Rockcity scaling up safety with innovative new system

CUTTING EDGE TECH AT HULL CLIMBING CENTRE

- By TOM KEIGHLEY

Ben Marsden and Steve McClure using the new auto belay safety equipment at Rockcity

CLIMBERS in Hull are helping to pioneer a new safety system which could make the activity more accessible.

Rockcity climbing centre has installed more than 30 TRU-Clip auto belay devices across its walls, completely replacing traditional auto belays with the new system.

The investment is said to have put the Hawthorn Avenue centre at the forefront of global climbing safety. And it has opened up the sport to newcomers, families and casual participants.

Auto belays are devices that allow climbers to climb solo without a rope partner. Once clipped in, the device gently lowers the climber back to the ground at a steady, controlled pace.

While auto belays have been used in climbing centres for many years, the TRU-Clip system introduces several new safety features designed to remove human error.

Ben Marsden, left, route setter and coach at Rockcity, with renowned climber Steve McClure