Tyre walls present a unique climbing challenge where participants must scale a structure made of interconnected tyres, requiring creative movement and adaptability as the wall shifts and moves under their weight.
The refugee parallel
Tyre walls represent the improvised barriers and unstable structures refugees encounter – climbing over makeshift walls built from debris, scaling unstable piles of materials, or navigating barriers constructed from whatever materials are available, where every handhold and foothold must be tested.
Your role as leader
Setting the scene Approach with determined problem-solving:
- “This wall is built from scraps, but we must find a way over”
- “Test every grip – this barrier won’t hold steady like solid walls”
- “Work together to find the safest path up and over”
Leading by example
- Approach the wall first and assess the structure
- Show different techniques for using tyres as handholds and footholds
- Demonstrate how to adapt when grips shift or move
- Climb deliberately, testing each tyre before committing full weight
- Help others from the top once you’re safely over
Supporting your group From the top or far side:
- Guide route selection: “Try the tyres on the left side – they feel more stable”
- Provide technique advice: “Use your knees as well as your hands for extra grip”
- Offer encouragement: “The wall is moving, but you’re adapting perfectly”
- Celebrate problem-solving: “Brilliant – you found your own path up!”
Maintaining the experience
Build adaptive thinking
- “This wall tests our ability to adapt – find what works for your body”
- “Every person may need a different route – that’s survival intelligence”
- “The structure is unstable, but our determination is solid”
Handle frustration with shifting grips When tyres move or shift unexpectedly:
- Normalise the challenge: “That’s what makes this wall difficult – it’s not designed to help us”
- Build resilience: “Adapt your grip – show the wall it can’t defeat your creativity”
- Encourage persistence: “Each attempt teaches you which tyres to trust”
- Focus on learning: “Now you know that spot moves – try a different route”
After climbing
- Celebrate adaptability: “You solved that puzzle with your body and mind working together”
- Acknowledge collective achievement: “Everyone found their own way up – that shows real intelligence”
- Connect to resourcefulness: “You proved you can work with whatever materials you find”
Working with course instructors
The professional instructor will:
- Ensure tyre wall structural safety and stability limits
- Monitor climbing technique to prevent injury from falls
- Manage participant numbers to avoid overloading the structure
- Provide guidance on safe climbing and descent
Your role focuses on:
- Maintaining the narrative of overcoming improvised, unstable barriers
- Building creative problem-solving under pressure
- Encouraging individual adaptation while supporting collective success
- Celebrating resourcefulness and determination
Managing different approaches
For natural climbers
- “Your climbing ability helps, but show others how to adapt when grips change”
- “Help spot good routes for others who might struggle more”
For those who find climbing difficult
- “This wall rewards creativity more than strength – find what works for you”
- “Every attempt teaches you something – you’re getting smarter about the wall”
- “Your persistence shows the kind of determination that overcomes any barrier”
Alternative techniques
- Demonstrate using knees and body weight, not just arms
- Show how to test tyre stability before committing
- Encourage finding personal routes rather than copying others
Building creative problem-solving
Before the wall
- “Look at this wall and think – where do you see your path up?”
- “Every tyre is a possibility – find the combination that works for you”
- “This isn’t about strength alone – it’s about outsmarting the obstacle”
During climbing
- Encourage experimentation: “Try that route – see if those tyres feel solid”
- Support adaptation: “Good – you felt that move and adjusted quickly”
- Build confidence: “You’re reading the wall perfectly – trust your instincts”
When routes don’t work
- “That route taught you something valuable – now try a different approach”
- “The wall is testing your ability to adapt – show it how flexible you are”
Special considerations for modest dress
Practical climbing guidance
- Help participants understand how to manage clothing while climbing
- Show techniques that maintain coverage while allowing necessary movement
- Demonstrate using knees and body positioning to maintain modesty
Focus on achievement
- Keep attention on the problem-solving and determination shown
- Celebrate the creativity and persistence demonstrated
- Build collective pride in everyone’s unique approach
Key reminders
- Lead with creative problem-solving rather than pure strength
- Build collective celebration of different routes and approaches
- Show that adaptability and persistence overcome unstable conditions
- Maintain the narrative of working with whatever materials are available
- Celebrate individual creativity within collective achievement
- Connect successful climbing to the resourcefulness needed in challenging circumstances
- Frame the experience as proof that determination finds a way around any obstacle
- Keep everyone focused on learning and adapting rather than comparing abilities