Last semester in March, FGCU students formed a new organization, the Climbing Club. Since its inception, the club has attracted many members who climb on Tuesday and Friday evenings at Fort Rock Climbing Center.
Rock climbing will humble even regular gym-goers, but it shouldn’t dissuade anyone from giving it a go.
“It’s very easy,” said FGCU Climbing Club President Colin Huff, “So there’s grades that start out for people that have never climbed before. So you can still make it all the way up the wall. And if you want to challenge yourselves, there’s more challenging climbs and it just gets harder and harder.”
Rock climbing utilizes a grade scale to rate the difficulty of climbing routes, known as the V scale. Grades range from V0 to V17, with the highest levels reserved for those who are absolutely dedicated to the sport. For most students, a more attainable and moderate goal would be a V3-V4 range.
While strength is a necessity, it isn’t the only piece in the puzzle.
“Your fingers are completely obliterated in your forearms and feel like they’re going to pop,” said David Goodwin, “Since I’m more upper body focused, I kind of just try and brute force it. But it’s a lot of centering your body to the wall, especially for the harder climbs.”
Fort Rock Climbing Center provides climbing shoes, harnesses and chalk. Students are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing, bring water and be willing to learn. After becoming acquainted with the basics of rock climbing, students can progress at their own pace and take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere of the gym.
“Everyone comes here to just kind of get away. And it’s a good way to shift your focus on something. I instantly feel it, it’s very calm,” said FGCU Climbing Club Historian Annie Bennett.
Ryan Fisher, FGCU Climbing Club vice president, relays the same sentiment.
“I’ve brought my laptop. I’ll do my homework. I’ll put it in the bag, go hit a climb and then go back to my homework,” Fisher said.
Nursing major William Edward Hacker has been a member of the club since its conception. He believes the climbing club is good for students’ health.
“You know, health is definitely important, so I do think it’s a great opportunity for people who want to come out here, kind of test their limits in a way, I would say,” said Hacker.
For students who find themselves overwhelmed by schoolwork, Hacker has designated the club as a source of relief.
“I’m in the nursing program here, and some of the stress that I go through is definitely tough,” Hacker said. “We have a bunch of exams and due dates, so it’s nice to be able to come here and relieve some of that stress in a positive way as well.”
Looking ahead, the club plans on moving sessions to a new climbing gym opening nearby, Central Rock Fort Myers. Huff also expressed interest in planning trips for outdoor climbing expeditions, growing the club’s community and maintaining a close-knit culture, as well as providing a space to escape the struggles of everyday life.
“What people don’t understand is that I love a really good challenge,” said Brett Pierce. “With that being said, rock climbing brings a huge aspect into that because you find a route that you know you can do. And then it’s just going to take one really good day or a bunch of time and effort of doing it until you can finally get that end result of doing it in climbing and it is the greatest feeling.”
Climbing a wall is a simple goal, but a daunting task. Muscles that you didn’t know you had are engaged and problems that you’ve never encountered need to be solved, all while you’re contorted in uncomfortable positions. At the top, though, surrounded by your friends, the struggle feels worth it.
For more information about the FGCU Climbing Club and its upcoming events, students can visit Eagle Link.
