I was very fortunate to have a father already into climbing, so i guess climbing found me as it seems it has done many others, as FatBoy commented.
My first recorded climb (i keep a diary of climbs) was at the age of five, being either the first ascent of Lone Pine Corner following my dad and sister up, or Alis.
I also had a penchant for climbing trees, building cubby houses in trees, making swings, etc. I also had a game with my best mate where we would try and cross Nati creek by climbing trees spaning the water. Made for some great fun considering half the trees were dead or didnt quite reach the other side of the often stagnant water. :)
I also did gymnastics for many years, first just for fun and then competively, which furthered my love for swinging around on things; highbar and rings being my favourite aparatus.
At Nati primary i was the only kid allowed to climb onto the roof to retrieve lost equipment, and at school working bees, dad and I were the ones cleaning out the gutters whilst other families trimmed bushes, mowed lawns, etc. lots of fun!
15 years on and i've never looked back! |