Rock and ice climbing are the ultimate adrenaline sports, combining physical strength and agility with acute concentration and problem-solving abilities. Climbing breeds a mental clarity and sensory focus you’re unlikely to experience in any other pursuit. You won’t be thinking about work stress or petty problems when you’re 30 feet off the ground, looking for the next hold!
Climbing is also a great social sport and a good way to build trusting friendships. The relationship between climber and belayer is like no other. Learning to let go and put your life in someone’s hands isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding to do.
History
Rock climbing began as a form of training for alpine mountaineering. To reach the tops of peaks, it was often necessary to climb difficult sections of steep rock. Sometime in the late 19th century, German, Italian and British mountaineers began honing their rock-climbing skills at local crags before taking on larger expeditions in the Alps. Around the same time, American climbers began taking on peaks in California, including an 1869 ascent of Cathedral Spire by naturalist John Muir. Rock climbing grew in popularity in the 1950’s and 1960’s as pioneers like Layton Kor, John Salathe, Warren Harding, and Royal Robbins took on big-wall ascents (generally using “aid-climbing” techniques) in Yosemite and other areas. As most of the major summits were being conquered, the focus of climbing shifted toward “free-climbing,” led by bold climbers such as Boulder local Jim Erikson , and to technically difficult ropeless ascents of smaller rocks (“bouldering”) made popular by former gymnast John Gill. Free climbing continued to grow in popularity as newer technology led to improvements in safety gear and to grippier, more flexible climbing shoes. In 1993, Lynn Hill made the first free ascent of The Nose on El Capitan, widely regarded as a major milestone, and among the most difficult climbs of its day. In recent decades, a new generation of climbers like Chris Sharma and Tommy Caldwell, introduced to the sport at a young age, has again upped the ante, pushing the limits of what is possible.
Climbing With Phoenix Multisport
Phoenix Multisport’s climbing events are designed for climbers of all levels. We work with absolute beginners at nearly every event, and we provide all the necessary equipment, so “I’ve never climbed before” is no excuse! Be it indoors or out, our instructors have the training and experience to help you get up the wall, even if you’ve never been up a ladder or are afraid of heights. Pushing through your fears is a great way to build confidence, and we’ve seen people who were initially scared to get on the gym wall go on to tackle major climbs in Eldorado Canyon!
If you’re already a climber, PM is a great way to meet sober climbing partners or help share your experience with new folks. Ice or rock, trad or sport, bouldering or top-rope…we’re well-versed in all aspects of the sport and can help you take your skills to the next level.
Phoenix Multisport offers mountain bike events for riders of all levels, including clinics designed specifically for beginners as well as advanced rides on technical terrain. As this can be a daunting sport to delve into, we provide very basic beginner clinics in which little technical ability or cardio endurance is necessary. Picture a wide, mostly flat dirt trail…if you are comfortable riding a bike on the road, you are ready to attend one of these clinics! We also provide bike maintenance clinics which cover pre-ride checks and making basic repairs on the trail. As your skill level improves, you can begin attending intermediate and advanced clinics and rides. For more advanced riders interested in representing PM in mountain bike races and spreading the word of our mission, we also have an Ambassador Athlete program for members. We typically host 4-8 events of varying difficulty each month as well as a few destination mountain biking trips annually.
• People often abuse drugs and alcohol in an attempt to fill a void they are experiencing inside. For those adjusting to living sober, mountain biking has a lot to offer. The high intensity cardio required in this sport can be limited greatly by the abuse of drugs alcohol, but a sober individual can take his/her riding to the next level without these limiting factors. After a long arduous ride, the mind and body are put at ease. The struggles of daily life seem less overwhelming and the only focus is nourishing the body with food and rest. What better way to connect with spirituality than riding your bike through the mountains or the desert during a beautiful sunset? PM members have the opportunity fill this space with a new spiritual connection to nature and physical activity.