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When I decided to start this column which focuses on Boulder adventures, the first thing I thought of trying was rock climbing. For someone who had never even met a rock climber before moving to Colorado three years ago, it was the obvious choice in my mind –especially considering the chalk covered Flatirons and a climbing gym on practically every corner.
(CU Independent file/Emily Haag)
To say I was hesitant to learn to climb would be an understatement. Not necessarily because of the physical strength required (I’m no Serena Williams, but I’m no slouch either), but more because of the stereotypes I’ve associated with climbers in the past. Don’t get me wrong — I’ve met many climbers who are incredibly friendly and all-around awesome. But some of them can be jerks.
The majority of rock climbers I meet appeared conceited at best and vain at the worst. They’re in good shape and they know it. The sport itself is incredibly voyeuristic, with what seems like the whole gym staring at you when you climb. Don’t freak out on me here. I’m just trying to be honest about how I initially felt about the sport. Despite all these stigmas I had in my head, I have to admit that they were all proven wrong once I went to a gym willing to learn.
My dear friend and one-time roommate Taylor Nystrom coaches at Movement, a climbing and fitness facility right here in Boulder, and was willing to show me the ropes. Taylor has been climbing for seven years, all over the place, so I figured she wouldn’t make fun of my lack of athletic ability. Or drop me on my ass while belaying me.
Walking into Movement I was nervous, no question about it. As soon as we checked in at the desk and Taylor told the employees this would be my first time climbing, they all seemed genuinely excited. For someone who believed this sport was hard to get into, I was shocked at how welcoming other practitioners were.
After being fitted with a harness and very small, and I mean small, climbing shoes, Taylor taught me how to tie myself in, gave me a quick safety lesson, set me in front of an easy route on the wall, and told me to start climbing.
I should confess that I have tried rock climbing before, when I was younger at a YMCA summer camp. Considering that I only got about six-feet up the wall before demanding to be let down, I was terrified that I would freeze up again and humiliate myself in a gym full of climbers, not prepubescent campers.
During that first climb, I was more concerned with not looking down than anything else. I knew the ropes Taylor was holding would stop me from plunging to an embarrassing death, but I couldn’t get over that initial fear. I am proud to say that I didn’t fall once. After that first route, all my fears disappeared and I ended up doing three more slightly harder routes.
I couldn’t believe how surprisingly strong my body was. Much like the pole dancing classes (http://www.cuindependent.com/2011/04/29/boulder-fitness-learning-to-love-the-pole-2/25730) I take, rock climbing for me is all about trusting your body.
Taylor taught me to rely on my legs and my natural instincts. Every time I thought that I couldn’t do something like pull myself up on an undercling or swing my body sideways to continue a route, it turns out I was fully capable. My only real problem was thinking too much. Once I got over my mental restraints, climbing was still challenging, but also incredibly exhilarating.
By the way, the whole time I was climbing I didn’t care if anyone was watching me. So that pretty much crushed my theory about climbing and voyeurism. I can admit when I’m wrong, and I was entirely wrong about climbing and climbers.
What it all comes down to is respect. Once I was willing to enter into this world that seemed so elusive and exclusive, once I was willing to learn and embrace being a beginner, it welcomed me with open arms—chalk-covered fingers and all.
I would absolutely go climbing again. Despite my inability to move my forearms immediately after and those less-than-flattering crotch — excuse me — waist harnesses, I had a great time and learned to open up to new experiences and people in general.
Who would have thought you could gain so much from playing with some fake rocks?
Have any future adventure ideas for me? I want to know what you think Boulder is all about, so shoot me an email with suggestions!
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Emily Zarka at Zarka@colorado.edu.
