Qualified and Experienced Adventure Sports Instruction from Matt Hammersley
Introduction | Activities Menu | Latest News and Events
Matt Hammersley
Outdoor pursuits instructor and keen outdoor enthusiast Matt Hammersley set up a range of guided outdoor adventure activities in 1991.
We have been instructing outdoor adventure activities since 1990 and we continue to offer qualified, experienced and professional instruction to local outdoor centres, management training centres, schools and individuals.
We are ideally situated to be able to offer activities within the local area, as well as further away. We have a fantastic area of natural beauty on our doorstep, with some of the best locations to kayak, canoe, climb and walk in the south-west. The majority of our activities take place in and around Symonds Yat, in the picturesque Wye Valley, and in the Forest of Dean.
We provide adventurous activities to all ages and abilities, to individuals, groups, businesses and families. Whether it's a days climbing for yourself and friends, or a taster session kayaking for a youth group, Matt Hammersley can accomodate all your needs.
We use top quality equipment designed for instructional use, and only qualified and experienced instructors.
We offer tailor made sessions from a half day taster to a four day mini expedition. It's all designed to give you an experience you will remember.
Latest News and Forthcoming Events
05.02.10. COURSES 2010
well the sun is shining, the weather is warm and i dont know about you but im thinking about climbing on some warm rock for a change!
i spent a good hour updating all the course and the internet failed and it all disapeared into the ether... technology might have pushed climbing forward over the years but some time its a right pain in the arse!
so heres a quick run down of the courses. ill add more info to each in the next few days as ive got an appointment with an indoor crag and a big bucket of new holds!
if you want more info before i get it updated please give me a shout on 07778 534 124.
the courses
learn2climb introductions - 1/2 day plus courses/sessions for the total beginner onwards - groups, parties, individuals
learn2climb rock - 1 day + for those who climb indoors and want to climb outdoors and play in mother nature.
learn2climb trad - 1 day + for those who want to learn to climb on the sharp end in the traditional way with gear, ropes, slings etc.
learn2climb sport - 1 day + courses for those who want to clib bolts, learn how to red point, descend from anchors and chains but without all the jangley gear trad climbers use.
learn2climb boulders - 1/2 day + courses on bouldering, techniques, warm ups, laps, problems. some say its the purest sense of climbing!
learn2climb classics - get help improving you techniques or book an instructor to get you up your classic tick! wether it be the russian at the yat or cenataph corner in the llanberis pass!
learn2climb custom 101's - dont see what you want? then we can custom make or provide you with the right person to help you out with your climb goals.
get in touch! call matt on 07778 534 124 for help, bookings, info etc.
or email us on tanglefoot_huskies@yahoo.ca - the learn2climb email is not working at present, we got hacked! so please use my personal email.
have fun!
matty
05.02.10. CONTACT INFO!!!
hi all,
just a quick note, to say our email got highjacked - no i dont want to buy an iPhone, and if you got an email from us offering you one, we didnt send it!
so, for now until we can get stuff sorted out, please can you email us any queries on the following email address.
tanglefoot_huskies@yahoo.ca
were not in canada, but for some reason the email host gave us that! wierd! of course we would love to be in canada climbing..but we aint were here, pulling plastic in the climbing gym setting new routes and introducing new folk to climbing.
keep climbing - stay strong!
matt
05.10.09. FREE WINTER CLIMBING COURSES!!!
yup you heard right, we are offering free winter climbing courses!!!
Alec Roberts good friend, climbing partner and climbing instructor with us is working towards his MIC instructors award and needs some pupils to practice on, so... if you can get yourself up to scotland between 4 - 16th dec and 6th - 13th jan, Alec will be offering to take you out winter climbing. tell him what you want to learn, everything from winter navigation to ice climbs and he will give you the coaching.
Alec is a fantastic, skiller climber and mountaineer and one of our highest qualified instructors as well as running his own company, guided mountain.
you will need to pay for your own travel, food, board and lodging.
Alec can supply some technical gear if required.
for more information please drop us or alec a line.
-----------------------------------------
we are also starting to get alot of enquiries for indoor climbing courses for beginners, indoor lead climbing and parent/children belaying courses (so parents who cant climb can belay their kids who can).
our list of winter indoor climbing course will be available soon...
our autum climbing is continuing with the good weather and we are getting out with many clients still, if you are interested in either the indoor or outdoor courses or private or group instruction, please give us a shout. 07778 534 124
-------------------------------------------
climbing wall route setting.
we can also provide route setting for indoor climbing centres.
matt has been route setting for climbing walls and centres for over 15 years and has set for many of our leading climbing centres as well as climbing competitions from local indoor bouldering comps to the european youth cup, the bmc's 'brycs' series and BICC series over the years, as well as judging at many international and national competitions. he can set top quality routes from grade 4 to 8a. we provide all ropes and route setting equipement. if you run a climbing wall or need route setting for an up coming bouldering competition/leading competition please get in touch!
matt regualy sets with friend and climbing partner in crime martin adamson also a seasoned bouldering competiton route setter, their routes are imaginative, safe for the climber and fun as well as being challenging and flowing in nature.
if you require fresh route setting for your wall or competition, please get in touch with matt on 07778 534 124. we are often cheaper than you think!
we have also been havign some adventures of ourselves, see the latest in our adventures section of the website to read how we rescued 3 sheep from 80 feet above a welsh waterfall!!!
thats all for now folks, more soon, stay safe, climb well
matt and the gang
28.07.09. COURSES...
hi all,
some dates for anyone interested in some courses...
FIRST AID FOR OUTDOOR PURSUITS
this course is for those of you venturing out into the great outdoors with a heavy emphesis on administering first aid to those in need in remote places, such as the mountains and hills. this course could save your or someone elses life!
this course is reconnised by all govening bodies and is suitable for professional outdoor pursuits instructors needing first aid qualifiactions.
dates: 8/9 august 2009
duration: 16 hours
cost: 100.00 per person
places available: 8
contact: matt on 07778 534124 or natasha on 08453253360 to book
LEARN2CLIMB OUTDOORS
dates 1/2 aug
duration: 2 days
cost: FULLY BOOKED
our learn2climb outdoors course is now fully booked!
LEARN2CLIMB ROCK IMPROVERS
this course is for those who already climb indoors or out and wish to improve their skills on rock. It will be based at Symonds Yat and wil cover such techniques as gear placements, rope work and belays, movement and technique. this course is ideal for those wishing to take their climbing to the next step. The course is limited to 4 places and will use a 2:1 instructor ratio.
dates: sept 5/6
duration: 2 days
cost: 110.00 per person
to book: please call matt on 07778 534124
FOR TASTER SESSIONS OR CUSTOM COURSES/CLIMBING DAYS PLEASE CONTACT MATT ON 07778 534124 OR matt@learn2climb.com
18.06.09. OUTDOOR AND FIRST AID COURSES JULY/AUG
Hey all,
hope the good weather is holding for you and the climbings good!
some news on courses up coming...
we have a first aid course due to be held in mid july exact dates to be confirmed but likely to be a thursday/friday. this course will be ideal for climbers, instructors etc and is reconised by all govening bodies regarding outdoors and also is suitable for those wishing to gain first aid knowledge or refresh their techniques, certificates qualifications etc. it will cost around £100 per person for a 2 day course held at the wild rock climbing wall northleach and will be hosted by stuart marshal from marlin training, one of the leaders of first aid training in the UK. please watch this space for confirmation of dates.
10 spaces available. camping on site available. for bookings please cantact matt asap!
LEARN2CLIMB OUTDOORS: AUGUST 1ST/2ND
An ideal course for novice climbers or for those wishing to develope their skills or transfer their indoor skills outdoors. This course includes setting up of belays, route finding, rescue skills, abseiling etc. its the first step for those wishing to climb outdoors and does not include lead climbing. it will be based on top roping skills and rope techniques as well as personal climbing.
Price: £110 per person for 2 days. 6 spaces available. ropes, harnesses, helmets and belay/karabiners etc can be provided, please bring your own rock boots although we do have a limited supply to hire out. the session will be run by matt. participants must have some prior climbing experience and be able to belay a climber safely. over 16's only. for accomodation please contact us.
for bookings please email us matt@learn2climb.com or phone on 07778 534124.
taster sessions are available, please give a shout, we only have limited days available until early july.
have fun, stay safe and use sunscreen!
best wishes
matt
23.05.09. COURSES, COMPETITIONS AND CHALLENGES...SUMMER 09
ahhhh suns out! and its a bank holiday - whats going on?
ok some quick news...
june 2nd - learn2climb indoors
course: spaces availabe on one of our indoor climbing courses to be held at wild rock climbing wall, 7pm - 9pm. this course is for those wishing to learn to climb indoors. its £60 per person, we have 4 places available -1:6 ratio student to instructor. matt will be running the course himself at the new climbing wall in northleach, nr cirencester, gloucestershire. its a 4 week course 4 x tuesday nights.
see www.wildrockclimbing.co.uk for directions, photos of the wall etc.
June 13th - wall opening boulder competition, bbq and 70's themed bouldering and climbing disco climbing session..yes thats right! break out the flares head bands old climbing boots and climb or boulder to the sounds of the 70's. we will have a competition during the day 20 set problems from easy to hard, with a bbq and a free climbing bouldering session in the evening to the sounds of the funky 70's with full on disco lights smoke machines etc etc to welcome everyone to the new wall. wild rock climbing centre northleach www.wildrockclimbing.co.uk
entry is £6 to the boulder comp, mens, womens, junior and vetrans classes. eve disco free. prizes sponsored by cotswold outdoors
starts 2pm onwards.
June 20/21st - mount everst challenge.
we will be running the world record attempt for climbing the height of everest on a climbing pole. the event will be held at head4heights in the cotswolds water park at south cerney. its all for charity to raise money for the innerflame charity. for more info or if you would liek to join in please see the special website www.mounteverestchallenge.com
we are also busy running lots of climbing taster sessions and courses outdoors on the real thing, if anyone would like to join us for a climb, needs some help with rigging or would like to further their climbing techniques please get in contact and we will be more than happy to accomodate you!
you can contact us either by the contacts page, or by phone on 07778 534124.
have fun all!
matt
06.05.09. NEW COURSES FOR SUMMER 09
Hi all, well back from 4 days fantastic surfing down in cornwall. photos to follow....
lots of folks have been emailing latley reguarding climbing courses so..
heres a list of some of courses planned for summer 09.
learn2climb indoors - our indoor based climbing courses for those wishing to get into the sport but in an indoor setting. covering equipment and rops skills. this can be held either at Wild Rock near Cirencester or The Warehouse in Gloucester. max 6.1 ratios
learn2climb first steps - a 3 hour taster session for those wishing try rock climbing for the first time, this course can be held indoors and outdoors and in a variety of locations. max 6.1 ratios
learn2climb rock - outdoor based courses for those who have climbed indoors and wish to learn to climb on real rock, or those who have climber previously and wish to refresh skills and get back into the sport.
max 6.1 ratios
learn2climb top rope - a half day or days course for those wishing to climb outdoors but not lead climb, learn how to place anchors, set up rigging ropes and use natural belays. one for the indoor climber wanting to start climbing outdoors safely with out lead climbing.
max 6.1 ratios
learn2climb on the lead - a weekends course for those wishing to climb outdoors on the sharp end of the rope. this course will be held by one of our experienced MIA instructors covering everything you will need to learn to lead climb outdoors placing natural gear, using natural belays advanced belay techniques and rope skills. max 4.1 ratios
learn2climb and abseil - covering rope techniques and skills for abseiling after arriving at the top of climbs. max 6.1 ratio
we also offer hen & stag parties, adult groups, family groups and individuals the chance to have a great fun day out climbing and abseiling. we can also offer custom courses and other activties.
please drop us aline for availability and prices.
have fun all!
matt
15.04.09. SUMMERS COMING
hi all!
hey, summers nearly here! yup thats right, its around the corner, spring has sprung, the clocks have given us an hours extra climbing in the evenings so get that rack sorted, fill your chalk bags, pack your ropes packed and hit the crag for some routes!
we would like to say good luck to Chris Wild and his new venture 'wild rock climbing wall'. It set in far peak business park in the nearby cotswolds' just outside the village of northleach, has some really fun bouldering and climbing by king kong climbing walls. its bright, funky and has had the first chalk marks and problems layed down by Vertex's Steve Woods, head4heights Rod Baber and yours truly during a quick blast one evenin' last week! its fun! we hope to be working with chris to develope his ideas, will be setting some routes and helping with some future competitions. Its small at present but perfectly formed and will give climbers somewhere new to climb and boulder, get that climbing fix after work, cruise some problems when you cant reach the crag and give locals a great winter training session venue. Chris also has camping on site for those wishing to stop over on the way to the wye valley and those looking to enjoy a days climbing indoors.
check his website out on http://wildrockclimbing.co.uk/
we would also like to say we can offer groups some exciting times at head4heights also in the cotswolds.
Rod Baber, current record hold of the fastest ascent of the highests points in every european country (800somethingdays) has built a fantastic high ropes adventure centre. its located in the Keynes Country Park near south cerney cirencester and is a pole based centre. meaning all the elements are up in the air on poles above the ground. its fun when the wind blows and shakes the poles when your 4 people up on a 40cm square platform!! its a fantastic facility for corporate, stag/hen, family schools and youth groups and general public to enjoy. matt has just passed his senior instructor course for high ropes with them and can be found helping with instruction and groups at the centre. if you fancy a freefall jump, leap of faith (or leap of love for couples!) or climbing several 8 metre poles then please feel free to contact them on 01285 770007 and tell them we sent ya!
we have lots planned for summer, if your interested in learning to climb outdoors, fancy a taster session to see what its all about, want to brush up rope management, leading outdoors or self rescue techiniques please drop us a line and we can get you up, out and about!
best wishes all,
see you somewhere adventureous soon!
matt and the gang!
p.s. in times of busy bookings we might not be able to get back to you straight away, but we will encevour to reply with in 24 hours.
p.p.s we must appologise that in cleaning up the site we have been unable to remove some of the really old news items for some reason! so if you scroll down you'll enjoy what we were doing back in 03! were working on it! :)
13.10.08. THE DIRT BAG DIARIES - ADVENTURES ON THE MOVE
here at learn2climb we love all things adventure...and this is one of our favourite websites. in the world of high tech i-pods and podcasts this has got to be THE best adventure podcast out there!
fitz cahalls 'the dirt bag diaries' podcast are fantastic, they have humour, adventure and give you that thirst for getting out and doing something! we love them!
fitz is a climber, a skiier, a mountian biker and an adventureist...not to mention he is also a first class writer. his podcasts are based on just those topics, weather its climbing a 1200 foot new route in texas, biking 67 miles to the crag when his car blows up, paddling a river on a home made raft in laos, hauling masses of camera gear for a tv fim shoot or even analising some horrendous but survived accidents in the outdoors, you'll feel like your there with him.
all this coupled with amazing sound tracks to interspurse the audio dialog, it gets you to thinking..what if..how...maybe...and gotta dash got an appointment with the great outdoors!
we love driving to the crag listening to fitz's stories to sych us up, or just lazyily walking the dogs in the valley with fitz voice giving us added enjoyment as if being with a friend shooting the breeze and swopping tales of daring do...and we think you will to!
his podcasts are free either from his website www.dirtbagdiaries.com or by typing dirtbag diairies into your i-tunes browser for podcasts. they are all supported by patagonia clothing and will pick you up from your office day job and transport you to the great outdoors!
please...fill your i-pod with adventure... visit
http://www.dirtbagdiaries.com
if your into the outdoors...you'll love the dirtbag diaries!!!
matt
13.10.08. WEBSITE UPDATES
hi all,
autumn 08 is here and the leaves are changing, the crags is a beatuful place to be with the cool days perfect for maximum friction on the rock and the wye valley is quieter with the school groups heading off to the class rooms. this has got to be my favourite time of year! the river is stunning to paddle down with the trees changing colour as you pass along quietly perfect days for open boating! another week or so and it will look stunning. we were out with groups in the valley last week and with the sun on the rock it was warm and possibly the dryest its been for a while!
as you know we also run sled dogs as a hobby and would like to welcome some new team mates! lolly one of my lead dogs had a litter born last week, 2 boys and 3 girls, they are getting fat and round and are beautiful puppies and hopefuly become our main team in the next few years as the top team at the moment will begin to slow down.
the racing season starts again next month and we are going for gold again to try and better our results of last year, we won 5 qand got 3 second places ending up with us coming first over all in our class for the season.
wealso have some exciting changes planned for learn2climb
we hope to update the site in the next few months, we are changing a few things around here and will be focusing on mainly providing climbing instruction, will still offer kayaking canoeing surfing and the other sports but to a lesser degree.
we are planning on teaming up with 'monster climbs' tony penning to offer some new adventures in climbing both in the UK and abroad. tony has been a long time friend and fellow instructor and is possibly, even after nearly 40 years of climbing, the most excitable guy i know when it comes to touching a piece of rock!
so..keep an eye on the site and we'll hopefully see you on the crag in the near future! enjoy the autumn and we hope to see some of the familier faces out again this fall!
best wishes
matt
Rock Climbing
Kayaking
Surfing
Activities Menu
Around the Web
ABSEILING | CANOEING | CLIMBING | KAYAKING | SURFING | TEAM BUILDING
BOOKING |
INSTRUCTORS |
OUR ADVENTURES |
HOME PAGE |
EMAIL