Posted on Fri, 2 Oct 2020, 13:14
Changes are afoot
From November, we'll be changing the way we set routes at Boulder Brighton. Over the years we've always set whole coloured circuits together on a given setting day, which has worked really well on the whole. However, there are a few reasons why we think it's now better to set climbs by area instead, and we're going to move to the new scheme next month. Here's a bit more info on what it all means!
From November, when we set routes we'll rope off a single area, strip all the holds, and then re-set the whole area across all the colour ranges. The area will be out of action for the whole setting period, but the rest of the centre will be open as usual.
Yes! We will reduce the number of bookable slots in proportion to the size of the area being set for the period of the routesetting, so that the density of climbers in the open areas remains the same.
We like circuit setting too, but there are a few good reasons why we think area setting will work better, particularly given current restrictions:
In the new plan the monthly comp will be based on all of the climbs on the Comp Wall, across all of the colours (including the vertical section on the far left). The Blue holds will still be set all over the centre, but instead of being our "comp" set they'll now be more of a "mystery" set that come in at a wide range of grades. With each area starting as a blank canvas, there'll be plenty of scope to have some lovely "king lines" in Blue featuring regularly around the centre.
We'll keep an eye on this of course, but we're confident it shouldn't be problem. We have been area setting our Comp Wall monthly since we reopened in July with limited capacity in place, and this hasn't been an issue so far - and most other climbing centres set this way without reporting major issues. Climbers will need to make sure they socially distance as per the new normal, and make sure they spread out during their climb. With a new area being set every week, there should be enough unclimbed stuff around for everyone to spread out naturally.
A new comp format for these socially distanced times
Masks are again compulsory in our reception/café/shop area unless you are eating or drinking
Prepaid Members will no longer need to pre-book their climbs from this date