CHRIS WILLIS

SENIOR COACH

I’ve been climbing for around 18 years, with four years’ experience as a coach across a wide range of ages.

I specialise in supporting climbers with additional needs and SEN, delivering adaptable, inclusive sessions that help individuals progress with confidence.

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YEARS ON THE WALL

COACHING EXPERIENCE

I’ve been coaching since 2021, working with a wide range of climbers including:

  • Children and youth development programmes
  • NICAS coaching
  • GCSE PE climbing preparation
  • Adults learning to climb
  • SEN climbers in both group and one-to-one settings
  • Long-term personal coaching clients

My aim is always to help climbers progress in a supportive, structured way while making the sessions enjoyable and rewarding.

THE CLIMBER BEHIND THE COACH

ABOUT CHRIS

I’ve been climbing things for as long as I can remember. I officially started climbing at around 15 or 16, and nearly 18 years later I’m still completely hooked.

I’m qualified with CWI and CWDI, meaning I’m able to coach indoor bouldering, top-rope and lead climbing safely and professionally. Alongside this I’ve completed BMC Fundamentals 1 & 2 workshops and a NICAS coaching workshop, and I’m always looking to continue developing my coaching and climbing knowledge.

As a climber under 6ft, I place a huge emphasis on technique – especially footwork. Good footwork transforms climbing ability. It allows climbers to move efficiently, conserve energy and unlock sequences that might otherwise feel impossible. Because of this, you’ll often see me focusing heavily on movement skills and slab climbing.

Mindset is another key part of my coaching. You’ll often hear me add the word “yet” when a climber says:

“I can’t do it.” Instead we say: “I can’t do it yet.”

Struggling on a climb doesn’t mean you can’t do it – it simply means we need to problem solve, refine technique, or approach it differently.

There is always a way.

BEYOND THE INDOOR WALLS

CLIMBING OUTDOORS

When the season allows, I love getting out into the countryside for traditional climbing.

Northumberland has some incredible crags and beautiful sandstone climbing, and there really is nothing like getting outside and climbing on real rock.

I enjoy all disciplines of climbing:

  • Bouldering
  • Indoor top-rope & lead
  • Sport climbing
  • Traditional climbing

And one day I’d love to add ice climbing to that list too.

BOOK A SESSION WITH CHRIS WILLIS

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If you’re looking to improve technique, build confidence, or develop your climbing further, Chris offers private coaching sessions at The Coliseum.

Email: wallcrawlerwillis@gmail.com

Instagram: @wallcrawlerwillis