[dave]

Aaaaaye.

As you all probably know Shef Uni have opened a bouldering wall at the Goodwin Centre. Now I keep hearing conflicting info regarding the use of teh wall by the general public. Despite being told otherwise via word of mouth, I was told on the phone by U-Sport that it deffinetly was NOT open the the general public. They said you either had to be a student, member of staff, Gym member (£25 a month) or a guest of one of the above.

So has anyone been in there, or spoken to anyone in person about it? Whats the deal, and why do non of the staff there have a consistent line on public use?  I only want to know cos i can get there from my front door in about 2 minutes so would be usefull.....

Rizpek.

[dobbin]

Yes mate, i went up for a session on Saturday and was turned away after admitting i am not a student any more. However, it doesn't seem like they do any checks - i say that as i'd filled in the form and almost handed in my money when i saw a box i'd not completed that says Alumni, Alumni (1st year), Student, Staff and asked them what i should put as I was none of the above, at which point i got kicked out.

Before i went though i had a look in, the wall is in an old squash court (or something of that size) and whilst the construction of it looks really good - dark browny colour, four walls, matted all of the floor - theres a lack of much steep stuff and the holds are all massive and really incut - obviously it depends on your level, but if you're climbing v5 & 6 then i think you're better off spending your hard earned at the Foundry.

In addition its full of students climbing in trainers = grubby holds, 0% chance of hard stuff.

Clearly all this is my point of view and you really shouldn't take anyones word for it. Go, blag your way in - make of it what you will...

[dave]

Yeah, i belive they're marketing it as "as fun way to tone bum and thighs" for the gym punters. Wise choice........NOT.