 "Photo: Lara Thompson-Kravik")
A bird soars through the clear mountain air as a two people cling to the rock face nearby. Muscles straining and beads of sweat glistening, they work their way up the rock to the view that awaits them at the top. This full-body workout can be physically invigorating as well as aesthetically pleasing, as it offers both a physical challenge and unbeatable views of Washington's nature.
Spokane is home to both indoor and outdoor opportunities for rock climbing. Indoor rock climbing facilities include Wild Walls, REI Inc, Mountain Gear and Eastern Washington University. Outdoor opportunities include Mini Ha Ha, Tum Tum, Deep Creek Dishman Hills, Post Falls and Little Spokane.
Senior Jon Kropp has been rock climbing for three years now. He recommended Wild Walls for rock climbing during the winter and Mini Ha Ha and Tum Tum for climbing during the summer. Kropp said Mini Ha Ha is good for beginners as well as advanced climbers, while Tum Tum is good for bouldering, but can be intimidating to beginners because much of it is unexplored.
Kropp's advice to students who are interested in rock climbing is to take Gonzaga's introductory rock climbing class for beginners, which teaches basic techniques such as footwork. "It's best to start off in the gym," Kropp said. He suggested going with an experienced friend if possible. An advanced class is also offered for those who would like to continue climbing. Kropp said he knows many people who were "hooked the first time" they tried rock climbing. He said rock climbing is good for bonding and "builds trust." He added that it can sometimes be frustrating at first. His advice to fellow experienced rock climbers, as well as beginners: "Don't give up."
Senior Lindsay Greer has been climbing for nearly two years. "I like climbing because it's challenging and it's easy to tell when you're improving," Greer said. "I have a different focus when I'm climbing than I have doing anything else."
Greer said she likes climbing indoors and outdoors and that "they almost feel like two completely different sports to me. Climbing outdoors gives you more of a creative license and climbing indoors is more of a strength challenge."
Kropp would like to start a rock climbing club at Gonzaga if he can find enough interested people. His e-mail is jkropp1@gonzaga.edu.
Additional information on places to rock climb and classes can be found at www.rei.com, www.wildwalls.com and www.mountaingear.com.
Directions to a Spokane rock climbing facility:
Wild Walls-202 W. 2nd Ave
REI-1125 N. Monroe St.
Mountain Gear-2002 N. Division.
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