I made it to the top!

In the three years I have had access to the Rec Center, today is the first time I have attempted to climb the 34-foot rock wall that stares at you no matter where you are in the rec. In other words, it is an epic day. I have admired the purple tinted wall in the past, but have never stopped long enough to get strapped up in a harness. I don’t know if it was laziness, fear, or intimidation, but it has just never happened until today.

When approaching the rock wall, I was greeted by Ohio grad student and rock wall staff, George Giavasis, and Nacogdoches Jr. and belayer-in-training, Nathan Rector.

Giavasis shared with me his enthusiasm for the sport and assured me of its safety.

“This is a cool place because you can come climb and hangout with people,” said Giavasis.

Due to forewarnings about the intense work out I was about to experience, I began with a thorough body stretch.

Next, I was secured in a harness, signed a precautionary waver, and just like that Rector said, “climb away,” and I was off!

Never having rock climbed in my life, I definitely started off slow. The wall looks way different when you’re in the air attempting to balance on it. The higher I got the smaller the foot holes seemed to appear.

On my first attempt the fear of height set in quick. I felt paralyzed for a moment and asked to be let down.

“Don’t get discouraged, come back a few times and you’ll be surprised how quick you pick it up,” said Giavasis.

Giavasis then asked me my shoe size and walked away, returning with a pair of shoes that reminded me of the water shoes my mom used to make me wear on family vacations.

“You can stand on things with climbing shoes that you could never stand on with normal shoes,” said Giavasis.

I put on the shoes and attempted the wall a second time- this time choosing a section I found more appealing.

I moved quickly and made it about half way up the wall. I paused for a moment, and it became very apparent that I was at the same height as the second floor of the rec. Panic set it and I began to shake. Feeling unable to go any further I asked to be let down once more.

Giavasis and Rector continued to encourage me- apparently fear is not uncommon.

“You can definitely make it to the top. You’re physically capable of it,” said Giavasis.

I collected myself and got a few drinks of water, as if to stall the inevitable.

Somehow, I got the courage to get back on the wall. I have never been a quitter and wasn’t about to start today. I wanted a success story to report on and almost doesn’t count!

“Come on Stephanie,” I thought to myself, “just do it.”

I climbed, and climbed, and when I was over half way I felt like there was nowhere else to go. All the foot holes seemed so small, and I was almost out of arm strength.

I let go of the wall and sat floating in the air for a minute. I could feel my hands sweat.

“You’re so close,” I heard a voice from the ground say.

I took a deep breath and kept climbing. Eventually, I made it to the top! My adrenaline was at an all time high, and the feeling of accomplishment was unbelievable.

I have to say, I am now over what ever it was that caused me to shy away from the rock.

The rock wall is sure to shake things up if you’re bored of your normal workout and looking for some excitement. I recommend bringing a friend for support, a bottle of water, and a positive attitude- especially if it’s your first time.

Even if you can’t find a brave enough friend, the rock wall staff is friendly and loves new comers! I’d even be happy to join you if you’re up for the challenge!

If I can do it, you can do it. See for yourself!

YOUR inside connection to Campus Recreation- Steph