I've had a good start to the new season in the form of second place in the BYCC's (also is the team selection comp) in my first competition as a youth B.
A few weeks ago I was asked by Dave if I wanted to do some demoing for the BMC YCS rounds- which would involve going to the Yorkshire rounds and demoing for the people taking part on their hardest routes. I took this opportunity in both hands as this was where my competition climbing started and I was keen to give something back, also it's nice to mix with so many enthusiastic young climbers.
On Saturday me and my dad drove to Harrogate ready for the long day ahead (we didn't think it would be quite so long!😋). When we arrived I recognised the rush of children and parents trying to get signed in and into their correct age group. I quietly found my fellow team mates and my coach Ellie. As I hadn't seen the routes that I was demoing before I was quite keen to have a look and find out who's routes I was going to be demoing. When Ellie and I found Dave I was asked to put a few ropes up for Youth E and D as they were top-ropes and if I wouldn't mind going around with them and making sure they were ready to climb and were having an overall good time. :)
The day had begun and soon the comp would too. When my time came to shine I put on my harness and Chalk bag, pulled on my very reliable scarpa instinct VS's and went to tie onto the rope to hopefully show them how the route is meant to be climbed. I demoed the E's route first, a non-reachey route with a big drop knee in the middle. I got the top hold held it (clearly) for 3 seconds then got lowered to the floor. Next I demoed the Youth D's- a fun route up the main wall at Harrogate and that one was also a well set route😊
As the comp drew to an end I was desperate to try the routes! I got the rope out and persuaded Ellie to give me a belay, I ended up flashing a 6c+, 7b and getting 2 holds from the top of 7b+ (Youth A's final route). One happy bunny over here☺️🐰🙋
I have had a successful start to my training and am heading to Sheffield this weekend for Team GB training and am excited for that. 😄
