When The Climbing Company Helped ABC Explore the Science of Touch

In early 2024, The Climbing Company received an extraordinary opportunity to contribute to ABC Television’s new series “Secret Science.” The show needed our expertise for the “Senses” episode, exploring how rock climbing develops an extraordinary sense of touch.

The Perfect Scientific Subject

The collaboration centered around Dr. Ashlee Hendy, a professional climber with a PhD in neuroplasticity – making her uniquely qualified to demonstrate the science behind climbing’s tactile demands. As Aaron noted when first contacted by producer Adam Finney, “Ashlee happens to have a PhD in… wait for it… neuroplasticity. You can find publications by searching online… she would be the ideal climber to have on your project, not to mention scientist obviously!”

Behind the Scenes Preparation

The project required meticulous planning. Chris Glastonbury assisted the day before filming, cleaning chalk marks from the rock face where Ashlee would perform her expert climb – ensuring the ancient Grampians stone appeared pristine on national television, particularly important given the cultural significance of the area to Traditional Custodians.

Capturing the Expert

The first major sequence filmed Ashlee climbing “City of Peace,” a spectacular 30-meter grade 29 route on the West Flank. Aaron belayed Ashlee while ABC’s cameras captured both intimate close-ups of her precise hand and foot placements, and sweeping drone footage showing the dramatic scale of the Grampians landscape. This sequence was designed to showcase what expert-level climbing looks like – every movement deliberate and controlled.

The Blindfolded Challenge

For the episode’s central experiment – demonstrating how touch guides climbing – the crew moved to Summerday Valley proper. Here, presenter Sammy J would attempt to climb while blindfolded, guided only by Ashlee’s verbal coaching and his own sense of touch.

This complex sequence required three Climbing Company guides working in coordination: Aaron’s team included himself, Hamid Shafaghi, and Daniel Wade. One guide belayed Sammy as he climbed “Eat More Parsley” (a 22-meter grade 7 route), another managed Ashlee’s belay as she side-climbed alongside offering guidance, and a third belayed a camera operator who was hauled up the rock face to capture intimate footage of the climb in progress.

Professional Collaboration

What made the shoot successful was The Climbing Company’s ability to contribute to the visual storytelling. With film crew positioned at the top of the route, Aaron’s team could offer hints about when compelling shots were about to unfold – like the moment Sammy’s head would appear over the cliff edge, classic climbing moments they knew would look spectacular on television.

More Than Just Guiding

The project showcased The Climbing Company’s role beyond traditional guiding services. Aaron and his team weren’t just ensuring safety; they were working alongside ABC’s production team to help translate the science of climbing into compelling television. Every rope system, every route choice, and every safety consideration had to work together to support the episode’s exploration of human sensory development.

The Science Comes Alive

When Episode 4 “Senses” of “Secret Science” aired in June 2024, viewers witnessed the scientific explanation of how climbing literally rewires our brains to process touch information more effectively. What every experienced climber knows intuitively – that you can “read” rock through your movement and your fingertips – was demonstrated through rigorous scientific methodology.

The “Secret Science” series 1 explored various aspects of human psychology and biology across seven episodes, covering topics from joy and anger to male fertility. The Climbing Company was proud to contribute our expertise to the “Senses” episode, helping demonstrate how climbing serves as a powerful tool for human development while maintaining the highest professional standards in outdoor education.