Progression

For climbing to develop the way it has in a sunny little island like Singapore is pretty amazing. To say the least, it's down right phenomenal considering the limited amount of "mountaineering" resources we possess within our 263 sq miles.

When Norman Mansoor posting several pics of Rock On in the '90s on Facebook, I can't help but realize that climbing in Singapore has actually progress beyond what a few pioneers would have ever imagined, in comparison to what they were capable of during their heyday. Strangely though, the scale and hype of climbing has taken a proportionally inverse relationship to the progression of climbing standards. We can begin to realize this when we take a look back at some scenes of what most climbing "dinosaurs" would describe as "The good 'ol days".


The old World Trade Center, housing the mammoth Rock On wall once every year. Considering that this was simply a local cum Southeast Asian event held in the '90s, it can actually be comparable to current IFSC World Cups by any standard.


No lack of competitors. Back in those days, if you're a bloke climbing 5.11, you'll probably win the day. Can't say the same now that we've reached the realm of V-double-digits and 5.14s.


And then there was the Taka venue, right smack in the middle of Orchard Road. The scale of the event was indescribably enormous!


Can't go on raving about Rock On without mentioning its stars. Here's our local strongman & woman Thomas (right) and Corrine (center) with whom I believe is Eric (left) from Malaysia. Along with Norman Mansoor and a couple others, these guys were our national pride in those days, dominating every comp. This is long before the appearance of our local mutant kids that we see now or even Khairul Hafiz and Nizam from Malaysia. Respect y'all!!


And for an island whose highest point is at 545 ft (166 m), the secret of sending comes from the tiny gym located in SAFRA Bukit Merah. The size of only half a squash court, it was home to the latest sends and spray...and of course lycra tights. No punt intended cos Wolfgang Gullich did send Action Direct in one of those. Lycra was how climbers REPRESENT in those days.

So for those of you indulging in this sport now, even as you consider how far we've come in terms of climbing standards, perhaps one question to ask is whether the magnitude of public events have somewhat diminished (save for Climb-On Spore). And instead of pointing fingers, perhaps also consider if you're willing to be part of a change to bring current events back to their deservedly glorious state. Imagine what a great spectacle it'll make if the public can witness the mutant abilities of the current generation on a grand scale.



Or whenever you're hanging out a local comp these days, do take the time to look around, for that average spectator next to you with disproportionate forearms, may just be the person with a history of CRUSHING big scale comps back in the lycra '90s.