UKC

Hi folks,

This will take a bit of explaining, so bear with me

I'm going to stay with my friend, who lives in Adelaide, for 6 weeks from February to April. I'm keen to get lots of climbing in, but my friend doesn't climb and will be working during the week anyway. Therefore, I need to find somewhere to climb, and people to climb with during the week, allowing me to see my friend at weekends.

I've had a bit of a scout our for an Australian version of UKC and drawn a blank on that front. Also websites for south australia climbing club and adelaide university look worryingly out of date.

I'm after some advice on 2 fronts - firstly, from people who have gone abroad on climbing trips, on their own before. How did you find someone to climb with? Where did you find about about the locations? What kit did you take - do you just take harness + shoes or carry your rack and rope half way round the world?

Secondly, does anyone have some useful info for me about adelaide in particular? nearby crags, clubs, websites, folk nights etc

Also, if you will happen to be in the area in late February and March, with nothing to do in the week and are keen for some climbing, let me know. Hmmmm, bit of a long shot that one!

Thank you for your time

Grant

In reply to GrantB:

Though it's a Victorian Site and forum, there are quite a few SA members on Chockstone.org.

Local crags are in the Adelaide hills. Morialta Gorge and Norton Summit are the main two.

http://www.climb.org.au/index.php?page=25®ion_id=41

Guide to Norton Summit and bouldering at the Bachelor Pad

http://www.climbingclubsouthaustralia.asn.au/guides.html

SA's main cliff is Moonarie, but it's a long drive and quite remote so you will need to organise a partner before you go, though Feb / March is super hot so will find it hard to muster someone to go out there.

http://www.climb.org.au/index.php?page=25®ion_id=11

One of the few places in Australia which a lone traveler should find a partner is Mt Arapiles in Victoria which is I believe 4-5 hours drive from Adelaide. Also hot this time but by keeping to the shadier gullies and climbing either side of a midday siesta climbing is still possible.

http://www.chockstone.org/Arapiles/Arapiles.htm

Travelling in Australia to climb differs from places in Europe as there is a far greater pool of climbers on holiday at the same time to climb with over there rather than in Australia. The States I've also travelled solo and on only a few occassions had an enforced rest day due to not meeting up with others during a week day.

I've always travelled with a full kit. Possible if meeting some friendly local climbers who have their own gear you could just get by with shoes, harness, chalkbag and belay device.

In reply to dalai:

Cheers - that's brilliant.

I'll check those sites out tonight.

In reply to GrantB: Interestingly as an ex-pat living in Oz... the Rock Destinations forum of UKC is a good place if you get stuck.

But try Chocky first

Cheers
Dave