Attention, attention guys and gals!! Be prepared, be excited,  be pumped. Because O-week is commencing in a few days. And although it seems to be slightly misleading since 3 days can’t even be round up to a week and the luck of this event tends to draw the rain clouds to literally rain on our parade, it is but 3 magical days where people can join societies they will never participate in, and grab free things that they will only find enjoyment for a week or so before leaving them aside in a corner to gather dust and dream of better days. Although this may be the sad reality for most societies, this is not the reality of SURMC. We sell experiences, far more precious then any enjoyment free sample may bring  and also the awesome opportunity to take sick hero shots to post on your Facebook, twitter, instagram etc.

This week is an important time for the club. This week tend to be when we get the most people joining the club, most are new and so everyone is in the same position as everyone else. This is when you get the opportunity to start the clock afresh. If you joined last year but lacked the courage to socialised with the perceived ‘big fish’ of the club, then you can pretend to be new to climbing and impress said ‘big fish’ of your natural climbing skills. If you are in fact new to climbing, then this is a great club to make friend, because most people are friendly, except for the douches in which case who wants to make friends with douches anyways.

So come on by our stall, Introduce yourself to the people and start the ball rolling. Join us and you too can be the cool, hardcore rockclimbers that we pretend to be. So we look forward to seeing you at the stall and we also look forward to getting to know you.

Get Pump People!!!

We’re located here in the red circle. So pop on by and say hello.

Soooo, we’re going to have another beginner’s trip on the 1st of September. This time it’s Lindfield Rocks, a really nice little place with good bouldering and climbing (we’ll set up ropes there). In fact, I think it’s the first place I ever climbed outdoors. Ah the memories…

From Lindfield Station to the crag, it’s about a 15-20 min walk. I’ll meet people at the station at 10am, so that we can all go together. Otherwise, here‘s a map to the place and you can turn up whenever you like. We’ll be packing up at about 4pm, so come in before then.

Bring lunch as well!

My number is: 0452231731.

Second Update: The forecast? As Phil from Groundhog Day once said: You want a prediction about the weather, you’re asking the wrong Phil. I’ll give you a winter prediction: It’s gonna be cold, it’s gonna be grey, and it’s gonna last you for the rest of your life.

In other words, please bring lots of warm clothing!

Update: Cityrail is having trackwork done. That means if you don’t have a car, you have to take the bus to get to Lindfield Station. You have to take either the 31NSL or the 32NSL bus from Wynyard Station, Clarence St – Stand R. This will get you to Lindfield Station, all in all taking about 40 minutes. For further information on how to get to Wynyard Station, depending on where you live, check out this website: http://www.cityrail.info/

This is really unfortunate and annoying, but what can you do?

If you do have a car, you could give people a ride there. Please let people know if you want to do this, down in the comments section below. People with cars usually meet at the Ledge for this purpose, as it’s more convenient that way.

If you want to come along, please sign up below:

Who’s already registered?

She didn’t miss HER climbing sessions. And neither should you. Come to the Ledge on Wednesday!

Attempt #2

To all our fellow climbers out there, welcome back to yet another semester. To all those who are eager to get their first experience at climbing on some real natural rocks then this is the trip for you. To get the semester rolling, David (our president), Nik (trip officer), Dan (Treasurer), and Celine (VP), will be running a beginner’s climbing trip to Bangor near Sutherland. According to most, this is a good place to go if you’ve never climbed outdoors before with routes suitable to all climbing experience, however, this trip is mainly targeted for those who are new to sport and/or outdoor climbing.

The trip will be capped to 14 people because we feel with anymore people, you’re just not going to have as much fun climbing because you’ll be spending most of your time waiting to climb. All gears will be provided except for climbing shoes. There is an option to rent shoes from the ledge if you want, but make sure you do this before Saturday. Bring lunch and plenty of water as well.

If you’re driving there, the idea is to park at the end of Arunta Close, while if you’re coming by public transport then the closes public station is Sutherland Station, 3,4km away or take the M92 bus that will run down River Rd. There should be a fire trail between house 11 and 12. The plan however, is that if you wish to meet up at Sutherland Station at 9am, David will be happy to shuffle a few people at a time to the crag.

If you do have a car then please place a comment below and people can try and sort out carpooling, otherwise the plan will be to meet at Sutherland Station on Saturday at 9am.

As to the weather… no one likes to bring it up out of fear of jinxing the situation but it must be said. If it rains then the trip is obviously cancelled, but if there is uncertainly and ambiguity as to the condition, then feel free to contact Celine 0410044389 or David at 0403346204.

We’re getting well and truly into the semester and it’s time to give yourself a pat on the back for all the hard work you’ve been doing.

The beer, the bouldering pads and slacklines will be provided. All you need to do is to turn up from 12pm, Saturday the 19th of May. The location is Queens Park. It’s a 15 min walk from Bondi Junction station if you don’t have a car. If you do have a car, be environmentally friendly (bob brown can’t protect us any longer…) and carpool with the more unfortunate. Look for us on the left end of the park, where all the rocks and people climbing over them are.

Also, if you’re coming and you have a bouldering pad, bring it along! the more the better!

Who’s already registered?

Hi everyone,
There will be a beginners trip to Bangor on Sunday the 29th of April. It’s a great chance to get out on real rock for the first time, or if you want more experience climbing outdoors. The trip will be lead by me (Nik), Daniel Holt and Sam Doss (If he’s still capable of climbing following his trip to the Grampians). Please post below if you’re coming. Also please post if you have a car and how many people you can take there. Also note that if you’re not a total beginner you’re still very welcome, as you are if can lead yourself and want to come along for a day in the sun. The trip will be capped at 12 people. A few more leaders would be appreciated if anyone can spare the time. A post will be going up on the website when I can get it working, but we’ll run with Facebook for now.

IMPORTANT: Please register for the trip using the form below.

Who’s already registered?

In an unassuming corner of Victoria is the premier climbing destination in Australia, Mt Arapiles. Great rock, great climbing, great climbing on great rock with friends…what more could you ask for?

The climbing there is mostly trad(itional). If you don’t know what that means and you’re new to climbing, don’t fret. You’re most definitely welcome as well. The grades range from easy to hard, but even the ‘easiest’ ones are classics and so worth doing. Dates are provisional at the moment, but currently I think many people want to leave Sydney on Friday the 6th of April and arrive at Arapiles on Sunday 8th. Then stay there for about a week and get back to Sydney by the 15th.

Arapiles is about a 14 hour drive from Sydney or a four hour drive from Smellbourne/Melbourne. That’s a long distance, so if you’re carpooling, it’d be very helpful if you can drive as well. This will saves the driver a lot of grief. If you need to get back to Sydney early, you need to make sure that there’s going to be someone who’s going back on the same day!

Weatherwise – sunny. Probably.

Staying at the campground is $2 every night, but payment is based on a trust system and there won’t be anyone forcing you to. But really, it’s not much to pay.

There are NO showers at Arapiles. But there are showers in the nearest town.

so what sort of things will you need?

A tent. If you can’t get one and all else fails, there’s a covered shelter/patio or somesuch close by.
A sleeping bag.
A stove, unless you like cold meals.
Fuel for the stove.
Pots and pans, cutlery etc.
Food (Fiona has written a guide, study it religiously: http://www.surmc.org.au/camping-cooking/). People will likely make food runs into the nearest town, Natimuk or Horsham.
A folding deck chair, it really helps! Sitting on the ground is overrated and hurts your bum.
A torch/headtoorch + batteries. Remember it. It will make your stay so much easier.
Water: there’s a water tank next to the campground. It’s supposed to taste funny but I never had a problem with it. You’d be surprised how much water you get through on a hot day, so remember to hydrate. Also you’ll need the water for cooking.
Sunscreen – slip slap slop.
Clothing wise, of course you’ll want something you can climb comfortably in. But it can also get surprisingly cold at night.

Beer. This really goes without saying.
Lastly, bring your sense of fun.

If you’re interested, can you leave a comment below so we can have a general idea of how many people want to go? Thanks.

I just want to give a shout out to all the new members of SURMC. If you haven’t already, come along to the Ledge Climbing Centre on Wednesday from about 5pm and introduce yourselves. As our club night, most of us will be there and it’s a great way to meet up with other climbers. We usually use that time to plan trips as well. Afterwards, we head to the Forest Lodge pub, just a short walk away for dinner. If you have questions, feel free to contact members of the board (see ) or in person on Wednesday.

Don’t put it off with lame excuses of ‘just starting uni and need to make a good impression’ and ‘but my Honours thesis!’. There’s no excuse for not climbing!