Climbers find high in reaching heights
By Jay S. Lisondra Special to the Kansan
The 30-foot wall looms above the climber like a towering black shadow. Its face is covered with small protrusions, barely enough for the climber to grip. Slowly she climbs, sweat glistening on her brow. As she reaches the top, she breathes a sigh of relief and grins in triumph.
This particular wall, in the Combative Sports Room in Robinson Center, is where beginning and experienced climbers can improve their skills, get a workout or enjoy a thrill.
"A lot of people climb for the rush," said Melissa Smith, Lake Forest, III., sophomore and president of the KU Climbers Club.
Tyler Bergmeier, Lawrence senior and treasurer for the club, said he climbed not only for the rush but for what he learned.
"You learn to trust yourself and put confidence in your placements," Bergmeier said.
But to others, rock climbing is a sport, and they take pride in honing their skills and moving up to bigger and more challenging climbs.
Drew Manica, Prairie Village freshman, climbs the practice wall in Robinson Center as Tyler Bergmeier, Clay Center senior, belays his line. The club meets twice a week in Robinson.
"I don't climb for the thrill, I do it to get better and learn all the different styles," said club member Lewis Rodgers. "Your homework is putting your life in your own hands it's a constant mental high."
John Gamble/KANSAN
vertical scale," Rodgers said.
Whether because of the thrill or mental stimulation, rock climbing is catching on. The climbing club has grown to more than 40 members. Rodgers said rock climbing started as an adventure but was becoming urbanized because of the creation of indoor climbing walls such as the one in Robinson.
Rock climbing is also a physically demanding sport, according to Dan Hughes, an experienced climber and manager at Sunflower Bicycles. 804 Massachusetts St. But he said that you didn't have to be in great shape to enjoy it.
"I consider indoor climbing as golf on a
"It's good for you physically, and everyone can do it; you don't need a lot of upper body strength." Smith said.
Bergmeier agrees.
"You can be in any shape when you start out, but you get out of it what you put in," he said.
The basic equipment is a good pair of shoes,but beginners should be prepared to spend more as their skill improves. A strong rope costs about $125,and a harness costs about $30.
Rock climbing is a relatively safe sport if you use your equipment properly, said Smith.
"Unlike in the movie Cliffhanger, your equipment won't break," said Smith.
Smith and Hughes agreed that knowledge of the risks was the most important safety procedure.
"To avoid accidents, you should have prior knowledge of the route you'll climb" Hughes said. "You're better off taking a class and try not to get into situations out of your ability."
Unfortunately, there are few places in Lawrence for one to climb. Club members said bridges and buildings were illegal to climb.
"I encourage you to either climb with an experienced climber or take some schooling." Smith said.
"I once climbed Stauffer-Flint Hall and received a nasty letter from the University," Hughes said.
Some climbing areas in the region include: Cliff Drive in Kansas City, Mo.; Kapen Park in Columbia, Mo.; and Sam's Throne near Jasper, Ark.
However, sometimes the best mountain or cliff is found by accident.
"My partner, Kevin Stevens, and I found a climb along a road in New Mexico," said
Jasper Denniston, a Lenexa junior and avid climber. "We climbed about 300 feet when the rocks began to give way. We barely made it to the top, but when we did it gave me this really neat feeling right in the gut."
Anyone interested in climbing can attend a climbing club meeting from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Robinson, or they can try the wall during public nights from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.
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September 24,1993 K-you ENTERTAINMENT'93
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