"We try to cater to everything you would want in a gym. You get rock climbing, bouldering but then we also have cardio, yoga, free weights," says Assistant Manager Ashley Mottley.
25-thousand square feet of wall, featuring 100 routes, beckons visitors to try out top rope climbing. Visitors step into a harness that secures them to a rope, always held by someone with credentials.
"If you’re 13 or older, you can take a 'belay course' and actually learn how to manage the ropes," says Mottley.
A unique feature? Every eight weeks these options change, thanks to Steve Briggs and his mapping skills!
"We move the colors around, and move the holds around, and hopefully put-up something that is new that hasn’t been climbed before," he says.
Scaling the surface can be daunting, and even a bit confusing.
"There’s a lot of problem solving involved," says Briggs. It's great exercise, as climbers work the core, forearms, biceps and legs. Most folks - including kids - can scamper-up the beginner routes fairly easily but staffers are always on-alert, just in case.
"I’ve definitely had to climb up and rescue people before," laughs Mottley.
Folks can also try bouldering and lead climbing. Exciting, active, challenging, you can learn the ropes in a safe space.
"This is great when it’s cold outside, you want to do something fun and active, you’re tired of your regular gym routine, come in here, we’ll teach you how to do everything, climb to your heart’s content and meet a bunch of new friends," says Mottley.
A staff belay is the suggested introduction for climbers of any age. Check out this link for hours and prices at Central Rock Gym.
