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Climbing
December 26, 2007
Rockin' good times
Austin is lucky in that it is one of the top cities in the state for rock climbing fans. While much of the state is geographically flat, leading to poor climbing opportunities — and in some instances, the prevailing social comportment presents an equally formidable obstacle — Austin has a network of climbing areas, gyms and equipment shops that allow the ever-burgeoning scene to reach new, enthusiastic climbers every day of the year.
First stop: the wall. Climbing outdoors is great, but you’ve got to learn first. Austin’s got two premier climbing gyms, and they both go by a helpful, if not a touch obvious, name: Austin Rock Gym. The one on the north side of town is cute, but small; for first timers, the south side outpost at 4401 Friedrich Lane (near Interstate 35 and Ben White Boulevard) is the spot to be. They have a large bouldering area and plenty of top-roping, and for the experienced climber, overhanging lead routes abound.
A quick vocab lesson.
Bouldering: climbing without a rope on short routes, close to the ground.
Top-roping: vertical climbing, using a rope looped over an anchor at the route summit for protection.
Lead climbing: “traditional,” from-the-bottom climbing; a climber hooks his rope into pieces of protection en route as he ascends.
The rock gyms sell basic climbing gear like shoes and carabiners, but for a wider selection, there’s always Whole Earth Provision Co. They have locations all over town, and while REI stocks gear as well, sometimes it’s nice to keep business local.
When the weather gets nicer (or when people decide to break out those Christmas sweaters from grandma), climbers cooped up in gyms can make a run for any of the Austin’s great outdoor spots. Pace Bend Park offers ropeless climbing over water — newbies and old hands alike can boulder up 5 feet and then splash off into the drink. Reimers Rock, not far from Pace Bend, also has plenty of climbing for novices and experts, and is one of the premier spots in the state. Even Austin’s own greenbelt, just south of Town Lake offers some routes.
If you’re interested in getting into the saddle — er, harness — for the first time, call up local companies Rock-About (415-0804) or Austin Rock Gym (416-9299) and get yourself up that cliff.
Next time: outdoor climbing trips.
