National Climbing Competition
Before the Easter break, two Cranleigh teams, each made up of three over-sixteen and three under-sixteen pupils, travelled to White Spider Climbing to compete in the National Indoor Climbing Competition.
This vibrant and friendly event brought together sixty-two teams and nearly two hundred and fifty climbers from schools across the country, offering a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to test themselves against strong competition while connecting with fellow climbers.
Competitors tackled a demanding programme of bouldering, top rope and lead routes across a wide range of grades, with points awarded for both difficulty and efficiency of attempts.
Our teams delivered an excellent all-round team performance. In the combined standings, Cranleigh A Team secured thirteenth place out of sixty-two, closely followed by Cranleigh B Team who finished eighteenth. These are very impressive results in such a competitive field.
Individually, there were some standout performances. Max McC. climbed superbly to finish twenty-fifth overall, with Archie Y. also placing highly in thirty-fourth out of two hundred and forty competitors.
The highlight of the competition came in the top rope discipline, where the Cranleigh Under-16 A Team produced an outstanding performance to claim first place, earning the title of National Champions.
Regionally, Cranleigh also made a strong impact. Among the ten South East teams competing, Cranleigh A Team finished second, with Cranleigh B Team securing a commendable fifth place.
This was a fantastic showing from all involved, reflecting not only the pupils’ skill and determination but also their teamwork, resilience and support for one another throughout the event.
Cadet National Target Sprint 26
On the last weekend of the Easter break, Cranleigh School hosted the National Target Sprint Championships.
Target Sprint is a heart-racing, exhilarating sport for all, which combines running and target shooting. Participants are tested on their athleticism, skill and accuracy, where the first past the post wins. It’s simple, it’s fast and it’s fun.
The course is short with three 400m runs interspersed by shooting at five knockdown targets.
Ninety-five cadets travelled from all over the country to take part in the event and it was fantastic to see them all chatting and supporting each other.
There were notable individual successes from Tom C, who qualified for the finals, and Lucy S, who took the bronze medal in the over sixteen girls’ category and qualified for the British Shooting Finals in September.
We came first in the team relay event to become the Cadet National Champions.
Congratulations to those who took part and thank you to Miss Dicker and Mr Walker who were also awarded Challenge Coins from the Brigadier as a token of his thanks.
Easter Camp – Lake District and Yorkshire Dales
During the Easter break our cadets travelled up to Halton Camp in Lancaster for a week’s adventure training.
Cadets were split into two groups for a two-day round robin of activities which included visiting Honister Slate Mine, climbing and caving.
In the Lake District, cadets had a tour of Honister Slate Mine where they learnt the history of slate mining, followed by an adrenaline filled trip through the mine involving Via Ferrata, zip lines and crossing a bailey bridge that was a thousand feet up before jumping nearly a hundred off it.
The climbers and cavers headed to the Yorkshire Dales. Due to the weather we opted for a sheltered gully for the climbing. It offered respite from the rain and meant all cadets were active, helping each other ascend the gully, spotting each other over the trickier parts. This proved a perfect activity for cadets to demonstrate teamwork and leadership.
After a hot chocolate and a calorie-filled flapjack we drove to Long Churn Cave near Ingleborough Hill. The variety of the cave system makes it perfect for beginner cavers, including some abseiling, water, climbing and one very tight squeeze nicknamed ‘The Cheese Press’.
During the evenings cadets participated in the Silver NNAS Award (National Navigation Award Scheme) and on the last day they put what they had learnt into practice in the hills surrounding Ambleside, working on bearings, pacing, relocating and above all enjoying the beautiful countryside that the Lake District has to offer.
Overall it was a great week with fantastic cadets who put their all into the activities, many of them learning what they can achieve when they push themselves out of their comfort zone.
