Want to get high, as in well above ground level? That may seem an impossible goal here in pancake-flat northeastern Illinois, unless you want to climb the stairs of the John Hancock Center. But if you have no fear of heights, and are looking for a new and challenging way to stay active this winter, check out indoor wall climbing. All it takes is a willingness to get up there.
“As for beginners, almost anyone can do it,” says Robbie Kluzek, manager at The North Wall in Crystal Lake. “Women tend to do better than men at first, because they’re more likely to use their lower bodies, whereas men tend to go for all upper-body strength and get tired out too quickly,” Kluzek notes.
Indoor climbing walls are plentiful in Chicago and the surrounding area, both at health clubs and specialized gyms. They range in height from the relatively modest 21 1/2-foot wall at Lakeshore Academy’s Hidden Peak to the 100-foot monster at Lakeshore Athletic Club. Normally made of Fiberglas fashioned to look like rock, walls can also vary in slope so you can really put gravity to the test. Walls are covered with various size holds for your hands and feet as you climb heavenward. Some holds are only a couple of inches long, and some have nice curves that your fingers and toes slip right into. Because the position of the holds on the walls can be changed (and frequently are), your climb can be different even on consecutive visits.
There are two ways to climb indoors: with or without a rope. With a rope and a climb partner, it’s called top-rope climbing. You both put on harnesses and “tie in.” The rope is anchored to the top of the wall or to the ceiling on pulleys. The person on the ground, or the “belayer,” takes up the slack as the climber goes up and is there to “brake” if he or she falls.
Climbing without a rope is called “bouldering” and means climbing mostly horizontally, staying only a few feet off the ground. Most people start out with bouldering because in climbing it is important to keep moving your feet, and you’re more likely to do that when you feel relatively safe.
Objective
To climb up, of course, and fall as seldom as possible. Take an introductory course such as the “Just Try It” experience at The North Wall in Crystal Lake ($12 for an hour of bouldering and two top-roped climbs, shoes and harness included), or Hidden Peak’s two-hour course, where you even learn to tie the knots in the rope ($35, including shoes.) For experienced outdoor climbers, the walls afford a relatively cheap and simple way to keep at it during the winter.
Anxieties
Wall climbing is surprisingly low-key. How fast, how far up and for how long you climb are up to you (unless you choose to compete). There is no one standing there with a stopwatch or scorecard to judge your abilities. And upper body strength is surprisingly not an issue. You quickly learn that the legs play a more crucial role. An instructor is likely to shout “Just stand up!” if your rear end is sinking earthward and your elbows are bending (a no-no; it’s better to keep them straight and avoid tiring out your pecs and shoulders).
Depending on your thrill-seeking threshold, falling can even be fun, as long as you can count on your belayer. “You also need some common sense,” says Kluzek. “Most people don’t get hurt until they stop listening to their brain’s warning signals.”
Even though it boils down to a pastime, there really is a sense of accomplishment that comes from making it all the way up. Some walls have bells or treats at the top as enticements, so it can also be like the worst corporate motivational posters. However, you soon realize that the wall is a metaphor for life, or at least a good road trip: Getting there is all the fun.
People
You’d expect all “rock jocks,” right? Not exactly. Wall climbing attracts all levels of practitioners, ranging from the complete beginner to the completely obsessed. On weeknights you’re likely to find adults climbing off steam after work, as well as after-school kids who come in to scramble around while waiting for Mom or Dad to pick them up. On weekends at open climbs there are families, singles, young and old. Kids, of course, are natural climbers, and the kids we saw were having a ball.
For beginners, indoor climbing can be a good way to meet other climbers, and you can always practice alone or with friends. Your level of involvement will depend on your tastes and needs. Some walls have organized climbing clubs, with competitions and occasional outdoor climb trips to parks in Illinois, Wisconsin and farther away. But you can also purchase day passes at some gyms and climb only when it suits you.
Essentials
Although wall climbing may look like a “gear-heavy” sport, it really doesn’t require anything more than special soft climbing shoes, which can be easily rented at most walls. We saw climbers in sweaters and jeans, T-shirts and sweatpants. Again, your gear will depend on your intensity level.
Many climbing locations require an appointment for first-time instruction or offer a series of courses for climbing certification, before you can use their wall. Prices also vary, so it pays to call ahead and comparison shop for what you want.
Where to learn
Lakeshore Athletic Club at Illinois Center, 312-616-9000. Wall open to non-members Saturdays only, 5-7:45 p.m. $32 for first visit, $20 subsequent visits, $4 shoe rental.
ESPNZone, 312-644-3776. Debit card to play all games costs $5 for 15 points. Wall time costs 15 points per 2 1/2 minutes, so best deal is $20 for a 100-point card.
Hidden Peak (at Lakeshore Academy), 312-563-9400. Two-hour course, where you even learn to tie the knots in the rope, costs $35, including shoes.
Evanston Athletic Club, Evanston, 847-866-6190. Offers three walls and a bouldering cave. Rates vary per class; call for more information. Certification class is $85 for adult non-members 15 and older for six weeks.
The North Wall, Crystal Lake, 815-356-6855. $12 for an hour of bouldering and two top-roped climbs, shoes and harness included).
Lattof YMCA, Des Plaines, 847-296-3376. Seven-week adult certification class required to use wall; $79 for non-members. Belayers and shoes not provided during open climbs, $7 per session.
Indoor Summits, Naperville, 630-357-3633. $16 shoes, harness and orientation. $11.50 students, $12.50 adults.
GAR’S Indoor Climbing Center, Rockford, 815-654-6447. $25 includes gear and climbing for the day; Fridays and Saturdays only by appointment.
