The Snipen mountain is located outside Niemisel. After a short hike along the path that runs from the road, the climbing rock appears between the trees. The so-called MTV-wall is 60-70 metres wide and rises 25 metres above the ground level at the highest point.
– The theme of Snipen is ”MTV” and the routes are named after different songs and artists from that era. Wild Thing, which is 17 metres high, is one of the routes, the most popular to start with at the Snipen wall, says Fredrik Berg, former chair of Luleå climbing club.
He starts unpacking ropes and quickdraws. The warm-up takes a minute or so. With the aid of a hang-board – fingers, hands and shoulders are softened up ahead of climbing. He then puts his harness on and ties into the rope.
Olivia Andersson, who is from Luleå climbing club and works at Klätterhuset, performs what is known as a partner check.
– That knot is really good, she says and puts the rope through her belay device and goes through her equipment.
– I have the delay device, it locks and the carabiner clicks, therefore working as it should. My harness is on properly as well. Then we have a rope and a stopper knot.
Fredrik Berg puts on his shoes and climbs to the first bolt on the rock wall and secures his rope through the quickdraw. Then he puts one of his hands in a chalk bag that is used to get drier skin for better friction. He continues climbing and gets smaller and smaller until he reaches the top anchor. After having climbed Wild Thing he moves on to the more challenging route Great Blondino which is 25 metres.
When he comes down it is time for Olivia Anderssons to have a go. She attaches the rope to the harness. The heat is stifling when she is lowered down after having finished the climb.
It only takes a minute or so to get to the top but it is an all-out effort with the body tensed and the weight largely balanced on fingers and hands.
How long have you been climbing?
– I started climbing after having been given courses as a present for my 30th birthday from my ex-wife, says Fredrik Berg.
– I got started in the summer of 2020. I started climbing with my ex, it was him who got me into it. I had tried it earlier in school and didn’t think it would be fun but after that time I asked when we would go again, Olivia Andersson says and continues:
– Then I kept going. Climbing is the best thing I know.
What advice do you have for people who want to start climbing?
– Don’t be afraid to try it. Climbing is available for all ages and physical abilities, says Fredrik Berg.
