Rock climbing offers so much more than scaling physical heights. It is also an opportunity to learn technical skills, grow in fitness and strength and develop personal skills such as resilience and self-confidence. 

At Haileybury, students from Years 9–12 can rock climb during both the summer and winter seasons and in 2025, it is also a spring option for Years 7 and 8. 

The dynamic sport offers many benefits that extend beyond the physical. “Students build a range of physical and mental skills. Climbing enhances core strength, endurances, coordination and balance while fostering problem-solving abilities and resilience. The climber-belayer relationship also cultivates trust and communication among students,” says Adam McCarthy, Head of Climbing. 

The sport presents many challenges that are perfect for fostering mental growth and resilience. As Adam highlights, “Many rock climbers learn to overcome fears and manage frustrations, which are essential life skills.” 

Lameese, Year 12, finds joy in the challenges presented. “Climbing has taught me to persevere and keep trying even when I’ve failed the climb, helping me to find another way to approach it until I succeed. My best experience so far has been getting my first level five boulder, as it took me many attempts to finally finish.” 

Haileybury students train in both bouldering and top rope climbing at Bayside Rock Climbing in Carrum Downs, while Year 12 City students have the opportunity to hone skills at Hardrock Climbing Centre, in the heart of the city.  

Branson, Year 12, explains his enthusiasm for the sport, stating, “Something that I enjoy about rock climbing is the community behind it. There is also something about incremental progress that still feels incredibly rewarding.” 

Top rope climbing involves threading the rope through an anchor at the climb’s summit and back down to the climber. “This method is considered the safest as the belayer can continuously adjust the rope’s slack, significantly minimising the risk of falling. Most routes range between 12 to 15 metres in height,” Adam explains. 

In contrast, bouldering offers the thrill of climbing without ropes to heights typically reaching three to four metres, with climbers utilising climbing shoes, chalk and ground pads. It represents the purest form of climbing, focusing on technique, strength and agility. 

Haileybury students boast a proud tradition of achievement in the sport. Last year, Andrew Chen (OH 2015) and former Haileybury climbing instructor, coached our national rock-climbing Olympic team in Paris in his capacity as Coaching Team Manger. 

In 2017, Jonathan Rogers (OH 2017) clinched the State Bouldering Title in the Junior Male category, and the school has consistently secured multiple top ten placements in state bouldering competitions over the years.  

“At Haileybury, the mission of our sports program is to foster a lifelong love of sport and physical activity, with our students having the opportunity to participate in over 40 different sports. Rock climbing is a brilliant example of a sport that can both be enjoyed for fun, but also the potential to go on and win Olympic gold. Who knows, there might even be a Brisbane medalist in our school as we speak.” 

By taking up rock climbing, students continue to aim for new heights, both on and off the climbing wall, through their personal growth and by finding the pure joy in climbing.