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If you can climb up a ladder, you can rock climb. At least, that’s all the skill you need according to River Rock's General Manager Brent Cochran.
The highly anticipated rock wall climbing gym, The River Rock, located in the River House in Wasena, finally opens Wednesday (March 13th). With 8500 square feet, River Rock will soon hold 80-90 rope routes, and 140+ boulder problems.
"Rock climbing is a good way to get over your fear of heights!" says staffer Ryan. "It's a very unique way to work out. It's not somewhere you should feel embarrassed; we all have different skills and levels. It's a great way to meet people and you hear all kinds of climbing adventures."
With a friendly staff of about sixteen people, there's no need to fear for your safety. After you learn how to get the harness on ("it's similar to putting on your pants in the morning," says one staff member), staff takes you around to explain how to climb. Over 30 rope courses will keep you busy as you learn where to put your feet and hands to find the best route.
Colorful holdings (the pieces you grab on to) are scattered about the walls, leading climbers to figure out problem solving and the best way to reach the top using those specific colors (the colors and numbers represent the levels of difficulty). Beginners have a cave in the back where they can get comfortable with the execution. For those interested in bouldering (a way to climb but without the harness), there's plenty of space to roam around, as well as a 14-inch foam mat to save you if you fall.
"The community has been really great, but of course the proof is in the pudding. Once we officially open, we get to see how many people come out to climb," GM Cochran says. "As a community oriented sport, we really want the focus to be changing the stigma that climbing is dangerous."
Brent Cochran is from Roanoke and remembers climbing in the old Rocwood on Reserve Ave. "It really got me into outdoor activities and took me on all sorts of adventures outside of Roanoke. When we got the opportunity to fill in this giant space [in River House], the idea of a rock wall climbing gym came up."
River Rock will soon offer classes, including an intro to climbing, with an all-inclusive rate that features instructions, equipment, and three hours to climb away. Cochran says they also plan to offer courses to help people become certified to belay, as well as offer an advanced class and a Climbing 101 course that's a "hybrid concept."
There are also plans for special events, including collaborating with groups such as a teen outreach program, where intercity kids can be introduced to a new sport they might not otherwise get to try. Cochran also added that they eventually want to make youth and adult teams and casually compete with other climbing teams in the area.
For those unsure if they want to give it a go, River Rock hopes to soon offer an intro package - a one time, indoor session that includes gear rentals and a three hour climbing period, for around $10.
Be sure to check out the River Rock's website for any questions and get acquainted with this new Roanoke gym. You can also stay updated through their Facebook page. And whatever you do - you CAN look down!