By ANN CECILIE MOEN
For those who seek adventure and a good body workout, indoor climbing at the Rock Garden in Provo is something to consider.
Since 1991, the climbing walls have been available to both beginners and professional climbers.
“People can come here and be taught climbing in a safe environment,” said Jeremy Brown, partial owner since 1992. “People are so caught up in that climbing is dangerous, but it really is not.”
Rock Garden was started by five BYU students who had a special interest and passion for a sport that has gained popularity in the United States in recent years.
Half-owner, Keith Payne, has also been involved from the beginning.
Rock Garden has 3,000 square feet of climbing walls that reach heights of 30 feet and have a capacity of 60 people. Walls and handles are adjustable, to change the degrees of difficulty.
The climbing gym’s special training room, “the Woody,” is for more advanced climbers. Its walls are 45 degrees steep for power climbing and good finger training. Many of the best climbers in the United States have said the Woody is the best training facility in Utah.
Travis Snider, an employee at the Rock Garden, said competitions are held twice yearly and that routes (handle arrangements) are taken down and rebuilt in preparation for them.
Rock Garden offers classes in beginning movement and technique and an introduction to lead climbing. Not more than three people attend each class, but usually the climber has the instructor on a one-on-one basis, said manager Keri Thompson.
All the instructors have extensive training and knowledge about climbing and safety.
“Every worker here is a skilled climber,” Brown said. “We try to teach safety.”
Heidi Hval, a junior from Elverum, Norway, majoring in computer science, tried climbing for the second time. She believes it is a great opportunity for people who have not climbed before.
“It is good to learn the basics and to find out if they like it in a safe environment,” Hval said.
Wayne Pullan, of Payson, comes in once a week during his lunch break to get in shape for caving.
“I come because it is relaxing and because it is not an upper-class snobby place,” Pullan said.
The Rock Garden is at 22 South Freedom Blvd., Provo. For more information call 375-2388.
