SPORTY SUSSEX
Sporty Sussex This month Sara Whatley revels in the sporty spirit, getting stoked about skateboarding, recalls paddleboarding off Brighton, gets up high with rock climbing and thwacks some balls on the volleyball court
Skateboarding Skateboarding is not just a sport or a way of travelling, it’s a lifestyle. Fun, fast and highly social, it’s for the small kids and the big kids to enjoy equally Invented in the 1950s by Californian surfers for something to do when the waves were low, it has grown in popularity to become the worldwide phenomenon it is today. Skateboarding enjoyed its Olympic debut this year in Tokyo. There are no age restrictions, scorekeeping or time limits; and with
65 skateparks in Sussex, you are never far from a dedicated place to practice and master your technique. Grab a board and some protective gear and you’re good to start learning. It might be worth having a lesson or two to get you going, alternatively go to skateparks to watch and learn as you go. “The community that surrounds us is an amazing thing,” says Dale Lay, founder of South Coast Skate Club. Dale went on to say, “The positive outcomes from learning to skateboard are ongoing and limitless. We at South Coast Skate Club use skateboarding as a way to have a positive impact on young people, supporting them by providing
physical activity and mental health support through exercise as well as building confidence, building resilience, overcoming and conquering fears, learning that with failure comes growth and to see failure as part of the journey towards rewards.” See South Coast Skate Club on Facebook for more details
Rock Climbing Got a head for heights and enjoy adrenaline fuelled sport? Then rock climbing might be your thing! The aim of rock climbing is to climb up, down and along natural rock formations or indoor climbing walls to reach a set goal without falling off. Sounds simple but this skilled sport takes a lot of physical and mental strength and will test the climber’s strength, agility, endurance, balance and mental capacity too. Using the right gear and having a sound knowledge of proper climbing technique is crucial, as this sport can be dangerous. It’s best enjoyed by groups or at least two people together. Creating a trust between climbing partners is essential as you’re assisting each other’s climbing and safety. I spoke to local Sussex climber Katy Pullum who is relatively new to the sport, but totally dedicated. “My boyfriend roped me into climbing a year ago and now I’m hooked! There are so many benefits; whole body fitness, making new friends and developing courage, to name a few. One of the beauties of the sport is that as well as
a range of indoor facilities the UK has a wealth of outdoor climbing locations from wild sea cliffs to inland woodland crags. Not forgetting our very own sandstone outcrops here in Sussex too!” For sandstone rock climbing in Sussex visit www.southernsandstoneclimbs.co.uk
August 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 89
