Nigel at Knockroe

Climbing Instruction

Nigel Callender began climbing in 1997. Unlike many people learning to rock climb in Ireland, Nigel, already with a background in competitive swimming, brought with him a strong competitive instinct and training discipline that quickly placed him at the cutting edge of Irish competition climbing. He has amassed multiple Irish Bouldering Championships to his name throughout the years and despite being encumbered with injuries in recent times he has maintained an extremely high level of strength and ability and regularly boulders up to Font 8a+. Possibly due to his unrivalled success within Irish competition climbing, Nigel remains better known for his bouldering achievements despite being a competent and prolific traditional and sports climber in his own right. He has been responsible for first ascents of routes up to E5 and states his best sports climbing achievement as climbing F 8a+.

He has left a lasting mark on the strong and deep-rooted climbing scene centred around Llanberis and Bethesda, leaving a string of first ascents and hard early repeats to his name.

Nigel holds a BMC certificate in Coaching Climbing at Fundamental level and is an Amateur Swimming Association Level 1 Swim Instructor. He has considerable knowledge and experience of 1 to 1 Coaching, training for climbing and climbing specific Injury aversion and recovery techniques and has many links with Medical Specialists within the field of Climbing. Perhaps more importantly, Nigel is great to climb with and possesses the ability to identify, explain and address issues with training or technique that make him a great instructor and qualities that can only act to help peoples climbing. Nigel is Co-Director of Irish Climbing Coaching - www.irishclimbingcoaching.ie.

Words: Dave Ayton
Photo: Dave Hunt - DaveHuntPhoto.com

Sports Scientist

Nigel relocated to North Wales, during 2003 to study Sports Science at the University of Wales, Bangor. He graduated with a BSc (Hons) in 2006, having chosen to specialise in and research the Physiology of High-Performance Climbing. While living in North Wales Nigel also provided Sports Science support to the Welsh Junior Kayak and Sailing Teams and has worked for the Musculoskeletal Medicine and Physiotherapy Services in North Wales.

He currently provides support as a sports scientist to a small group of elite-level athletes from various backgrounds. Find out more about this service under Sports Sci.

Beginners Rock Climbing Courses:

Looking to try something different or start rock climbing? Why not come along on one of our Introduction to Climbing sessions where we'll take you through the basics of learning to rock climb, abseil, use equipment and move on rock. Sessions are usually full days or evenings and are tailored to the needs of the group. Regardless of location, a safe and unforgettable day is guaranteed be it rock climbing in the Burren or abseiling in Dalkey.

Our rock climbing courses are suitable for individuals, small groups and families, all equipment is provided. Click here to find our latest courses and offers.

Corporate Rock Climbing Sessions:

Either full days or evenings based at a location to suit you. A day spent learning to rock climb can be a fantastic way of developing and improving group dynamics as well as providing an exciting and challenging break from the office. Sessions can be tailored to include other activities, accommodation, fine food etc.

Adventure Race Training:

We have worked with some of Ireland's top Adventure Racers preparing for events such as An Turas Beag to major expedition races such as the Eco Primal Quest. More and more adventure races are including ropework and vertical sections. Don't get left behind due to inefficient rope skills!

Our instructors (many of whom have regular AR experience) can take you through the various skills required for specific races and teach you safe and efficient abseiling, jumaring, etc. All adventure race ropework training sessions are taught with a race situation in mind better preparing you for the race day.

Guided Bouldering Sessions:

Ireland has some fantastic bouldering on a huge variety of rock types from Granite to Gritstone, Sandstone and Limestone that can suit all abilities. Our bouldering guides are some of the countries top climbers and boulderers and know the locations well. They will provide you with unforgettable experiences of some of the countries truly unique settings – many of which are rarely found by locals and visitors alike. Bouldering pads etc. provided – and very occasionally, the chance to leave your mark with a first ascent...

Performance Days + Guided Rock Climbing:

Always wanted to have a go at some of Ireland's harder routes but never had the confidence/climbing partners capable? Why not have some of Irelands top climbers take you up some of the most impressive and challenging routes in the country? Our performance climbing days will ensure you finish the day exhausted but having experienced some of the best traditional climbing Ireland has to offer.

Custom Packages:

Looking for that something special to in addition to a day learning to climb? Packages are available that include fine food, accommodation and multisport weekends. Contact us for suggestions or to make your own.

Performance Coaching:

Performance coaching is available in conjunction with Irish Climbing Coaching. (www.irishclimbingcoaching.ie)

Environmental Policy

Given the nature of the activities that we undertake, we are constantly venturing into some of the most unique and beautiful landscapes on the planet. It is our responsibility to ensure that our actions don't destroy these truly special places.

Our instructors grew up exploring the West coast of Ireland and for that reason alone don't want our actions to be responsible for the it's destruction.

This responsibility to the environment has led us to implement various measures to minimise the impact of our sessions. Some of these steps include:

These landscapes are dealt to us only once - please respect them!!

Dave Graham Comes to Dublin

Dave Graham is coming to Dublin in October 2008 to give a ticket only slide lecture. Tickets cost 10 Euro.



Buy a ticket here

Bookings/Info

e-mail: info@nigelcallender.com

phone: +353 (0)86 8412928

Prices

Climbing - Group 3-6: Day (7 hrs) 70 euros Evening (3-4 hrs) 50 euros

Bouldering - Group 3-6: Day 55 euros Evening 45 euros

All prices per-person. Discount for groups of 6+ people

Sports Science

Nigel Callender currently provides physiological support as a Sports Scientist to a small group of Elite athletes from a variety of backgrounds. He is currently extending his availability for ongoing assistance + advice and will be taking on a very small number of extra athletes over the next few weeks. Please contact him if you wish to avail of these services.

He is also available for various one-off consultations such as physiological test analysis, associated training recommendations and performance 'troubleshooting' and analysis. Please contact for more details.