Hawke's Bay climbing competition grows in popularity

The region's high school students are preparing to climb to new heights for the second annual Hawke's Bay Secondary School Climbing Competition, starting this term.
Run by the Kiwi Adventure Trust at its West Quay indoor climbing centre, the two-division, 12-week competition has 18 teams entered who will climb it out in speed, crazy, and bouldering techniques.
Operations manager Clen McAbock said there had been much interest from Bay schools, fostering hope for the competition to go national next year.
"It's still just for Hawke's Bay this year, but we have a view for it to be made national the following year," he said.
Competitors were making the most of a special training night when Hawke's Bay Today visited, a move Mr McAbock said might give them an edge.
Napier Boys' High School Year 9 student Liam Cook, 13, said the competition gave him and his team mates a chance to take part in a unique sport.
Year 10 student Chris Mackay, 14, said taking part meant he was able to embrace his hobby.
"I just like climbing, it's quite fun to get out and climb stuff," he said.
So far, Taradale High School had entered 10 teams across the junior and senior leagues, and other schools' such as Napier Boys, Napier Girls' High School, William Colenso College, and Woodford House had also registered.