Brava

September 2011

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live on the move Climb Aboard Reaching the heights on a rock climbing adventure By Kelsey Bewick I've never been one to scale heights. Aside from donning the occasional pair of four- inch heels, I prefer to keep my feet close to the ground. So as I walked into Boulders Climbing Gym, Madison's leading rock-climbing facility, to take a beginner course in the sport, I nervously gaped at the 25-foot climbing walls surrounding me. I was in for a challenge. In a small class led by expert climber Mike Draper, we fi rst got a 20-min- ute crash course (minus the crash- ing...or falling) in basic technique and safety. In no time I was teamed up with a partner, strapped into a harness and ready for lift off. Of course, just to be polite, I let my Where to go: In addition to the indoor classes at Boulders, UW-Madison's Union South offers guest passes for its two- story climbing wall and one-story bouldering wall. If you want to take your climbing outdoors, Apex Ad- venture Alliance boasts extensive outdoor climbing classes throughout southern Wisconsin. partner scale the wall fi rst. OK, I was still a little wary. But as I stood belaying (pulling the slack from his rope—an important job that prevents your partner from tumbling long distances) and watching him success- fully scale the wall, I felt confi dent enough to give it a try. I started slowly, ensuring my hands and feet felt steady. As I worked my way up the wall, it didn't take long before the areas I expected to burn—my shoulders and arms—felt the heat. But to my sur- prise, my calves, thighs, buns and core started aching, too. Yet instead of being preoccupied with my weakening grip and the weight of this head-to-toe task, I stayed focused and scaled my way up about 20 feet. In fact, as my partner and I took turns going up and down the wall throughout the hour-long adventure, my sense of deter- mination kept me from worrying about the distance between myself and the ground or how tired my muscles had become. By the time it was over, I realized rock Quick Tips: Rock Climbing What to wear: Come prepared to move, stretch and sweat. Comfort- able, slim-fi tting clothing is best. If you don't have climbing shoes, which have soft soles and sticky bottoms for more control and grip, Boulders will provide them. 16 What to expect: A challenge. Climbing is no easy task, but the combination of a physical and mental workout leaves you feeling strong and accomplished, whether you stay close to the ground or aim higher. Who will love it: Rock climbing is a sport that encompasses numerous disciplines, and there's room for anyone looking for an adventure. Whether you're daring or not, climbing the wall is only as diffi cult as you make it. Bring a friend (or be prepared to make some): Because beginning rock climbers use belaying tech- niques to provide safety and support each other throughout the class, come with a partner or be prepared to team up with another participant. climbing is not only great for fi rming and strengthening the whole body—it can pump up your confi dence, too. Even with my feet back on the ground, I felt on top of the world. BRAVA Magazine September 2011 Photo by Amber Arnold

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