If it wasn’t for my brother and Leo, his high school buddy, I would have never become a climber. 19 years ago, Leo and his family opened the climbing gym back home in Newfoundland Canada. From the beginning, when they recruited their friends to help build Wallnuts, I watched. I don’t recall much of it, but I do remember the warehouse transforming into the unknown. I didn’t have any interest in it back then, but I went to scope it out a few times.
My brother didn’t bother to climb much, but I went in for their daily kids camp and climbed til my hearts content. While I was visiting Newfoundland for five weeks this summer, I looked back on a few old photo albums I had as a kid and came across this oldie.
Shoes, chalk bag, and a harness — all rentals. This was me at the kids camp in 1995, the first year the climbing gym was opened. Umbro shorts and all, I am about to top out on my favourite wall in the gym: the roof. Wallnuts has since renovated their walls, including eliminating my favourite roof and looking at expanding to another location, all signs of growth.
My first pair of climbing shoes were the 5.10 MoccAsym’s. But the one’s to write home about were my second pair of climbing shoes, the La Sportiva (now men’s) Miura lace-up’s. An aggressive shoe with the perfect heel cup, amazing for heel hooking, and having fun at comp’s ;)
Throughout the years I had a few one-on-one coaching sessions with the guys, where I began to climb harder routes, how to climb quietly, when to chalk up on a route, and make the routes more efficient on my body to not tire myself out too much. Years later, I got the guts to get my lead climbing course done. I was terrified I wouldn’t be able to lock out the figure 8 belay devices, and ATC’s. I got used to it, I did the course and from there I started climbing lead confidently.
After 19 years of climbing, can you believe I am still afraid of heights? I suppose, that’s a good thing. I don’t want to be too daring or bold—it’s not in my personality. I like to play it safe. When I boulder at my new climbing gym here in California, I often down climb the boulder problems because falling is simply too spooky for me. The bonus side of that is that I’m perfecting my technique each down climb, gaining more endurance with the static moves I do.
I have a many awesome memories of climbing at Wallnuts, and I’m so happy for the experiences I had while I lived in Newfoundland.
18 Comments
Random, but have you ever seen American Ninja Warrior? They always have climbers on that show. Maybe you could work towards an obstacle course. :)
Chelle @ Blogs Like a Girl recently posted..If I was President…
wow, i always wished i could climb tree and rocks like this! so fun!
ananda recently posted..Water Color Fall Tree Painting
That looks like so much fun. I need to find a place in Miami that does that. I love when working out is fun and doesn’t feel like a workout. I hate the gym.
xoxo
Candace
http://www.FromCtoC.com
Wow! What courage it must have took to do that – and upper body strength!
kendall recently posted..Disney on Ice: Princesses and Heroes
You’re just so brave! I always find myself freaking out at a rock climbing area. <3
Shipra recently posted..Zoya Matte Lips & Tips Exclusive Gift Set Photos, Swatches, and Review
I’ve always wanted to go climbing! We have a few small walls downtime but I really want to go to a big climbing place <3
Angelic Sinova recently posted..Favorite Fashion Finds 30.
You’ve always been a climber. I’m glad you found it again when you came here.
Jessica Doll recently posted..Los Altos City Guide
19 years! How fun! I’m so afraid of heights and don’t even like climbing a ladder haha you are awesome!
Erica @ SimplySweetPrints recently posted..Thursday’s Thought
Woah! This looks both super intense and super awesome!
Brenda recently posted..Desktop Essentials
I’d love to try rock climbing. A sports center in my city has the climbing walls but I’ve never ventured up them, on next years bucket list perhaps? :)
I did this once and LOVED it! This would be something fun for my boyfriend and I to do as a date! Thanks for sharing love!
I’m afraid of heights but I’ve always wanted to rock climb, although I probably wouldn’t make it far haha
I have a lot of friends in San Francisco who do this and it is such a great source of exercise! I have never tried it, I don’t think I am afraid of heights – it looks like a lot of fun!
I have always been so impressed by climbers. I have tried a couple times and just dont have the core strength for it.
Michelle Snow recently posted..Classic Movie Wednesday: Jaws
At my old University they had a rock climbing wall in our gym. I never braved it, but sometimes I wish I did. Maybe one day I will get back there and actual try it! Awesome throw back!
These rock walls are so much fun to climb. I haven’t done this in years but you have now inspired me to go do it again. There is a place a few miles away that has some walls to climb. Thanks for the idea. :)
Deanna Ritz recently posted..Pretty Pintastic Party
I’ve only been climbing twice, but loved it both times! And I thinks that’s hilarious that your afraid of heights but love to climb!
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19 years of climbing…!!! Wow, you must have super-toned, super-strong limbs! Kudos to you for having done it for so long, and evolving your techniques. I’ve only gone a few times so I’m not familiar with all the terminology you used, but it’s been fun… my favorite part is coming down. :D
xo,
lauriel
EyeForElegance.com
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