The Saugeen Times

KDSS students test their strength on the rock-climbing wall
By Liz Dadson

Education/Sports

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Neha Yadav (L), a Grade 9 student at Kincardine District Secondary School, gets some final instructions from Chris Roberts of the Guelph Grotto before starting her ascent up the rock-climbing wall at the school Wednesday afternoon

Physical education students at Kincardine District Secondary School had a chance to test their strength again this semester with the arrival of the Guelph Grotto rock-climbing wall and associated equipment this week.

Instructors started working with students in Grades 9-12 on Tuesday, going over basic techniques for those who had never tried the sport, and giving some refresher points to those who have climbed the wall before.

The teens learned how to properly hook up to the ropes on the wall, and how to operate the belay device to assist other climbers safely up and down the wall. The major things to remember are: make sure the ropes are tight at all times, and don't let go of the brake rope when belaying the climber back to the ground.

Working in pairs, the students put on harnesses and helmets and took turns climbing the wall. Some made the climb even more challenging, by trying to do it blindfolded.

Besides the main wall, the Grotto provides a smaller boulder wall, and ascender lines for students to try out.

The equipment was at KDSS until Friday.

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