Announcing the Fabulous New Rock Wall!

Katie D.

February 3, 2010 - 9:18 PM

Ladies and gentlemen, it is a thing of beauty. Almost twice as big as the old rock wall, with a separate location for bouldering and designated lead-climb routes, it is an exceptionally well-configured new wall. The old portions have gotten a face-lift with new paint and new holds. The additions mean less competition for the best sections, and also the ability to spread some space between the beginners and the regulars.

If you don't know the jargon, that's OK. It's basically a much larger vertical wall, with more ropes. There are also new features, which means structural aspects of the wall that mimic real rock faces. For example, an overhanging section, or a sculpted piece of the wall with slight protrusions and shelfs. There are three crack features now, as well, which are "faults" in the rock, or a long vertical crack which can be used as hand- and footholds, or finger- and toeholds, depending on the size of the crack.

Now keep up, there will be a test later.

They also made a bouldering structure. Bouldering is rock climbing below twelve feet, which means you don't use safety equipment. That also means you have the flexibility to climb from side to side, rather than a simple vertical climb. It also makes it more dangerous, although the most common injury is a sprained ankle from someone showing off and jumping instead of climbing down. Now there's a whole climbing structure just for bouldering, with special flooring surrounding it. Imagine a giant boulder, with a variety of bulges and overhangs.

I've been looking forward to this new wall addition since the first week I learned to climb.

There are a surprising number of climbers at the Rec Center on any given evening. There have been some evenings where you have to take turns on the ropes, and have people bouldering under those on the top of the wall. It's always been a well-run wall, but now there is the space for increased comfort and safety for everyone there.

Also, don't let the vocab scare you. I'm actually only a moderate climber, and have a lot to learn about technique and climbing culture. I could explain the intricacies of climbing etiquette, but you should just take my word that I tend to view rock climbing as more of a personal physical challenge, and less of a set of protocols to follow. Which is fine, except that most climbers are part of the friendly-but-competitive crowd, which means following an exact pattern of improvement and challenges.

I am so grateful, therefore, that we now have the space to coexist. The wall regulars, who have been climbing for years, can cluster around the bouldering structure, and egg each other on to new feats of balance and skill. I've got to say: they are a sight to behold. You wouldn't imagine the human body could make some of the moves they pull off. But the good news is that I can now climb in the relative peace of the old wall, with new holds and new energy, and not feel watched. It's such a funny thing to feel self-conscious while climbing, but it's a reality. My first evening climbing was amazing: enough space between me and the experts to feel like no one noticed when I biffed a move or fudged a challenging route.

All this to say, the new wall looks incredible. If you're in the area, I highly recommend coming over to see it. It's a great color and has great new holds. All the climbers are still hyped up from the newness of the facilities, and generally look rather giddy.

Climbing is one of the great new activities I have begun with college. I can't wait to start climbing outside this spring, and to add this to backpacking trips in the future. I don't have the time to become a true climber, complete with two-finger pull-up abilities and a gecko-like ability to climb flat walls, but I will keep on climbing with great joy and enthusiasm.

Climbing? Climb on.