2. You’ve never really climbed before and you’re not sure what to wear. Do you…

A - Dress in uncomfortable clothes that you don’t feel great in. You saw someone wearing them on social media and thought you might fit in.

B - Dress in clothes you are comfortable in, even jeans!

The answer is B! The temperature at Calshot fluctuates throughout the year, so our top tip is remembering warm layers - even bring a layer for your date to avoid the cold shoulder! Climbing can involve a lot of gear, but you don’t need any of that to get started. Everything you might need you can rent at the Calshot climbing kiosk; shoes, harnesses and we even sell chalk bags if you’re feeling fancy!

3. You’re going on a climbing date, but you’ve not been climbing in a while, if ever! Do you…

A - Overstate your ability to your date. Maybe you can’t quite remember how to do a figure of eight knot, or how to belay safely, but you’ll figure it out on the day.

B - Accept that maybe your knowledge could be rusty and book a beginner's course or climbing refresher to scrub up your knowledge before taking your date to height.

This one is B... 100% B! Remember climbing is an extreme sport. To belay, boulder and use the auto-belays at Calshot, you’ll first have to pass a competency test. We have plenty of options here at Calshot to get you up to scratch. The auto belay and bouldering induction course might be a great option if you’re both starting out, but if you really want the WOW factor, book onto a beginner's course or refresher before your climbing date!

4. Your date’s not sure they can complete the problem they’re working on. Do you…

A - Apply pressure to your date to get the climb done. A little competition is healthy, and shouting up the wall “I won’t lower you down until you try again” is helpful encouragement to your climbing partner.

B - Hype each other up: Tell them, “You can do this”, “I’ve got you”, and when they have truly had enough of the route, say “you did so well”, before lowering them gently to the ground.

The answer is of course B. If you want to secure a second date, leave the competition at the gate! Keep it fun and friendly. Enjoy the quality time in getting to know each other better.

5. You had a great time getting to know your date, but they didn’t enjoy climbing. Is there a second date on the cards?

A - No, it’s not going to work out. 

B - Yes! They showed up and gave it a try... date two is in the diary!

Well... we couldn’t possibly comment on this one.

We can’t wait to see you all here at Calshot!