★★★Please note: For the time being, places are strictly limited to 6 people, and all Reach and government guidelines apply. If this meetup is full, leave a comment to let other members know you are available to climb with. There are likely to be other members in a similar situation. Remember to pick a different meeting point to avoid overcrowding, and to let them know how to recognise you! Check back regularly for replies.★★★

Do you want to meet new people to climb and socialise with? Do you already know now how to belay safely, and tie in without assistance? If your answer is “Yes and Yes!” come and join us at one of our hosted Meetups! Please RSVP so we know you are coming. Our lovely hosts will introduce you to other members who are climbing on the evening, and help new members find climbing partners. We welcome all new members, regardless of the level you are climbing at, be it 3 or 9a. Joining us is free. If this is your first time with the club, please read all the way to the bottom of this page. There is important safety info you need to know.

NEW MEMBERS MUST:
1. Be registered as an unsupervised climber at the Reach.
2. Provide or hire your own equipment including harness, shoes, and belay device.
3. Know how to belay safely, and tie in without assistance BEFORE you come to a session. For lead belay sessions (like this one) you must also be fully competent at lead belay technique.

WHEN & WHERE?
Hosted meetups are held on alternate Tuesdays and Thursdays each week. We meet at the ICAS sign, downstairs at the Reach.
★Introductions for top rope are at 7pm sharp
★Introductions for lead climbing are at 7:30 sharp.
Due to social distancing restrictions please please be on time, and ready to climb (gear on), so we can meet and move quickly. This will help avoid an accumulation of people by the meeting point.

WHAT NEXT?
Use the app or website to sign up as a ‘Social Climber’. Once you have climbed with us at a hosted Meetup, and shown you meet the new member criteria (above) A host will grant you access to our full indoor and outdoor calendars. You will also be eligible to join us at our more informal indoor climbing Meetups, which happen several times a week, as well as our ‘off belay’ social events.

If you are already an outdoor climber, ask your host about our separate, BMC affiliated ICAS club, who organise real rock trips, or check out the Outdoor membership section of our app/website.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION – PLEASE READ

If Covid-19 wasn’t enough, climbing is an inherently dangerous activity, which could cause personal injury or death. Attendees at any ICAS Indoor events should be aware of, and accept the risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement. We are climbers – not instructors, and members of the group cannot, and will not take responsibility for teaching or supervising any climber who is unsure about the essential safety skills. If you can’t belay and tie in safely yet, or are a but rusty, or unsure, please complete the Reach’s excellent ‘Roped Climbing: Basic Skills Course’ or a similar refresher course BEFORE you come to a Meetup. The course is short, thorough, and affordable – so well worth it. They are also another good way to meet other climbers. You can find out about courses, and book one by clicking this link:
https://thereach.org.uk/new-to-climbing/roped-climbing-course

Although we may take steps to verify new members’ competence, this does not guarantee they are safe, or will be safe in every instance. We encourage all members to check themselves and check their partner before starting each route. We also encourage anyone who has concerns about poor practice whilst climbing with ICAS Indoor members to speak to the member concerned, mention the issue in confidence to a host or committee member, and/or speak to the floorwalker at the Reach. We promote an open atmosphere where no one should be afraid to ask questions which could one day prevent a serious injury.

See you soon!

Location

The Reach climbing wall Unit 6 Mellish Estate Harrington Way · London SE18 5NU