It’s Abby here, I’m back with the February Highball newsletter, and it’s a big one!
We’ve got exciting centre changes, a jam-packed half term, and a whole host of guest route setters lined up this month. So stick around! There’s loads to catch up on (and a few dates you’ll want in your diary.)
If you’ve visited the centre recently, you may have noticed the tell-tale sounds of building work – that’s because we’ve been renovating the ‘Red Room’ (on the right when you walk into the centre) creating a brand new climbing space specifically to allow younger boulderers to come and experience climbing at Highball!
Here’s what we’re thinking-
BoulderTots, (No lower age limit): These will be a bookable timeslots during the day, in which parents can come along & supervise their younger ones on the wall.
Mini Highball Play, (Ages 4-5): These sessions will be led by one of our trained coaches and are ideal for younger climbers who just want to climb! These are single ‘drop in’ sessions with no commitment – it’s all about time on the wall.
Mini Birthday Parties, (Ages 4-5): Groups of up to 6 can enjoy an hour of action-packed bouldering and games. A coach will be there every step of the way, guiding them through the excitement.
If you want to hear about U6’s climbing updates, register your interest by clicking the button below!
We are planning to open up some of our spare space to Norwich artists! The space in question is a large, converted office area situated on the first floor, above the café/seating areas of our climbing centre.
Studio sizes begin at 2x2m, but can be built depending on artist’s needs. All artists will have access to a shared kitchen and access to free parking on site.
If you, or anyone you know is looking for an artist studio space, click the button below for more information & an option to register your interest.
We’re giving you what you’re asking for… More lights out!
Save the date: Saturday February 21st
These nights have been a roaring success this year so we’re turning the lights off again! We’ll have limited headtorches available to hire, so bring your own if you want to guarantee your time on the wall – you won’t be able to climb without one. No extra cost, no special booking, just turn up like usual!
From 4:30pm until we close at 6.00pm, we’ll have the lights turned down and tunes turned up… See you there!
Save the date: February 25th, 4.30pm – 9pm
Come along on the 25th Feb and try the latest models from Unparallel – with 20% off their shoes on the night!
Shoe demos are a great opportunity to test out climbing shoes actually on the wall – making this the best possible way to decide which shoes and sizes might work best for you.
So come and have a browse, try out some shoes, or just chat with the team. You may just find the boots to take you to the next level!
The fourth and final qualifying round is fast approaching – and this round our setting team will be joined by the wonderful guest routesetter, Nick Lord.
Nick is a freelance setter, climbing wall builder, portrait artist & self-proclaimed ‘professional colour-inner’. Nick was part of ‘Climbing Collective’ team that built Highball 2.0 back in February 2025, and he set along our in-house team for our very first opening set!
When is Round 4 ? Friday 27th February, 6.30pm-9.30pm
What is the ‘Flash League’? This is the last round of the Flash League and will determine which 6 male and female climbers make it to the finals in March!
Anyone who fancies their chances at getting to finals needs to have attended at least three of the four rounds in order to qualify. However, if you’re not fussed about making finals, you’re more than welcome to take part in this last round, even if you haven’t made it the others!
The comp blocs will be up for a few weeks afterwards, so feel free to give them a try in your own time too!
Who is it for? Anyone who wants a challenge! It’s worth noting that our Flash League rounds are not quite as beginner friendly as our Flash Social Competition was back in October – but all climbing practise is good practise, and our staff are always around to help you navigate competitions.
Wed 11th, 8.30pm-9.30pm, Footwork
Sat 14th, 3.45pm-5.00pm, Fear and Confidence (FULLY BOOKED)
Wed 18th, 8.30pm-9.30pm, Route-Reading
Wed 25th, 8.30pm-9.30pm, Basic Technique
Mon 8th March, 8.00pm-9.00pm, Fear and Confidence
Additional workshops are often added to the calendar – so keep an eye on our social media for updates.
Save the date: Tues 3rd March, 8am-5pm.
Ever started a climb and wondered, ‘What goes through those routesetters’ minds?!’ Well, here’s your chance to find out!
On 3rd March we’re running a one-day, practical routesetting course. You’ll learn how to plan, set, test, and refine routes with guidance from one of our experienced routesetters.
This course focuses on creating fun and inclusive climbs for a wide range of abilities in a welcoming and supportive environment. The day will start with introductions and a safety briefing, followed by instruction on attaching holds and setting routes. You’ll then test and tweak the routes, ready for public use in the evening.
Your routes will remain on the wall for a week to give you and your friends an opportunity to test them out!
Click the button below to book your spot!
We’ve packed this week full of sessions to keep you and your little ones busy this half term break!
Highball Play (Ages 6-10): These are single, hour-long ‘drop in’ sessions with no commitment. The session is led by one of our trained instructors and is ideal for new and more experienced climbers alike.
Bouldering School (Ages 8-13): The course takes place over 2 consecutive days and is perfect for those who want to take their climbing to the next level! This course covers bouldering techniques, how to minimise the risks, climbing wall etiquette and even some of the lingo.
Introduction to Bouldering (Ages 14+): A single session designed to teach you the essentials of bouldering. You’ll learn how to climb safely, navigate the centre, and build confidence to enjoy bouldering independently.
Private Sessions: Bookable for groups of up to 6 people – perfect for families! You’ll have your own dedicated instructor, happy to tailor the session to suit your group’s skill level and interests.
Additionally – We’ll also have plenty of fresh sandwiches, toasties, sausage rolls & tasty cakes available from our café this half term!
For those who haven’t attended one of these Sunday morning sessions, we thought we’d tell you a little bit more about Avril and her workshops.
Avril gained her Masters Degree in Physiotherapy in 2012, and since then has worked extensively in both private and NHS settings. She has a background in gymnastics and stunt acting (!!) on top of her extensive Pilates, yoga & climbing experience.
Avril’s sessions focus on rehabilitation and pre-rehabilitation, preventing bad habits and encouraging good ones. Avril’s experience allows these sessions to be completely adaptable, so no matter the ache, pain or niggle – Avril’s sessions can be tailored to you.
30th Jan – Comp Wall for Flash League: R3 (with guest setter Jake Mason)
3rd Feb – Routesetters adding circuits to the upstairs Spray Wall
13th Feb – Matt Follow
13th Feb – Routesetters adding ‘Partner Climbs‘ around the centre for Valentines Day!
17th Feb – Top Out (with guest setter, Rob Napier)
18th Feb – Secret Slabs (Rob Napier)
25th Feb – Sausage (with guest setter Nick Lorde)
27th Feb – Comp Wall for Flash League: R4 (Nick Lorde)
That’s all for now!
In the mean time, keep an eye on our notice board and our social media for updates and changes!
-Abby and the Highball Team
