Pauline de Montebello demonstrates use of hand and foot holds
When people say they are “climbing the walls,” they usually aren’t expressing a good feeling. Not so for enthusiasts of the fast-growing sport of indoor rock climbing, which involves ascending artificial structures to release good exercise endorphins. Rock climbing became an Olympic sport for the first time at the 2021 games in Tokyo. Now a new opportunity to experience the sport is coming to Lorton through a company called Sportrock.
The facility, which is expected to open in mid June, offers one of the three main disciplines within artificial rock climbing called bouldering. In this style there are short walls, and no use of ropes or harnesses. Instead, climbers ascend using handholds, with thick and springy padding located below the climbing courses, or sets, to cushion any falls. Bouldering differs from other styles, which use high walls with rope clips, called lead climbing; or top rope, where the rope is anchored above. Or speed climbing which emphasizes racing climbs up vertical walls.
Located in the historic Liberty complex, with its set ceiling height and large beautiful windows, the building was best suited to the bouldering format. Sportrock operates three other area gyms, which use climbing wall formats.
Bouldering has a base that slightly resembles the hull of a large ship. The surface features colored plastic holds in sets which can be changed, or reset, to create different courses and keep the experience fresh. Lorton director Pauline de Montebello, an experienced climber and course setter, says, “A team of 15 travels to all the gyms to build a creative effort into the climbs so climbers are never bored.” The sport offers a full-body workout, combining strength and endurance. There’s also a mental aspect, as climbers solve the strategic puzzle of selecting the best hand and foot holds to reach their goal: either the marked top of the set, or the top of the high wall. It’s an activity for everyone, as even small children can tackle easier sets.
SportRock will have a full exercise gym located in the basement, offer mat pilates and yoga classes, and summer day camps; with sleep-overs available as group events. Expect an official grand opening in late June, a few weeks after the facility opening. Memberships and summer camp sign-ups on offer now. Monthly memberships and day passes are available, along with special event scheduling.
For more information, see www.sportrock.com.
Climbing center comes to historic Lorton’s Liberty complex