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April 14, 2011

News item – Big climbing wall opens at Mount Prevost

The first time Mt. Prevost principal Jaime Doyle walked into his new school a few years ago he noticed a blank wall in the gym. That gave the experienced rock climber an idea. Why not, he reasoned, build a wall there and introduce climbing into the PE curriculum? Wouldn’t it be great to teach students the skills of safe climbing?

It took a few years and $54,000 in fundraising for his idea to reach full fruition but four years later Prevost middle school boasts not one, but two climbing walls: a 400 square ft, 10 ft high bouldering traversing wall and an 850 square ft, 23ft. high big wall with five top ropes. This latest addition to the climbing centre was engineered and built by Courtenay-based Juggernaut Construction. Loads of climbing and safety equipment is stored in a side room.

“The Rock at Mount Prevost is officially open,” said principal Doyle. “After years of fundraising, incredible support by the school’s student development centre, the Mount Prevost PAC, the community and countless volunteers, we have reached our goal.”

Two years ago, the smaller traversing wall was ready. The big wall, completed just before spring break this year, was officially opened in front of the entire school on the first day after the break. Eight staff members took a course that allows them to teach students correctly in belaying techniques and climbing safety. Later this year, they’ll take a further three-day training course with Alpine Canada. Completion of that course will certify them to train the public.

Currently, the wall is used by Prevost students only, but plans are under way that will include use by other schools in the district and quite possibly by the general public next school year, said principal Doyle.

“In the curriculum, we’ll be teaching students proper belaying techniques, risk management, route setting and movement skills in a safe and non-threatening environment,” he explained. The big wall can accommodate five climbers and five belayers while the traversing wall holds eight climbers.

Principal Doyle hopes learning the skills will foster further enthusiasm for the outdoor sport and physical fitness in general.

“The kids love it. It’s about setting personal goals as the students gradually work their way through prescribed routes and increasingly difficult climbs or traverses,” he said.

“Girls dance up the wall; boys fight the wall,” he added, noting the gender differences in balance and upper body strength. “It takes a while for boys to realize that it’s all in the legs.”

The principal’s planning for the school has not stopped. He’s hoping to see the addition of a “chimney” attachment to the big wall which would add two more top ropes. He’s also eyeing the school’s other gym.

“What about a Mylar skating rink in there?” he pondered.