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Beginners guide to Rock Climbing in Jersey

  • Eleanor Lister
  • Sep 24, 2020
  • 6 min read

Updated: May 27, 2022


Are you a Jersey local, or someone planning on visiting, and wanna know all the top tips for getting into rock climbing here? You’re in the right place! Below you’ll find a pretty comprehensive guide for trying climbing in Jersey, Channel Islands.


First things first. Is rock climbing for me? / Why climbing in Jersey?


The best way to answer this question is: climbing is for everyone. You do not need to be athletic, slim, young or strong to enjoy climbing. And, you’ll be having so much fun you won’t even realise you’ve been working out! (you’ll be flexin’ your new muscles to your colleagues in no time.)


Jersey’s beautiful national park has some incredible rock climbing. With our amazing sea cliffs it’s hard not to think “I wanna climb that!” So, whether you’re a seasoned scrambler looking to learn more skills, or someone who’s never touched rock before, read on to find out how to get involved in the best sport ever! (I might be slightly biased...)


Getting into climbing can be tricky, there’s a lot to learn, there’s equipment, and of course you wanna know where it’s safe to go? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.



The Jersey Rock Climbing Club are at the top of my list because everyone in the club genuinely loves climbing. They’re not in it for profit, they just want to share their love of climbing with others and teach new climbers. Everyone in the JRCC are volunteers, and they’re a lovely, fun group of people. Ultimately their goal is to pass on their knowledge to you, for you to become an independent climber.


Anyone is welcome to join the club, from new to experienced climbers. It’s a great place to meet other climbers, get involved with climbing events, learn new skills, and the club even host climbing trips off island every year to the UK, France and further afield.


Outdoor Climbing: During the summer, the JRCC hold Club Nights every Wednesday evening outdoors from 4:30pm - sunset. You and your friends can rock up after work, have a climb or even just pop down to have a look to see what they’re up too.

  • You do not need experience to get involved with the JRCC, you’re welcome even if you’ve never climbed before. All you need is enthusiasm!

  • The JRCC do not charge you, per se, to climb with them, they do however ask that you become a member of the club, which among other things includes insurance.


Indoor Climbing: When the colder months come in and it’s too wet & windy to climb outside, the Jersey Rock Climbing Club have ‘beginner friendly’ indoor wall sessions. For more information on the indoor wall, visit the club’s website which I’ve linked below. (2020: Indoor wall sessions cost £4 per person, annual membership is £25.)

Do you need gear? Nope! The JRCC have everything you need to join in! Just wear some comfy clothes, and take some water & a snack.

Are they qualified? Yes. The chairman who runs and organises the JRCC, Tom Oxenham, is a qualified rock climbing Instructor. The club regularly arrange courses for club members to keep skills up-to-date and learn new skills.




Indoor Walls


There’s a bit of good news and bad news here. I’ll give you the bad news first: Jersey doesn’t really have a proper public indoor climbing wall (yet…). The good news is there are a couple of climbing walls and some school walls that can be booked out.

Valley Adventure Centre: Valley Adventure Centre have an outdoor climbing wall that’s available for bookings. You can hire the wall out with friends or family, there’s a selection of easier and harder routes for you to try. Perfect for when you want indoor wall style climbing while enjoying lovely Jersey weather. Website: www.valleyadventures.com


Jump Jersey / Les Ormes: The Jump Jersey activity centre has indoor clip and climb towers that are available for bookings. It’s aimed at children and families, with some great challenges. Definitely a fun place to give climbing a go! Website: www.lesormesjersey.co.uk


Langford Sports Centre: Langford sports centre has a roped wall that’s used by schools, however outside of school hours it’s available to clubs and groups to hire it out. (see below)


Grand Vaux Youth Club: Similar to Langford, Grand Vaux Youth Club is used by schools and the Jersey Youth Service, and is also available to be booked out by local groups. (see below)


These are some of the groups you can contact to climb with at Langford or Grand Vaux:



Climbing For Children


Children are natural climbers. They’re typically super strong and pretty agile. Usually waving at you from the top of the jungle gym before you’ve even said ‘go!’. If your little one is interested in trying rock climbing, here’s a few suggestions.


Jersey Scouts Climbing Club: If your kiddo has climbed before, and they know they wanna do it more, I highly recommend the JSCC. The team is made up of 6 instructors, who teach everything young climbers need to know, from basic knots to climbing techniques and everything in-between. Scout Climbers work towards their National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (NICAS) 1 & 2 qualifications, and the team have weekly challenges and badges to keep things fun! Children do need to join the Scouts to climb with the JSCC, and there’s a miniumum age of 10 years old.


Indoor Walls: If your child hasn’t tried climbing before and wants to give it a go, I highly recommend one of the indoor walls I’ve mentioned above. Climbing As a Family: Climbing is a great activity to try as a family! If you all want to give it a go, I either recommend one of the indoor walls I’ve mentioned above, or you can also get out onto Jersey’s beautiful sea cliffs with a qualified instructor, below.




Rock Climbing Instructors


If you’re not really a club person but still wanna test your skills outside, or perhaps you’re in charge of organising a hen or stag do, Jersey has a few Climbing Instructors who can take you out climbing on our amazing sea cliffs.


Kaz Padidar / Wild Adventures: Between bush crafts and kayak tours, Kaz provides rock climbing sessions for adults and children, with the goal of improving your technique and knowledge in the sport. He can also take you climbing indoors at the above mentioned indoor walls. For Pricing and more information, head over to: www.wildadventuresjersey.com

David Smith / Jersey Language Adventure: With over 20 years of climbing experience, David can offer climbing instruction for 1:1 or small groups, for people wishing to learn the basics, and for those wanting to progress to become independent climbers. Jersey Language Adventure also offers climbing sessions for Non-English visiting students. For pricing and more information, head over to: www.jerseylanguageadventure.com


John Fox / Jersey Adventures: Jersey Adventures offers climbing experiences for visitors and islanders interested in trying or getting into rock climbing, with sessions are held at easy to access sites. He’s also able to supervise for indoor wall sessions at the above mentioned climbing walls. For pricing and more information, head over to: www.jerseyadventures.com

Disclaimer: I’ve never climbed with any of them, so these aren’t personal recommendations. It’s a simply a list of climbing instructors in Jersey. :)




Getting out on your own


Last but not least, you could get out and explore Jersey’s climbing on your own. Personally, I really do not recommend this if you’re a new climber, there’s a lot of skills to learn to become a safe and competent climber.


I wanted to address for anyone who’s considering it: if you are thinking about going out on your own, please research. Ask questions, try and go out with more experienced climbers and ask their advice on your gear, and double check everything (and don’t forget to check Jersey’s tides.)


What I’d recommend instead: If you’re the sort of person who prefers a but more freedom in learning, I still highly recommend joining the Jersey Rock Climbing Club. The Club itself is made up of individuals who are always keen and happy to pass on their knowledge.


I hope this has helped you, If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to get in-touch and I’ll happily answer your questions!


Happy Climbing! :)

Eleanor










 
 
 

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