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BOULDER COMP RESULTS POST 17/05/2011

Well, finally. The results for our Summer In House Boulder competition are Here. We handed out the trophies and prizes at our Monster Party last Friday, which was sensational. The costumes and participation were great. So many people dressed up and joined in, how could we not do it all again? Keep your eyes on our facebook page for details of the next competition. Thank you once again to all who competed and came along for the party. A special thanks to Karl and Ross for the flaming entertainment and a huge congratulations to all of our winners and all other competitors.

POST - 04/05/2011

Today is the last day of school holidays and as school goes back, so to do we, to normal opening times tomorrow.

The Boulder comp has also come to a close and was very well received, a hit with just under 80 competitors in total. Having run dozens of competitions over the last couple of decades, this is possibly the biggest turn out ever in WA climbing competition history. Well done to all competitors, your enthusiasms were inspiring. The results are in and all will be revealed at our MONSTER PARTY on FRIDAY 13th.

The Hangout Monster Party. Friday 13th from 6pm - Free Bouldering, snacks and drinks, with a heap of great new problems and fire show to boot. The winners of our In House Boulder Competition will be announced and Trophies and awards handed out. Oh BTW it is fancy dress (loosely as a monster of some sort) of course this isn't compulsory but, hey the comp was about fun and so will the presentation night be. Hope to see you there.

Social Networking. Have you found us on Facebook yet? Click the link above to see whats new at The Hangout more often. We write on our facebook a couple of times a week and on the Blog only fortnightly to monthly. So, click the link above and then like us today to keep up to date :)

POST - 11/04/2011

Today is the last day for date bonus in the Green round of the boulder comp. Have you done what you can yet? The comp runs from tomorrow as fill in the blanks until C.O.B Last day of April. Good luck.

Our new safety mats were ordered two months ago, and due in a week or two ago, unfortunately they are held up on the docks in Japan. The recently troubled country with problems greater than our mats. Please understand and remain like us patient for their imminent arrival.

The Hangout is now Live on Facebook, and would love you to "like us" click HERE to find us.

Have a good one

Gareth 

Post - 20/03/2011

Our Proshop has grown, new in, the Price pointed Royales along with the Ladies Rockstars we now have four models of shoes for you to choose from along with seven different harness models and a truck load of other hardware and software, we will be remodeling the shop soon in a bid to fit it all in. 

Were getting closer to a complete cycle of the gym for route setting now with both main walls completed, there are loads of new routes to challenge and test yourself on. One half of the lead wall has been reset and this week the main roof comes under the setters thumb. Many people have commented that some of the old lead routes on there should have been in the new CAWA guide book, well if you have any incomplete challenges up there, get in quick.

The In house Boulder comp is still running and growing really well. with just under 70 competitors the field is diverse and a pleasure to set for. We've now finished the blue series and the Orange set is up and running. With Josh returning from The States strong and on fire, ticking all problems from all sets in but a few sessions last fortnight, he now is ten points in front as the new leader. However, with Josh having missed out on a couple of sets of date bonuses, when (and they wil) the lads tick either of their outstanding problems they may take to the front again, but they will also need to complete all oranges to hold off his attack. The orange problems are still pushy and will take some working, so get out there guys and finish them off. The girls are also going strong with Jo the hold crusher and Ning the merciless heading the femme field. Anyway plenty of time for all to keep collecting points and the final green set still to come. Keep watching this space for updates.

Climb strong and with a smile on your face.

Gareth

Boulder Comp - Post 01/03/2011

Round two is over and boy it was a bit tougher. Way harder problems shut down quite a few, but for those who persevered, the rewards were there for the taking. The yellow four has got quite a few ticks to its name now, but the five and six are still not completed (though not for long off, watching some of the hold crushers in action tonight). Ryan and Karl still hold the equal lead but Ngatai is closing in and Brian is coming up fast after a late start. Whom ever nails either outstanding yellow problem out of these guys first, goes out in front taking the lead. The Blues all went up today and they are easier than the yellows so are falling fast, the five has been done (flashed actually, well done Rob) by only one so far but the others are not far off. Its a good spread field now with over sixty competitors the game keeps growing. I'm having a ball watching and setting, the excitement is electric. Just as reminder, The Reds and the Yellows are not completely out of the game, you can still score them just not the date bonus. Tell me if you send any as the score sheet is only on the PC now. Good luck to all.

Cheers

Gareth 

Boulder Comp - Post 15/02/2011

Well The first round of the Boulder comp was well received! Everyone joined in and with over 50 competitors throwing themselves at the problems right up to the last minute there were some great last ditch point grabs and a few heartbreaks. Still the Reds are staying up and any problems that alluded you throughout the date bonus time will still pay good dividends. All the yellow problems went up today and they have been toughened up a little to split the group up a bit more. Having said that the #4 problem is probably a little too hard and I will change 1 hold in it at close of business. Anyone who has tried it today still qualifies for flash bonus when the doors open tomorrow. So, to the nitty gritty.... The Leaders Board. Both Karl and Ryan are on 390 points,  50 points out in front of equal thirds Ngatai and Wally on 340 points and with 6 guys on 330 fighting for the last of the top 5 places. For the Ladies Jo is on 320 points in front of Ning and Liz both on 270 points. Right down to the last place to date, everyone is doing great and I can see improvement across the board and all having a great time. So for now thats it and I'll keep the updates each fortnight.

 Cheers

Gareth  

Boulder Comp - Post 02/02/2011

The Hangout In House Boulder Comp.

Hi! everyone. School holidays are over and a new day dawns bringing us The Hangout's In House Boulder Comp. It is open to anyone who cares to boulder, and best of all - IT'S FREE  :)

The Red series went up yesterday and with people coming in the moment the doors opened asking, well where are the problems, it was a hectic start but fortunately  having most of them already made up in mind, it was just a quick effort to tag them up.

Nigh on a dozen and a half people threw themselves at the problems on the first night alone, in what can only be described as an electric atmosphere, competing solidly yet the camaraderie shining brightly. Two guys ended up equal on 290 points with a small points lead over another couple of guys and a large bunch spread out following. There is still along way to go though and lots more entrants expected to come out of the woodwork.

The comp is spread over three months in six sections (bi-weekly) and you can join in anywhere in the run of it all (you will dip out on time bonuses if you leave your start too long). The rules are simple and the whole thing is about having fun, with trophies and prizes up for grabs what have you got to lose? (besides some skin on your hands).

Enjoy

Gareth

Post 26.01.2011

Just a quick line to wish you all a safe and enjoyable Australia Day! As well as to remind you all The Hangout "In House Boulder Comp" starts next week. Its all about climbing hard and having fun. The Red Series starts Tuesday 1st February, I have stripped, cleaned (thank you so much Trace!) and reset the front of the boulder wall in preparation and have some pre placed perplexing pulling plastic puzzles practically perfected.

 Cheers

Gareth

Post 25.01.2011

Climbing …….a forever sport! I have just been yacking with some of Western Australia’s rock climbing founders. This morning five of them graced the gym again with their smiles, long socks and athletic moves. I am guessing that some of them are in their seventies, but of course a lady should never ask  :). A few months ago Tony tried to convince me that Michael is Chris’s father  ….but I am not even slightly convinced :) …just more good natured jeers as they try and get a rise out of each other.

We chat as they meander in for their Tuesday climb and I learn that Michael is a little weary today. He went for a run yesterday and has been swimming all morning before coming here for a climb. Once he starts climbing I am not convinced that he is weary at all. Hours have past and they are still climbing.

Chris  rides his bike in regularly, but this doesn’t stop him from joining in jibing Mike  who has had the gall put cycling ahead of climbing for the last few years, (he informs me has just gone for a long ride this morning before climbing). We all watch as he returns to climbing, wondering if he has lost any skill or technique. No he hasn’t! It would have been fun watching the ensuing onslaught of teasing if he had, but instead he ascends the wall with smooth technique and precision.

Tony tells me that when Michel and Michael share a rope, there is over 125 years of actual climbing experience on that rope. I hope that one day Gareth and I can proudly boast the same. They are my heroes. For years I have always said that I want to keep climbing into to my seventies (maybe beyond), but as a wee spring chicken in my late thirties I will just have to wait and see if my twinkle toes are still up to it then J  I can just see Gareth and I in our seventies (well Gareth may be in his eighties by then …hee hee!) grunting our way up “Pink Knickers” (a well known climb in Churchman’s Brook), with me calling “take” and Gareth yelling out “What? …I can’t hear you”  J

These pioneers of climbing have been pivotal in creating the climbing scene that exists in WA today. Today I discovered that these gentlemen featured in the first outdoor rock climbing televised in WA. Back in 1970 they climbed what is now known as “Damper”. They climbed with metal pitons that they hammered into cracks as their protection to keep them safe. Today it is permanently bolted. ABC had several cameras there to film the event. The televising was delayed just enough for them to rush home and see it on TV.

As Michael leaves, Gareth and he discuss CAWA’s (Climbing Association of Western Australia) involvement in founding many of our favourite climbing areas down south. Gareth asks if he is planning to get down there again soon. Michael says that there are a few climbs in the Stirling Ranges that he has not been up for 40 to 45 years that he would like to ascend again. Gareth offers to climb them with him, but asks for a bit of warning so that he can start training in hope that he can keep up.

These men were not only the catalyst for the wonderful climbing scene in WA that we enjoy today, but they remind us that staying active and doing what we love with people we like (or at least like to tease) is truly attainable for many of us.

Cheers,

Trace

Post 07.01.2011

Well it may look like a month has past with no word, but honestly, the web ate my post! I did do a blog chat a couple of weeks back but it appears to ....well not appear? Hope you all had a great Chrissie and stayed behaved and safe on New Years. I took the opportunity to get some much needed rest and even get my exercise routine fired up a little. Took the bike out for the first time in a while and suffered out 60kms, had a couple of boulder sessions and it all hurts from that too, whats this getting old stuff all about? Well now I'm looking forward to a new year with loads of climbing and getting fitter. Caffeine is out for me (New Years Resolution), what about you guys? Make any? Sticking to them?

We have had a few world class athletes through our doors in the last few weeks or so, Andrew Johns dropped in to try out the gym and had nothing but great and positive words for us. Andrew is a dual Olympian and twice ITU World Cup Gold Medal Champion with too many records to mention, read about him on Wikipedia here. We also had Sam Berry and Marc Edwards in trying to pull the plastic of our walls. Over A couple of visits, multiple time Australian and Oceania champs Marc and Sam ticked most of our hardest problems. Sam is still the highest ranking Australian (male or female) to place in the world cup. Both humble, beautiful and lovely people I hope you were one of the lucky ones who got to boulder with them. When your in Sydney next make sure to visit their gym Bloc Climbing.

So over the last month whats happened? Lots of behind the scenes stuff and school holiday fun. The school hols are fairly busy and slowing down the route setting a touch, we'll go double pace to catch up soon. The boulder probs are four sets complete (Red, Blue, Yellow, Orange) and the Green set has started. I'm having fun with the boulder probs and the amount of people trying them is great. Its encouraged me to start up "The Hangout" Boulder Comp series. When your in next ask for details, the only thing I can tell you now is it will be Free to enter and you will improve your bouldering ability and have a great time doing it.

I'm Thinking about a Hangout mob in Thailand at the end of the year as well, so if your keen (and there already is a couple of people saying "yes please") talk to me and we will see what comes of it all and get some serious training started (hmmm!). 

Till next time

Climb Safe and have fun

Gareth

Post 06.12.2010

Hi all, It's been another great fortnight with staff and visitors all enjoying the wonderful times. Schools, birthday parties, regulars, casuals and others. The positive, friendly comments make all the hard work and effort well worth it. Thanks again to all those who help to grow The Hangout family.

So what have we achieved recently? The boulder mats re-cover is almost finished  and is a massive improvement. With the necessary missing parts bought yesterday the covering of said mats will be completed very soon. Another light went up yesterday (near the lead wall), I have a few more globes to swap out and we will be bright as day, inside at night. I have removed the biners from the hire harnesses and put all brand new ones inline on the ropes. This should achieve a couple of things. No need to bring or borrow biners anymore and this should help beginners to more easily orientate the GRIGRI correctly.

Our Pro-store is filling up. Recent additions include a couple of models of harnesses  as well as the EVOLV Defy climbing shoe. We have a limited range of Ex Demo EVOLV Predators at a great price . Normally they are $209 new, these are all but new and selling for just $90. Our kits are off the ground and sensational value. Buy any harness, a pair of EVOLV Defy, any chalk bag plus a chalk ball, and we will give you a months membership to The Hangout FREE!

A couple of more ropes have been reset and the routes are receiving great feedback, a couple of grades tags to adjust (down grading) and there is  fun and something to test everyone. The Blue boulder problem series is complete and this fortnight we will start on the yellow series. The positive comments and your grunts of exertion make it all the worth while.

Climb safe and have fun.

Thanks

Gareth

Post 21.11.2010

I would like to start this blog off with a huge Thank You to all the wonderful people who have offered help, support or encouragement so kindly and freely over the last weeks. Too many people to list but your efforts and kind words have helped immensely . Trace and I Thank You whole heartedly.

Well, its been three weeks and changes are underway all around the gym. The first thing you would of noticed is that we put Grigri's in from day one. We are confident that in a gym situation these are by far the best and safest option. For those more experienced climbers who prefer the manual belay devices, the lead wall is there for your advanced belay skills and I am aiming to change all of the routes on it ASAP. Lead passes are required but as I've been blessed to be involved in the indoor climbing industry since hemp rope (not literally, thank you very much). I would likely know a great percentage of you lead climbers and am willing to watch briefly to assess and pass any competent lead climbers / belayers.

The other big thing, for the first time in its 14 years of trading, The Hangout now offers EFTPOS for your convenience. 

Route setting is well underway and I am aiming to change 3 ropes a week (although so far I have only managed 2 per week) plus 6 boulder problems per fortnight, graded from 1 - 6 (easy to hard) a different coloured tag will  differentiate the age of the problems and they will last a 6 colour cycle (12 weeks) The first 1 - 6 are up with red tags and I have started on the blues today.

There is so much I could write up but I will leave it at that for now. I hope to update this blog roughly each week and keep you up to date on all the exciting news at The Hangout. The list of plans and changes to come is rather large and very exciting, check back here regularly or pop in and say Hi to keep up with the changes.

Cheers and Regards

Gareth

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