yes, strength is imptt, but then at the start, its more imptt to get your techniques right at the start. strength can come later when you climb more. i think that the freshmen coming in should focus more on technique and develop their climbing style 1st (maybe the experienced climbers can join us once they regain their strength) and for us seniors, we should start training more on strength and power already cos intermediate and open cat routes require a certain amount of strength and power. i feel that the girls should start climbing with the dinos already, as they will no longer be in the novice cat, and should be exposed to different kinds of routes....and tougher ones as well. more crimps, slopers and pinchers for all. =)