A local company is making it possible for residents to use the climbing wall at École Innisfail Middle School.
People can learn the basics of climbing, use the drop-in times or learn how to belay thanks to courses put on by the Outright Adventure Company. The company's been operating climbing lessons and drop-in sessions for about a year according to its owner. “It has gained some popularity,” said Nathan Clarke, the company's owner. Last year the attendance was “not so much” but it's increased enough he's adding dates to their calendars.
A basic learn to climb course runs for two hours will get new climbers to the point where they can use the drop-in times climb on their own.
Equipment such as shoes, chalk bags and harnesses are available to rent at a flat rate.
“If they've never climbed before they're more than welcome to come and try it,” Clarke said.
Clarke, who has been climbing since he was 15, said climbers can be nearly toddler-aged kids to as old as anyone who wants to try it.
For those who fear falling, a belayer will help make sure this doesn't happen.
“We don't let anyone even get on to the wall itself unless they've got someone (who has passed a belay test),” Clarke said. Someone who belays mans the ropes from the ground, giving slack or tightening the ropes for the climber as necessary.
Another thing people don't have to worry about is having enough upper body strength to go up the wall. Clarke said leg strength, overall conditioning and foot placement are more important.
“It has a lot more to do with strength training,” Clarke said. “The truth is girls make better climbers cause they make better decisions with their feet.”
Clarke said it's “not at all” hard to learn the sport, even if one is no longer young.
“Most adults secretly want to climb,” Clarke said.
The full schedule of drop-in dates, belay tests, belay courses and more information is available online at www.outrightadventure.ca.
