So, thought I'd reply to this topic as it's the more recent of the two about TCA Bristol, and is in the right sub-forum, though 39's topic from way back in 2009 probably has more pertinent points made. (could we get the two merged pls mods?)Anyway, thought an update might be of interest as it seems the inadequacies of the place as a training (rather than climbing) centre are getting sorted. Since April, they've been setting a few problems using wooden holds - these are largely flat edges and thus these problems tend more toward the basic get strong style than the fun funky blobby stuff that we see so much of in modern walls. Also, the lack of a woody that was temporarily (and unsatisfactorily) solved when the compound corner was given over to Simon's holds, looks like it is getting sorted over Christmas - there's a note on the website saying the original (rubbish) campus boards are getting taken down, and this bit and the compound corner will be replaced with a proper woody/systems board.
...there's a note on the website saying the original (rubbish) campus boards are getting taken down, and this bit and the compound corner will be replaced with a proper woody/systems board.
Yeah TCA must be shit - they've got too many problems and try to make the most of the space they have.I only climb indoors to be inspired by the "clean lines" and "uncluttered look" of the wall - if I don't get this I slag off the wall. I prefer fewer, prettier problems in a training venue rather than more problems to try (that might allow, oh I dunno, perhaps more variety?). If I spend any time at a wall with less height I find myself completely terrified at other walls, this is clearly an issue with the wall rather than me, for which I will slag it off. Actually, no. TCA makes the most of the space they have, for which I am grateful. I'd love it if they had another meter of ceiling height but they don't, and not only does this limitation not mean that I become incapacitated with fear if I happen to visit another venue with more height, I also appreciate suitable buildings for walls are pretty rare, and manage to grasp that moving venue is impractical. Should a problem feature a traverse to finish, which I feel detracts from it, I can also manage to drop off before these moves. I cannot however, understand how less problems would improve the wall for those interested in being challenged.
"Squeezed-in " problems not only make the wall look cluttered but are demotivating when it's not a clean line up the wall.