Life as a climbing gym floor instructor

    It's been for some weeks now since I've began working as a climbing gym floor instructor. And I have to admit,it is pretty interesting so far and I kinda enjoy the role. The role of the floor instructor is to keep an eye on all the climbers in the gym ensuring that everyone is enjoying their climb in a safe and control environment. Sometimes, since you're a floor instructor, people might also seek for your advice on climbing stuff. That's a boost to the ego though I haven't reach that stage of being a real pro yet. A floor instructor also provides the induction training for new members of the gym ensuring that the new members understand the facilities well.

    No. It isn't an easy job where you get to sit and watch people. Most of the time, you will be need to be on your toes. Keeping a watchful eye on everyone, making sure that their harness is tied in correctly, the climbing rope is clipped right and also making sure the belayer is belaying safely. Sometimes you do have to remind patrons on the safety aspect of climbing especially those who are experienced climbers that do tend to forget and take things easy. That's not an easy thing to do, which is to approach someone who most probably climbs way better than you and reprimand them. But that's the job. Then, the most crucial thing is rescue techniques. You're expected to know what to do automatically when "shit hits the wall".

    Anyway, I take it as a way to improve my public speaking. Ensuring the participants understand what I am trying to convey. Hopefully, as I get to do more work shifts I get better at speaking and communicating with people. Also, you'll need to work with groups which are much more difficult and requires more PR skills since people tend to drift away especially in groups. There's also the benefit of getting some on the job training about climbing and safety techniques. Definitely something different from my desk job last time. Also needed the practise of projecting my voice in a clear and crisp way. Challenging.

    Sure, the job doesn't pay as well as my previous job. But at least I am out there interacting with people and mixing with people who share the same passion. I have to admit that my colleagues are really serious about their role and I think that is a very good example that I need to remember. Always be proud of what you're doing. That is of course, you're not being a slacker.

G'day mate.

* picture from Urban Climb, Brisbane