I love Climbing Gyms. They are full of fun things and fun people. There is a unique culture in climbing gyms. When you need them to be, they can be a private space. Just you and the wall, left alone to work out your problems mentally and physically. It is a space where you can challenge yourself to improve without needing to compete with anyone else.
But, when you need them to be, they can be very social spaces also. Sitting back from the wall, resting your muscles, or studying a problem, it is easy to chat with other climbers. There is something simple to talk about, an easy space to give advice or vent frustration about particular routes or maneuvers. A quick conversation before focusing your attention back to the work at hand. It is an easy community. A nod of the head or a casual wave when you see people you recognize is all that is necessary. Or, strangers can team up to offer life saving belay assistance so that they can take turns climbing the higher routes.
Arriving in Arizona, knowing no one, I signed up for the local climbing gym here. It was an activity off site, that allowed me to get a change of scenery. I met the staff who quickly came to know me. I met climbers, and quickly found a climbing buddy. I even met other rennies that I wouldn't have crossed paths with otherwise because we all love to climb.
And I can watch myself improve! I have begun climbing 5.9s now, a feat I have never before accomplished. Even in years past, after months at the gym, I had only climbed 5.8s. The gym proved to me that my wrist, once broken, is truly fully healed and is stronger than ever.
So concludes my ode to the climbing gym.
So Here's to Rocks, again, only slightly bigger this time!
Cheers!
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