Early closing today 22nd December

So folks; due to the wonderful amount of snow we have in the North East Transition will be closing at 6pm today.  We apologise for the inconvienience for those that are merely a short walk away.

Please keep an eye on the blog for any other restricted opening times over the next few days.

Stay safe!

Christmas Opening Hours

Deck the halls with chalk balls and all that jazz...


Over the Christmas period and new year the following changes to our opening hours will be in effect:

24th December: OPEN 10:00 - 16:00
25th December: CLOSED
26th December: CLOSED

31st December: OPEN 10:00 - 16:00
1st January: CLOSED
2nd January: OPEN 12:00 - 18:00

Have a holly jolly Christmas and a fabtastic New Year from all of us at Transition!

All other opening times as per normal.

Bouldering League Round 3 results

After pushing everything else to one side i've found time to finally post the results and some pics (more to follow).

Thanks again to all those that came along and made the night a great success!!!

Results:

MENS ELITE:

John Brown 190

Ally Coull 184
Wayne Sherry 174
Merlin Kassab 172
Neil Morrison * 170
Marcus Bean 167
Rhys Maslen 167
Luke Fairweather 164
Piotr Wisthal 160
Brad newman 157
Stuart Stronach 152
Mark Chambers 150
Duncan Anderson 142
Pierluigi Di Giovanni 137
Ben Woodward 131
Hamish Fraser 130
Tom Russel 124
Oliver Boyes 118
Ben Lownie 110
Andy Watt 104
Jinhan Lim 87

FEMALE ELITE:
Anna Wells 184
Abbey Niven* 127
Lucile Franoux 84


JUNIOR BOYS:
Chris Matthew 187

Jamie Henderson 134
Bruce McKay 111
Matthew Johnstone 111
Andrew Hainsworth 81


JUNIOR GIRLS:
Fionidi Parker 67

Kirsten Berry 60


FUN:
Stuart Gillan 191
Chris Allam 188
Martin Kutlak 188
Maartende Boez 187
John Meehan 175
Roman Kutlak 171
David Hainsworth 167
Michael Payne 157
Michael Brockie 157
Callum Johnson 139
Iain Cackette 136
Scott Gourlay 122
Mike Jennings 118
Doug Niven 115
Charlie Deane 103
Sarah Woodward 84
Danuta Szczerbinska 71
Brendan Campbell 42
Drew Milne 38

Winter Bouldering League Round 3 11th December

Its that time already!!  This time of year is so bad for remembering everything.  I have my excuses and i'm sticking by them ;) 

So come one come all to the 3rd Round of the Winter Bouldering league on Friday 11th December.  Registration at 18:00 for a start at 18:30. The usual hilarities, fun and challenges are on offer along with a few nibbles and loads of great prizes kindly donated and provided by MAMMUT and Craigdon Mountain Sports.  They are well a look/visit!!!

See you there!!!

New routes book

In the last couple of weeks we have decided to start recording our new routes in our new routes book



It is tied on to the big lime storage box. So if you haven't been for a while check it out and see whats new.

Also feel free to leave comments and what you think the grade is if you think its different to what we have suggested.

Hope you enjoy all the new routes.

Boulder Comp Round 2 Pics

So here are a few of the brilliant pics Ryan took on Friday. there are loads more and i've uploaded some to Facebook since its easier... Also check out our Web album on Picasa (click on the slideshow on the left column).

We unveiled our new Extreme Dream Holds; Basalt and Sandstone ranges. They took a bit of getting used to but are absolutely brilliant to climb on (when you've got chalk!). There's a couple of routes up or away to go up on the main walls with them as we kept just enough back form the comp for those of you who are getting the routes in.

The Bleaustone screw on's came back out for some rather interestingly technical problems if not a bit fingery!

It was as always a successful night due to the hard work put into getting it organised and most importantly the competitors. Without you guys us route setters would have nothing to do!

The new 'Ramp' saw its debut on the 10 degree board with some really interesting problems including my 'Dilemma' that was worth £30 for the first ascent. Ally Coull was the winner this time; who's going to get it next month with some craft climbing? The 'Ramp' still needs finishing touches and painted but has a mix of problems at the moment to have a go at.

Scottish Drytooling Series Round 3

Last Saturday Pete, Anna and I headed over to Aviemore for the 3rd round of the Scottish Drytooling Series. Waking up at 5:50am I rolled out of bed, got my stuff and headed downstairs where Pete and Anna would pick me up. We got across feeling surprisingly awake had a look at the routes and tried to teach Pete all he needed to know about drytooling as he had never done it before. We listened to the briefing and then started on the routes. Pete was psyched to go first as he thought he had nothing to lose and he could tell myself and Anna where the good bits on the holds were.

The qualifiers ran for about 3 hours in this time there was 2 boulder problems one of which was a figure four fest along a long horizontal campus board and another involving swinging logs. There was also 9 top roped routes involving a mixture of laybacks, stein pulls, swinging axes into logs and even a crack made out of wooden beams that you needed to torque!!!!

At about 1pm the qualifiers ended. By this point my lack of sleep had caught up with me. I was starting to feel really tired and wasn't looking forward to the final route. Big stein pulls up to the roof then leading across the whole disorientating length of the roof!
The finalists were called out Anna was currently in first place after the qualifiers but had very close competition in Fiona Murry. Fiona went first getting very far along the roof and along with her commentary on how hard it was I think Anna was getting a bit nervous. Fiona fell about two thirds of the way along the roof, up next was Anna. Anna looked impressive but fell just short of Fiona to come 2nd.
In the mens comp Pete and I also made it in to the final. Not too bad as Pete had never tried it before. Pete went first out of the two of us feeling tired after the qualifiers he didn't look forward to the start which involved a couple of strenuous lock off moves to get to the roof. He got to the top had a little shake out then preceded onto the roof looking strong until he got confused, clipped the wrong quickdraw and couldn't correct it. He fell soon after although happy he got further then Anna. As Pete untied I walked over to see what he thought as I was next up. He told me the worst part was the start then for the roof you just had to keep going till you couldn't hold on anymore. I managed to get slightly further than Pete and then fell off landing me in 3rd place and Pete in 4th.

I'll let you know how we get on at the final 2 comps so keep checking the blog for more stories and pics!!!

Price Changes

Just a wee notice to make you all aware of our current prices

Bouldering League Round 2 Results

Photo's and comp round up to follow in the next few days. thanks again to all who came along and those that helped out.

Credit to Ryan Slater for the photography.

Round 1 and 2 results will be posted in the climbing centre.

Here are the results:

Men Elite (*Veterans):
Ally Coull 195
Marcus Bean 170
Neil Morrison * 167
Wayne Sherry 166
Merlin Kassab 154
Alexis Roussel 129
Dave Cowan 127
Pierluigi Di Giovanni* 124
Ben Woodward 119
Hamish Fraser 94
Robert Mackenzie 90
Ben Lownie 87
Hjon Meehan 71
Jinhan Lim* 69

Female Elite (*Under 18):
Anna Wells 182
Abbey Niven* 154
Caroline Sham 140
Lucile Franoux 130
Joan Love 114
Pujos Juslino 98

Junior Girls:
Fionidi Parker 79
Kirsten Berry 50

Junior Boys:
Angus Crowley 187
Jonathan Mann 175
Duncan Anderson 155
Thomas McGrath 150
Ollie Banks 147
Rhys Maslen 137
David Mann 128
Jamie Henderson 123
Bruce McKay 121
Scott Field 87
Andrew Hainsworth 62

Fun:
Chris Allam 197
Gareth Yardley 197
Roman Kutlak 184
Maart??? 184
Martin Kutlak 180
David Hainsworth 161
Steven Wallace 159
David Bruisson 154
Steve Taylor 138
Scott Gourlay 125
Callum Johnson 108
Iain Cackette 105
Mike Jennings 104
Nina Luber 103
Rod Cowe 102
Sarah Woodward 77
Kevin Morice 70
Brendan Campbell 60
David Anderson 57
Nicola Rae 47

Bouldering Wall closure 9pm 5th November

The bouldering wall is due for an essential freshen up to brighten those dark corners that hide those all important holds.

With it being completely re set for the bouldering competition the next day we plan to re paint it late on the Thursday night. As you can imagine this is no east task: strip all the holds, clean the super good ones for the comp, strip the volumes and then we can get to the painting.

An added bonus is the new mega volume will be going up on the wall. It has been named 'The Ramp' mainly from the fact that it used timber that was originally intended to be used to make skate ramps. Just don't tell the skaters!

To save us from being here all night the bouldering wall will close at 9pm for the works to begin. So get in early to finish off those projects!

Price changes

Ok folks jsut a wee note to inform you all that Transition is in the process of reviewing its prices and will implement them as of the 9th of November. The new prices will be posted in the centre and, website and the blog on the 9th.

Don't forget about the 8 months climbing for the price of 6 offer available between 1st November and 1st December!!! Fabtastic value!

Scottish Dry Tooling series round 2

This weekend saw round two of the Scottish Tooling Series take place, this time hosted by EICA Ratho. On the way down, Ash, Suzana and I (Anna) stopped off at Dundee to take part in their bouldering comp. Well, unfortunately Ashley was unable to put a climbing shoe on as he had “accidently” kicked a piece of wood (three times). There was a strong Aberdeen contingent, with about ten Aberdonians taking part. The routes were fun and varied, including some swinging logs that got us psyched for the tooling on Saturday! I managed to bag 1st place, and we all managed to leave feeling slightly stiffer than we would have liked! Results were in; Ashley was joint 2nd with Robert Mackenzie, and therefore through to the finals! An awesome effort given that there were 23 strong competitors in his category! I also made it through to the finals in 1st place, for the first time ever ahead of Fiona Murray! The final route involved a no hands start which was a true test of balance. The route went left via some swinging logs, and then up the wall to the right of ratho’s “Sardinian pillar”. It was a fun-filled day, and an exhausting weekend! We are looking forward to the next round already :) (big thanks to Katherine for taking all the photos).
Words by Anna Wells

Is it a ramp? Is it a volume? Is it a new wall?

Well; its kind of all three...

You may have heard the buzzing of saws, banging of hammers and whizzing of drills. And no doubt seen me wandering around with glazed eyes after inhaling some pretty damn good fumes!

I've been working away at more additions for the climbing wall. The picture above shows the larger of the efforts. It's a curved section that will be used on the bouldering wall and on the main wall at competitons. It measures about 8 feet by 4 feet and is going to be awsome wherever it is put.

Ash is working on more volumes for the main walls to make the vast plywood expanses a bit more interesting. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks whilst these are put up.

8 Months for the Price of 6

Yes it's back!

Between the 1st of November and 1st of December both Adults and Juniors can buy a 6 month unlimited membership and get 2 months absolutely free! That's just fabtastically splendiforous!

Bouldering Circuits are up!

There are two new circuits on the bouldering wall today for you to work away at and get those muscles pumping!

Tan and Features:
Easy (V1 to V2),
Sit Starts,
Linked on each Board.

White + Yellow Features for Feet:
Medium (V3 to V4),
Sit Starts,
Individual problems on; 10 degree, Barrel, 30 degree, 45 degree/Roof arête and on the right end of the Roof.


Get on them and have a go as they're great for warming up or training whether you try a continuous loop on the linked circuits or climb each individual problem.
We'll try and set at least 2 new circuits after each competition (monthly over the winter) as we do with the rest of the bouldering wall.

Comments and input always welcome.

TRANSITION STAFF SHARPEN THEIR AXES

Last Saturday Anna and I grabbed our tools and headed down to Avertical world for the first of six of the Scottish Dry Tooling Series competitions.

After the bouldering comp on Friday Anna felt a bit tired and after a wee drink with some of the guys from the comp I was also feeling a bit tired. But none the less I woke up at 7:45 to go round and pick up Anna. After a quick stop at Transition (i forgot my helmet) and then an hour drive we got into Dundee, found the wall and then had a look at some of the comp routes that had been set.

After a couple of hours we had done about half the comp but were getting a bit tired so we decided to do the easiest routes to get the most points but enough to get a decent position. In the end we both flashed all the top ropes we did and most of the boulder problems we attempted.

Feeling happy with our scores we handed in our score cards and Anna with 123 out of 180 and me with 136 and waited to hear who was going to be in the final.
Anna finished the qualifiers in 1st place in the womans comp and I finished 6th in the mens, just missing out of being in the final buy 1 point!

I went round to watch the final while Anna went into isolation as the other finalists had go at the final route. Anna managed to get to the 3rd clip but then fell but still managed to get further then the other finalists and won the womens competition. We stayed to watch the mens final where there was only one person to get to the end of the route.
We then packed up our stuff said bye to everyone and went back to the car for the long boring journey up the road.

The next comp is at ratho on the 24th of October so if you are wanting to get training for this winter season in the hills or want to try something new i suggest giving it a go. Me and Anna will be there and hopefully Stu will join us this time.

For full results check out the series website at http://www.scottishtoolingseries.co.uk/.

Winter Bouldering League round 2 6th November

Featuring the return of Duncans Dilema: £30 cash prize for the first to claim the route!

Bouldering League 09/10 Round 1

Another great comp!


Firdays display of finesse, technique and determination was a testament to the North East climbing scene! With almost 70 compeititors the wall was busy with folks itching to get on the problems.


As always it began weeks before the comp date with prepping of holds, volumes and inspiration for problems. This month it included some new additions to the bouldering wall and the beginning of a re-paint.

A setters delight at 01:30 in the morning!

The problems as always ranged from the fun and wackey to the technical and powerful across the main walls and bouldering wall. Special mention should go to those battling through ilness (you know who you are).

See below for the scores:

Mens Elite & Vets* Round 1
Marcus Bean 170
Ally Coull 167
Merlin Kassab 165
Wayne Sherry 150
Neil Morrison * 144
Tom Russel 139
Dave Cowan 124
Gus Dixon 117
Andy Inglis 112
Scott Wilson 110
Hamish Fraser 104
Stuart Adams 102
Jonny Aspden 95
Alan Rodger * 69
Ashley Dean 60
Peter Wilson * 55
Ben Woodward Injury..

Womens Elite Round 1
Anna Wells 182
Eva Sparreboom 150
Caroline Sham 147
Ellen ??? 138
Abbey Niven* 134
Joan Love 105

Junior Girls Round 1
Fionidi Parker 87
Kirsten Berry 60

Junior Boys Round 1
Rhys Maslen 184
Duncan Anderson 157
Thomas McGrath 155
Chris Matthew 154
David Mann 147
Ollie Banks 140
Bruce McKay 131
Matthew Johnstone 125
Ben Townsend 117
Jamie Henderson 116
James MacDonald 95
Scott Field 77
Callum Johnson 75
Iain Cackette 61

For Fun Round 1
Craig Rennie 194
Stuart Gillan 190
Steve Taylor 181
Gary Watson 167
Steven Wallace 160
Charlie Jean 157
Elspeth Yates 155
Doug Niven 155
Ben Lownie 154
Michael Payne 152
Rod Cowe 139
Joseph Nolan 138
Scott Gourlay 135
Sarah Woodward 129
Mike Jennings 127
Kyle Gasking 107
Kevin Morice 107
Sinead Furlong 104
Brendan Campbell 94
David Anderson 84
Drew Milne 80
Ali Graspden 80
Nicola Rae 74

Photos by Ryan Slater

A few little additions

Over the next week or so we'll be putting together and hopefully putting up a few new volumes for the bouldering wall and main walls.

Whilst all work on the walls will be carried out in what is usually our quiet times; disruption if you are in shouldn't be bad. Please have patience whilst we endeavour to keep things new and fresh.

Cheers

New Circuit on the Bouldering Wall

I've finally tried my hand at setting a proper circuit on the bouldering wall for all you training beasts. Don't worry you don't need fingers and inch thick and forearms of steel as each problem is V3.

There is a separate problem on each board (roof, 45, barrel, etc.). They link either at the top of the climb (with a couple of holds traverse) or at the bottom. All are sit starts and you can use features for hands and feet. More specific rules are on a red note on the bouldering grade display in the wall.

Now its up to you: either climb the whole circuit up one problem then down the next and so on or down climb the same problem, pop off the wall and up the next.

Feedback is welcome.

Enjoy...

Winter Warm Up results

Well what can i say about the comp on Saturday? Exciting, Intense, Humorous, Tiring...

I think all have their place as competitors fought it out on 15 problems in the two hours available to try the problems. Each participant scored their own cards much like the winter league. Points were awarded for each attempt: 10 for sending it on the 1st go, 7 for the 2nd, 5 for the 3rd and 3 points for getting it on any other attempt.



With only the bouldeirng wall available to use for the problems things may have been a little more condensed than usual but i think it was a great way to slow folks down and let them rest between attempts.

There were a good mix of problems from power, to endurance and technique with everything from mantling on features above the roof, to big slopers on the barrel and crimping like a demon on the 45 board.



Some of the more straight forward problems put up a fight with the technical feature route up the vertical wall requiring a great deal of flexibility and concentration.


Make sure you get along to the winter bouldering league (1st Round on the 2nd October) for more great problems and loads of goodies. We'll have nibbles and refreshments after each comp.


Results:

Junior:
Rhys Maslen 85
Christopher Matthew 65
Matthew Johnsone 30
And a couple of others who weren't feeling the love...

Female:
Anna Wells 100
Eva Sparreboom 82
Caroline Sham 53
Abbey Niven 40

Male:
Stuart Munn 117
Ashley Dean 101
Mark Chambers 84
Ben Adams 77
Gary Wood 35
Michael Payne 20
David Lumsden 20

Warm up comp change of plans

Guys,

Sfor the last minute change but due to logistics etc.... the comp format on Saturday will change to an open comp running from 15:30 to 17:00. We'll set around 15 problems for you to try and we'll have a few goodies for the top few in each category. Registration still at 15:00. We've had to cancel the after event much to our and I'm sure your disappointment. Don't be too sad though as we'll re arrange it for some time soon.
Cheers

Bouldering Comp Wall closure reminder: 12th Sept

Just a wee reminder everyone that the Bouldering wall will be closed on Saturday 12th for the Winter Warm Up comp. We'll also be stripping it late on Friday evening so there might be some disruption but hopefully not too much.

The bouldering area will only be open to those that are in to climb in the competition from 15:30 on the Saturday. It doesn't cost any extra to enter so why not get involved?!

Cheers

Transition Winter Bouldering league 2009/10

Its that time already! No sooner have i posted info about an end of summer comp am i quizzed about the Winter League. I'm glad folks are keen and raring to go as we're as keen if not more so!

The comps run on five dates:

Oct 2nd, Nov 6th, Dec 11th, 15th Jan, 5th Feb.

All abilities are welcome as there are fun categories too and raffles as well as giveaways each night. The main league prizes will be awarded after the final fifth night. First place for the competing categories will also get a wee goodie at each comp to encourage you hardened few.

Categories as usual:

14 - 17 Juniors (may split into boys and girls), Male Elite, Female Elite, Male Fun, Female Fun and Veterans (45yrs and over).

They prove to be popular as ever and promise to offer exciting problems to both climb and watch; so even if you're not climbing come along!

Registration is at 18:00 each comp night and it costs £3 to register as well as normal entry fees (memberships and session cards can be used for entry fee). The comp runs from 18:30 to 21:30 and prize giving will be at 21:45.

The Roped walls on each day will be closed from 15:00 whilst the bouldering wall is closed all day.

Give me an email if you have any questions about the comp:

duncan-paterson@transition-extreme.com

See you there!

Sunday 20th September

Please note that on Sunday 20th September the centre will be closing at 6pm. Its time again for the Transition team to be plugged into the charger and recharged.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Full Time Duty Instructor Required

Circa 37 hours per week on a shift basis to cover centre opening hours.

The applicant will have a strong background in climbing both indoors and out. Climbing Wall Award (Training or Assessment) or Single Pitch Awards are highly desirable although not essential.

The successful candidate will be dependable, able to work under pressure and have the ability to use their own initiative. Forming the lead instructor role you must lead by example and be able to supervise and motivate a small team and have a proven track record in working face to face with customers.

Duties include:
Instructing and coaching various groups and classes,
Maintaining a safe environment for staff and customers,
Route setting and wall maintenance,
Organising and running events and competitions,
Having an active role in developing all aspects of the centre and climbing wall,
Assisting in staff training and development,
General housekeeping.


Transition Extreme Sports Limited is an innovative community sport and recreation facility providing year round, adrenalin packed activities for the people of Aberdeen City and Shire. The centre combines world class facilities for skateboarding, BMX and Rollerblading with a regionally accredited climbing centre, “2 on 2” basketball court, Simbiosis café, Creative arts zone, Band Practice Room, meeting facilities and a sports retail unit.

Please send application forms (available form the website), for the attention of Duncan Paterson using the postal address below or email: duncan-paterson@transition-extreme.com.

Closing date 18th September.

Transition Extreme Sports Limited
Links Road
Aberdeen
AB24 5NN
Recognised by the Inland Revenue as a Scottish Charity NO. SC 036358

He's not talking about holds again is he?

To most it must seem like i have a fetish for holds; especially new ones. Well can you blame me? They do make the world a happier place (well the indoor climbing world anyway).

So, to the point of this post:

We have just got some new holds of the spotty nature. Most of the 'Granite' range from Core Climbing. You'll see them dotted about the place pretty easy as they're nice and brightly coloured (bright green with black spots or 'radioactive cow').

There's plenty to go around so we'll get some easy and harder routes on the main walls in the coming weeks with them.

'It's my precious!'

Keep an eye out for three new volumes we should receive in September too!

Winter Warm Up Comp 12th Sept 09

It's nearly Winter again!!! Well Autumn anyway...


But before we say good bye to summer we're running a fun Bouldering comp on Saturday 12th September.



The bouldering wall will be closed all day for it so you've been warned.
The comp is open to everyone 14yrs and up with categories including; Junior (14 to 17yrs), Male and Female.


Normal entry prices apply but there's no cost to register for the comp! So you have no excuse!


Scorecards available from reception on the day. The top 5 in each category will be in the final. The qualifying round will include 1 hour to complete 10 problems. Details of the final will be given on the day.


Comp format includes:


Registration @ 15:00
Qualifiers @ 15:30
Finals @ 17:30



Make sure you hang about to watch the final as it proves to be a cracker and with the offer of food and comfy couches to enjoy a drink or two you'll be in fine spirit to enjoy a sociable evening.

Food & Drinks @ 19:00 with talks and slide shows from the past summer from local climbers.


BYOB!

Yet more holds: Big Yuns!

HOLDZ

Holdz Sloperz! Good condition with plenty of friction (Large £2.50)

ENTREPRISES

A mix of Entreprise Riglos and Bloc holds (Large £2.50 each)

A mix of Entreprise Riglos and Bloc holds (Medium £2 each)

A mix of Entreprise Riglos and Bloc holds (Small £1.25 each)

Some have chips etc. on edges but grip surface holding up well. There's plenty of hanging about to be done on these bad boys. There's a good mix of Jugs and Pockets with a 'Bum' and nasty sloper for good measure (top pic).