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NEWS: The Outdoors Show 2012

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 UKC News 16 Jan 2012
Outdoors Show - Crazy Climb Montage, 5 kbThe vastness of the ExCel centre in London was host to this year's Outdoor Show. The venue so huge that the organisers were able to pack in The London Bike Show, the Active Travel Show and The London Boat Show all in for the same entry fee. It remains to be seen whether this juxtaposition of...

Read more at http://www.ukclimbing.com/news/item.php?id=66089
 JoshOvki 16 Jan 2012
In reply to UKC News:

I went of Sunday and was quite surprised by how few outdoor manufacturers where there. I expected an appearance from at least Rab, Mountain Equipment and Black Diamond. It was a bike and boat show, with some outdoors stuff added in.
 razzorbuzz 16 Jan 2012
In reply to UKC News: I work in the Event Management industry and am involved in a large number of events like this, I've been for the last 3 years but just couldn't bring myself somehow to go again this year. The first time I went I managed to watch the Skymaster competition and had a really good time and got some great bargains from the Plant Fear stall. I came back telling all my friends that we had to go next year. However the last two years don't seem to have had the buzz for me as that first time partly due to the events own success. Yes it was great getting to see Ray Mears in one of the closed sessions but the rest of the hall was just so busy mostly with families (and im not saying this is a bad thing as its good to build awareness)but for me it just turned the day into a constant of squeezing, bumping and shuffling past people. Stuff I was generally interested in and wanted to talk to people about I couldn't as there where a lot of tourists so to speak, there for the day as something to do with the kids but not what i'd call a real interest or passion, which for me was a shame. I remember at one point watching a Master Class with Libby Peter (as i was not able to join due to all session being filled up by about 10am)when she asked one gentleman what grade he climbed at and what he thought his weakness where he replied he didn't know as he had never climbed before. It would only take the loss of DMM or Brecon at this event to drastically change the feel and focus

The show is a great success and I don't want to put it down as I feel it has a lot to offer but im not sure if its growing away form what it was into something more of an expo for those that are looking for a day out. Id love to see a similar event aimed at those who regularly take part in climbing & mountaineering and could see it being a fantastic operability for everyone involved. Suppliers would be able to talk directly on a mass basses to find out what works and what doesn't. What recommendations people may have or products they like to see. The ability to showcase new products as well as new R&D and hopefully offer some good bargains too.


I do hope it continues as I have said the benefits far out-way any negatives but for me i'm not sure ill be going again.
In reply to razzorbuzz:

Thanks for that account. I think I am in general agreement with you.

Just one point - it is theBeacon Climbing Centre (Steve Mayers) that are the main-stay (with DMM) of the climbing village. As you point out, without them then the event could well fall very flat.

Alan
 razzorbuzz 16 Jan 2012
In reply to Alan James - Rockfax:
> (In reply to razzorbuzz)
>
> Thanks for that account. I think I am in general agreement with you.
>
> Just one point - it is theBeacon Climbing Centre (Steve Mayers) that are the main-stay (with DMM) of the climbing village. As you point out, without them then the event could well fall very flat.
>
> Alan

Thanks Alan, yes my apologise for the error it should have read Beacon
 Spengler 16 Jan 2012
In reply to Alan James - Rockfax:

Completely agree. I went on Sunday, and found the event worthwhile because I managed to get a place on one of the DMM/Beacon classes, and because there were a good few bargains to be had, again on the DMM stand. Without them, it would have been a terrible event, so many thanks to both DMM and Beacon for putting in the effort.

I couldn't believe that there were only two stalls selling specialist climbing and outdoors gear, DMM and Wild Country. And they were pretty small.
 olidea 16 Jan 2012
In reply to razzorbuzz:

I went last year (I think) and had the same feeling. I really enjoyed watching the bouldering competition, and spent most of my time there, but the rest of the show was a bit disappointing climbing-wise. This year there was not bouldering as I understand it, and nothing else appealed to me, so I didn't go.
A friend of mine went a few years back - apparently not only did they have the boulder comp, but afterwards the punters could go take a look and have a try too (not that I'd get anywhere, but it adds to the atmos to be able to see just how hard the comp problems are and have a go). In his opinion the show had moved from being quite climbing based to a more mainstream outdoorsy affair over the last few years. It's probably not a bad thing for the show, but not so appealing for climbers sadly.
 tom_greenwich 16 Jan 2012
In reply to UKC News:

I took my kids on Sunday and preferred it to last year, there was a lot more the kids could do: climb, boulder, slackline etc.
It's these kinds of events that encourage people to have a go and give me a chance to involve the family a bit.
I didn't expect it too be a trade show so didn't get disappointed with lack of outdoor companies, although a few more wouldn't harm.

Interactive stuff, free stuff, a few bargains and only 15mins from where I live. Worked for me a a Londoner who doesn't get to climb much! Appreciate it might not appeal to all though
 Neil Williams 17 Jan 2012
The Beacon...and "our" auto belays from Big Rock (I'm told)
 Neil Williams 17 Jan 2012
Actually, I wonder if we might get some of the Crazy Climb stuff at Big Rock - there's probably room for it, and I suspect it's more family oriented than the Beacon (though I haven't actually been to the latter!)
In reply to Neil Williams: Yes and by some freak accident they seem to have ended up in N Wales and are currently at the Beacon. Big Rock might have to fight us for them!
In reply to Neil Williams: Some Crazyclimb at Big Rock would definitely be great idea!

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