Sports: Reports - Climbing

The future of climbing at Merton is bright. Rock climbing, but particularly bouldering, has become increasingly popular across the world in recent years, and Oxford is by no means an exception: a new dedicated climbing centre opened this term, the third such facility around Oxford. So too in Merton has climbing proliferated. The 2023 cohort have proved to be particularly avid climbers, with experience gained in climbing gyms from across the UK and beyond. Ivan Pulich has emerged as a critical member of the younger climbing community. He has done Merton proud in competitions in both London and Oxford, as well as helping other climbers by setting climbs and lending his weight belt to the Merton gym. 

However, no mention of the avid younger climbers in Merton would be complete without praising Matthew Campbell (2023), Moli Birkinshaw (2023), Eddie Day (2020) and Eloise Partridge (2023). The social aspect of climbing is often unappreciated but is a definite part of the sport. Nothing helps you top out like a friendly cheer from below; nothing helps improve your technique and keeps you pushing like the challenge of a friend; and nothing makes previously unassailable walls assailable like the beta spraying* of your friend. These younger climbers have proved their dedication to the sport, getting the most out of each other by their joint ventures on the climbing walls. It has been fantastic to see them grow to be better friends and better climbers.

The older generations of Merton climbers are just as keen to improve and extend their climbing ability. More Mertonians in higher years have been climbing this year. French exchange student Héloïse Bertrand joined the ranks of climbers this year, and special mention must go to Ivo Elgueta and Marc Giroux de Foiard Brown (both 2022) for showing particular enthusiasm, participating in early morning and late evening climbing sessions, even after exams. Ivo has spent more time on the wall every session, showing remarkable progress in both his technique and grip strength. 

Over the summer we aim to improve our technique and strength in gyms across the world. I very much look forward to seeing all the tricky climbs our lovely Mertonians have tackled when we are back for Michaelmas. 

*Beta spraying = when one climber tells another how to climb something when they weren’t asked to

Lars Hofflin (2022)

Rock Climbing/Bouldering Captain 2023–24