Indoor Rock Climbing Anyone?
We’ve all seen them. These indoor climbing walls with people seemingly defying gravity as they scurry up sheer vertical walls, clinging by just their fingers and toes. So I wanted to do a bit of investigation and see what’s it’s all about.
I found a place (actually two) indoor climbing centers in the DC area where you can try out wall climbing with little investment (or risk).
Sportrock Climbing Centers have two locations (suburban Alexandria and Sterling, Virginia) that offer an introductory climbing experience. With just an hour of basic instruction covering safety, tying in, harnessing and belaying, you and a partner will be ready tackle your first wall.
The Basic Skills class required no climbing experience and includes all your climbing gear, as well as a locker and a towel.
The minimum age requirement is 14, unless an instructor is involved, then kids aged 6-13 can climb. Anyone under 18 must have a waiver signed by their parent before being allowed to climb.
Cost
The Basic Skills class is $25, including gear.
Class Times
Basic Skills classes are offered at the Alexandria center on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at Noon and Sunday at Noon, 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
And at the Sterling location on Mondays and Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m., Fridays at 7:00 p.m. and weekends at Noon, 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Registration
Call to register in advance for their Basic Skills class.
Other Classes and Events
Sportrock offer other advanced classes and hosts nights for kids and families as well.
Locations
Sportrock in Alexandria, VA Sportrock in Sterling, VA
5308 Eisenhower Avenue 45935 Maries Road
Alexandria, VA 22304 Sterling, VA 20166
703-212-7625 703-212-7625
Hours
Monday - Friday: Noon – 11:00 p.m., Weekends: Noon – 8:00 p.m.
Nearest Metro subway station – Alexandria location: Van Dorn Street - Blue Line, then a 3-block walk. The Sterling location is about 6 miles north of Dulles Airport.
Photo credits: all photos courtesy of Sportrock Climbing Centers
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POSTED IN: Family Fun, Just a Bit Weird - Fun & Quirky Places, Sports & Recreation
1 opinion for Indoor Rock Climbing Anyone?
James
Jan 24, 2007 at 5:14 am
Sounds like a great place to start, I have wanted to try rock climbing for a while think i’ll go down next time i’m in the area.
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