Making it to the rocky top

  • Published
  • By Danny Monahan
  • 377th AIr Base Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base --  People at Kirtland Air Force Base who want to learn rock-climbing can enroll in the "Learn to Rock-Climb" class Outdoor Recreation offers.
The two-day class consists of an evening of indoor climbing and a day of outdoor climbing.
"Rock-climbing is a great way to challenge you physically, mentally and emotionally," said Dan Isaac, Outdoor Recreation Program Adventurer. "Students are trained and guided by a certified American Mountain Guide Association instructor, so students are guaranteed quality instruction, a safe experience and a small class size."
Outdoor Recreation's AMGA instructors teach classes at a six-to-one ratio. The AMGA certifies climbing instructors.
During the first evening at Outdoor Recreation, students get fitted for their equipment and receive a safety briefing. Next, they learn the basics of climbing and how to use their equipment on Outdoor Recreation's 1,500-square-foot indoor climbing wall.
"A climbing wall is a very safe and fun way to learn how to climb," said Mr. Isaac. "It serves as a good substitute of what students will encounter outdoors, but in a controlled environment."
On the second day, students learn to climb in either Box Canyon, in Socorro, or in the Sandia Mountains, in Albuquerque. Transportation to the climbing areas is included.
"People can expect to encounter grade 5.5 to 5.7 climbs," said Mr. Isaac. "They're not very steep and are very secure for those who have never climbed. Students only have to do what they feel comfortable climbing. We don't pressure people to do more, so there is no reason to be overwhelmed."
Climbing grades are based on the Yosemite Decimal System, a classification method used to describe and rate climbs. Mr. Isaac said Outdoor Recreation's climbing classes have an impeccable safety record.
"Some may think it's dangerous, but in the four years we have been having climbing classes and trips, we have never had an accident or injury," said Isaac. "Each class and trip has gone very smoothly."
Enrollment costs $50 and participants must be age 5 or older. Children up to 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
"This is a pretty cheap way to learn how to climb, so I think people interested should give this a shot," said Isaac. "Learning to climb has grown tremendously in popularity here. When we first started, we did about two to three trips a year. Now we do about one to two trips a month."
Other classes are also available, such as "Learn to Rappel."
"We offer several different climbing classes and trips throughout New Mexico for those who want to enhance their climbing skills," said Isaac.
For more information, call 846-3923.