Oh the climbing can seem endless (but I climbed them every one).
So I went rock climbing again last night, this time at City Climbers Club, where a friend is a member. (If you’re not a member, like me, you can purchase a $15 day pass, which includes rental of shoes and equipment.) And this time, I learned how to belay. Which, I have to say, was putting a hell of a lot of (perhaps undeserved) trust in me on the part of my friend. But trust me she did, and I’m happy to say that she never once went plummeting to her death. Or even injury. Go me.
This really is the way to get the full rock-climbing experience. Not only are the walls numerous (three of the four walls of the room are climbable), but the routes are varied and fun. And when you go with a partner and take turns climbing and belaying (is that a word—sorry I really am a novice), you are both engaged and invested in each other’s safety and overall climbing experience. Teamwork at its finest.
Of course, one other nice thing about it (as opposed to going to other places, where a staff member or instructor belays for you) is that when your partner is climbing, you are not. Hence, you get lots of little breaks. And hence, I am sitting at my desk today and not having trouble typing, since my forearms and fingertips are not sore from over-use. Awesome.
[image by Roger (randomboulder) from the climbnyc online forum]
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Dude, Chris! Thanks so much for that.
I’ve been wanting to do some climbing for a while now, but I wasn’t sure where to go. Awesome.
indeed. when i was at nyu i went climbing a couple times. ok, once. but it’s way fun and it’s one sport i’m sort of good at!