How experienced do I need to be?
Not at all! You could come to one of our Give It A Go sessions and have absolutely no prior knowledge, but we'll get you up to speed in no time.
What kit do I need?
You don't need to buy any of your own equipment until you feel absolutely necessary. We have a large amount of equipment including everything from shoes, harnesses to ice axes! You're able to borrow all of it too!
Can I come if I've never climbed before?
Yes of course! That's exactly what our Give It a Go sessions are designed for but if you missed them, don't worry. We can get you started whenever you decide to join.
Isn't it expensive?
If you really wanted to, you could go your entire time in CUMC without having to buy any climbing equipment at all and just borrow the shared equipment. You would only have to pay for the membership and any trips you wanted to go on!
How dangerous or safe is it?
Climbing (when done correctly) is very safe! We're here to show you the ropes and how to keep yourself from getting injured while still having fun.
What if I only want to go bouldering/route climbing?
You're able to choose exactly what you want to do! We do have trips that have a combination of bouldering and ropes and some trips (mainly our Fontainebleau trip) has only bouldering.
Where do you climb in Cardiff?
We have 2 local climbing gyms, Flashpoint which is a bouldering-only gym (auto-belays available too) that has incredible bouldering with grades from VB all the way up to V11! We also have Boulders which is mainly focused on roped climbing (Top rope, lead and auto-belays) but also has a large section for bouldering too. There are a few fairly local crags that will be on the Google Map below.
How do you get to Boulders or Flashpoint?
If getting the minibus there for a club session, we meet outside The Bagel Place at the back of the SU (also on the Google Map below). Both the locations for Boulders and Flashpoint are also on the map and both are relatively easy to drive or cycle to however both are quite a long walk from Cathays.
How can I borrow equipment and what can I borrow?
You can borrow any of the equipment that we have in the kit store as long as you show proper knowledge and handling of the kit. To request equipment or if you have any questions, you can get in touch by either dm'ing us on our Instagram @cumc_ or by emailing us at mountaineering@cardiff.ac.uk.
Could I just come to the climbing and not the socials or vice versa?
Absolutely! There's no requirement that you come to the socials and there's never any pressure to drink at the socials either but it's good to come along and meet everyone while they're not half way up the wall.
How can I join?
If you head over to the memberships page, you can get started there! If you're an ex-student, you can buy our associate membership and anyone who is external to Cardiff University can buy our external membership.
Where do you meet for the minibus to Boulders and Flashpoint?
If getting the minibus there for a club session, we meet outside The Bagel Place at the back of the SU (also on the Google Map below).
How much does everything cost?
Equipment can vary in price depending on what you're buying but the best place to get it is Up and Under in Cardiff. We work very closely with them and you can get a good discount by mentioning that you are part of CUMC at the till! For any questions or advice regarding equipment, you can email us at mountaineering@cardiff.ac.uk, or dm us on our instagram @cumc_
Can I come if I've never climbed before?
Yes of course! That's exactly what our Give It a Go sessions are designed for but if you missed them, don't worry. We can get you started whenever you decide to join.
Are refunds available?
Dependent on the situation, for more information consult the bottom of the Useful Info page and/or contact PullenM2@cardiff.ac.uk
What if I've got more questions?
Feel free to get in contact with one of the committee members either through the Facebook Group, the Instagram account or via email!