Spider Matt

As promised a quick post about my climbing in Railay.

A long time ago I had done a bit of climbing and really enjoyed it but never carried on with it, then last year we sat and watched groups of people climbing the cliffs near the beach and I was determined to get up there myself this year. I had 2 half day sessions of climbing instruction with Hot Rock climbing school, I would have done more if my arms weren't so feeble. I may not actually be spider man yet but it was an amazing feeling to scramble up the cliffs.

The 2 instructors that I had from Hot Rock were great, they went through the safety stuff and provided all the gear including the super tight climbing shoes. I learnt how to tie the knots and be the safety man on the ground with the rope (known as belaying).

Then I got on with the amazing climbing up the rock part, as I was just starting out there was not too much teaching here other than suggestions on where to look for hand holds or places to jam my foot in.  Anyways enough waffle here are the pictures of me looking hot and sweaty.

The limestone features around Railay are often nicely textured so there is lots of places to hold on.

At the top of the first climb, it was a brilliant view but I was sweating rather profusely.

Shirt off for the rest of the climb; it was much cooler, but I am a tad battered now.

Nearly there. I did 10 climbs in total on different routes.

Very pleased with myself that climb was tough, it was my last of the first day, my arms were so tired and there was a slight overhang on the route that I had to pull myself over.

Me on the left sweating so much I look like I have just washed my hair. My instructor Boy congratulating me, although his face does look like he is laughing at me.

We were both very sad to leave Railay yesterday it is our favourite beach area in Thailand, hopefully we can go back in a few years when I have got bigger arms and I can do some of the harder routes.