The students of Robert Land Academy learn to face many interesting challenges throughout their time at the academy. One such challenge was faced recently by members of the climbing club.

On Tuesday, March 5, some club members completed their belay test.

When a person climbs the rock wall, they are tied in with someone responsible for their safety. This person is called a belayer and they can stop a climber from falling very far. Correctly done, belaying methods allow a belayer to hold the entire weight of the climber with relatively little force.

“Those that needed to pass the belay test did so quickly,” said Capt. Brian Lee the Academy Climbing Instructor said.

One of the climbers to pass the belaying test was gr. 7 student Ammar Adnan. He is pursuing rock climbing because it is something he enjoys.

“I’m very happy that I have passed this test,” Adnan said.

“It makes you think,” he said about belaying someone who is climbing. “Because if someone is falling, you have to think quickly about what to do to make sure they are safe, you have to think in an instant.”

The activity makes him reflect on the seriousness of the activity, learning to accept responsibility to help keep others safe.

“It makes you pay attention,” he said. “At no time should you not be paying attention when belaying because it risks someone’s life.”

Learning skills like this help students grow.

“If there is a sincere interest and a learning capacity, it happens quickly and becomes a lifestyle activity or hobby increasing quality of life,” Capt. Lee said. “With this (climbing) comes personal growth as a young person develops confidence in themselves, those they climb with, and the equipment used.”



“Climbing can also be physically uncomfortable but elating at the same time,” he said. “Appreciating the balance helps a young person gather the toughness to live an enriched life.