Climber Jonathan Hall, 14, of Aiken, makes his way up the rock wall as instructor Siva holds the safety rope. (Annette M. Drowlette/Staff)
Rock climbing hits new heights
"There should be a fear. It's a survival instinct and it helps with the climb," she said. "The people with the 'no fear' attitude are the ones who have the most accidents."
Siva grew up in California not far from Yosemite Valley. She enjoyed hiking and other outdoor activities, but never thought she could become a climber because she was afraid of heights. She first tried it in college, and realized that it's fear that sustains climbers.
People without training are the most accident-prone, according to Siva. She said it's necessary to climb with a partner because there is a need for someone to belay, to keep a rope taut between the climber and the person on the ground so if the climber falls, he or she can stay in place.
"There are very few accidents in this sport. Climbers who know how to climb and use ropes and harnesses rarely have accidents," she said.
Jonathan Evans, the manager of American Wilderness Outfitters Ltd. on Washington Road, has been climbing rocks since 1995. He fell 23 feet once, but the rope caught him and aside from being shaken up, he said it wasn't an issue.
Mr. Evans' store had a climbing wall, but closed it because of water and wind damage. He said some people climb a wall at the Augusta Canal or in North Augusta at Riverview Park, but noted that many climbers travel elsewhere to indulge in the sport.
"The terrain here is just not set up for it," he said.
Mr. Evans said a form of rock climbing that's becoming increasingly popular in Augusta is bouldering, a sport where the climber does short, physically tough moves 5 to 20 feet off the ground.
"Not everyone has a 60-foot cliff hanging out in their neighborhood, but there are a lot of places where you'll see stones that just are there," he said.
The key to bouldering, according to Mr. Evans, is being able to maneuver up a smooth rock so all the holding is done by friction between the hands and the rock. The sport is cheap, he said, because it requires no ropes. Some people use crash pads, which are like mattresses, that fold and are easy to carry.
GETTING STARTED
Drop-in sessions are held at The Climbing Wall, off Price Avenue across from the H. Odell Weeks Activity Center in Aiken
When: Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Cost: $5
For Whom: First-time climbers or climbers perfecting their skill, ages 3 and older
Party Rental Fees: Cost is $45 for six in-city residents for two hours; $55 for six out-of-city residents for two hours; $7.50 for each additional person
