Indoor Climbing - Up, up and away!

For a long time I had wanted to try indoor climbing, and I finally had the opportunity earlier this year when Spreets had a special offer for Cliffhanger Climbing Gym in Altona, Melbourne.

I had been a bit of a 'mountain goat' as a child, and have always enjoyed scrambling up the side of hills and mountains, but had only previously had the chance to try climbing twice - once abseiling down the side of a rather steep seaside cliff during an "Expedition Medicine - Mountain Rescue" course in Tasmania in late 2007 and once ice-climbing on Franz Josef Glacier on the South Island of New Zealand in early 2007. I enjoyed both outings. Fortunately I took to it "like a duck to water" and was really invigorated by the experience. As you are working with a 'buddy', with one of you climbing and the other belaying, it is perfectly safe, and as a result there is no need for fear. We started out on the smaller walls, but after doing some of the easier ones, I decided to attempt one of the higher walls, and to my great surprise got right to the top. Since that initial success I have now conquered two of the other walls that go right to the top of the gym, which has been very exciting.

The thing that I love about indoor climbing is that it is an "all absorbing" activity that is both physically and mentally challenging. You are pushing yourself physically, stretching your arms and legs to perform seemingly impossible feats, and all the time problem-solving to work out how you are going to get up the wall - what hand-hold to use, how to transfer your weight, can I reach up there?, etc.

The staff at Cliffhanger have been both helpful and friendly. It is the highest indoor climbing gym in the Southern Hemisphere (20 metres). Highly recommended!

Westgate Sports and Entertainment Complex,
Cnr Grieve Parade and Dohertys Road,
Altona North VIC 3025, Australia
Telephone: 03 9369 6400
For more information see their web site: http://www.cliffhanger.com.au/