"The events of the past day have proven to me that I am wholly alive, and that no matter what transpires from here on in, I have truly lived. - Anonymous climber."

.

Home

FAQs

  • What is this mountaineering thing?
    It involves interrupting your drinking to climb, walk, or crawl up hills and mountains.
  • What does the club do?
    Sunday hikes, monthly club trips, free climbing wall sessions, experienced leadership and training; free drink, social events, climbing outdoors if it stops raining, a club gear pool and Christmas in Killarney :).
  • Do I need to be fit?
    Short answer: Yes. Long Answer: It helps - hikes are usually 5 hrs+, often in lousy weather. However you can get fit quite easily by going regularly and going running and not eating cream buns all the time. Fitness is an important consideration when going on hikes - there may be no way of shortening the hike once we start and poor weather can make additional demands on you. The first hikes are very easy and will slowly get harder but always make sure you know what's involved before you start. Climbing involves hauling your fat ass up bits of rock placed at inconvenient angles so the less ass you have the better. For climbing, fitness is not as important for short routes like the ones indoors as it would be for more sustained routes outdoors. You should also consider that outdoor climbing can be on remote crags, so a hike of some degree is inevitable.
  • Do I need to be really strong to climb?
    A common misconception. What you lack in strength you will quickly make up for with technique. Necessity is the mother of invention, you'll find a way. Being weak will help you develop good technique quickly which will stand to you when you finally realise that strength will only take you so far.
  • All my conceptions are based on Cliffhanger, Vertical limit and the start of Mi2. Is that what it's like?
    No, they're complete bullshit.
  • When and where do the buses go from?
    The buses leave from Earlsfort Terrace and the UCD Flyover. See the Events page for more information.
  • Do I need lots of equipment?
    Depends on what you want to do - check out the gear section. Details of whether you need things like tents, sleeping bags, etc for various trips should be in the events section. Raingear and boots are a must if you plan on coming outdoors.
  • I like to wear jeans as they make me look slim, is this cool?
    Short answer: No. Long answer: Jeans are possibly one of the worst things to wear on the hills, when they get wet they stay wet and then they get cold and then you get cold. People wearing jeans will not be allowed to get on the bus, unless they have more suitable attire to wear. Plenty of hiking will also make you look slim.
  • Is it dangerous?
    Mountaineering carries risks which are reduced by preparation, knowledge, skill and experience. When climbing, a climber is at risk from falling and also from rock or equipment falling onto the climber from above. Hiking (even in Wicklow) carries the risk of hypothermia, exhaustion, and being injured hours from help. Even when hiking it is possible to sustain a serious fall. These risks should not be ignored when deciding if you want to join but then again neither should the benefits. Accidents are extremely rare but should be prepared for.
  • Who takes care of me?
    You are an adult, you are responsible for yourself. Experienced members of the club lead all activities (including drinking). However you need to take care of yourself too. We won't check to make sure you have raingear or have your bootlaces tied correctly. So if you get very wet and cold, trip over your bootlaces or get sick from too much beer then you made a mistake.
  • Do I get professional training?
    The club has a fund for professional training for active members with a committment to the club. Mostly you will learn from more experienced members and your own experiences. You should always test everything you are told and learn why things are done that way for yourself. You will not learn from films like Vertical Limit or from sitting on your ass doing nothing. If you don't know - ask.
  • But I really want to learn - what should I do?
    Get down to the wall and make friends. Or go on hikes and make friends. Ask questions (there are no silly questions but there are loads of silly things you can do by not asking). There is also nothing to stop you doing a paid course on your own with an outside body.
  • How do I join?
    Fresher's stand, Sport's Expo, down at the wall Tues and Thurs 5-7 during term, at any club hike or event (sign up on the bus).
  • Can I join if I have a disability?
    Yes. Depending on yourself you may have no problem with the activities. If you can't climb or hike then the club has a highly active social element with pub sessions, parties, table-quizzes & an annual formal dinner. You'll be made very welcome.
  • Should I get personal accident insurance?
    It's highly recommended that you take out the MCI insurance. Read the insurance section.
  • Do I need an oxygen tank when I'm hiking?
    Hopefully not.
  • Why do we do this?
    God knows. It appears to be addictive. Best thing I've done in college (apart from score that girl in the front row)
  • When are the hikes?
    Sundays usually - see the events section
  • Can I score someone on the committee?
    If you try very hard and ply them with alcohol you my succeed.
  • How can I be on the committee?
    If you get elected or alternatively if you get tricked into it.
  • I want to go climbing outdoors. What should I do?
    Learn to put on a harness and belay. Make friends with someone who has a climbing rack and make them take you climbing. Or wait until a club trip and go climbing then. Flirting never hurt either.
  • I am sexually promiscuous. Is this a problem?
    No. Text CHAT to me @ 087 6543222
  • I'm afraid of heights. What should I do?
    Don't look down. Do tell whoever your climbing with. If possible climb with someone you know and trust. Don't do anything you're not comfortable with. Imagine you have large testicles. Concentrate on what's in front of you and what's just above your head.
  • I have never been away with a big bunch of strangers before. Everyone seems to know everyone else and everyone seems to know what to do. I'm scared and fearful for my virtue.
    Don't worry - there's always new people and there's always people who have been around too long. You won't stand out and you won't have to get involved in any strange rituals if you don't want to. Be confident and introduce yourself. And sorry about your virtue - there's nothing I can do.
  • Should I join the canoe club or mountaineering?
    Both will get you wet, cold, tired and possibly drunk. At least you can look good while climbing....and you get an ice axe.
  • Is there a social life?
    Yes.
  • Can I climb Everest?
    Work away - it's in Nepal.
  • I feel a bit silly because I don't have loads of stuff with Patagonia and Lowe Alpine written on it like everyone else.
    Don't worry - the best mountaineers can be spotted by their conspicuous absence of clothing.
  • I just want to go for a little walk and look at the trees in the evening sun beside a lake with birds singing.
    Sounds good but our hikes are a little longer and a little more strenuous.
  • Should I learn to navigate?
    Yes - as soon as possible. It depends on how well you want to get to know the Mountain Rescue team. If you grew up in The Alps and you've hiked for years without ever having to rely on a compass bearing you are in for a shock. Irish mountains are wild untamed expanses of wilderness. There are no marked paths, no huts and the weather is at best, unpredictable. Unlike the large ranges in the rest of the world, Irish mountain areas can be very flat and extremely confusing when visibility is poor. Expect to need to rely on a compass bearing at some point.
  • I have a question that this joke of a page doesn't even attempt to cover
    Email the commitee: ucdmountaineeringclub@gmail.com