Step by step, grandparents are getting in on a different ladder of success

by Beryl Shereshewsky

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Dave Irwin is a grandfather who takes his activity level to the top, literally. The 58-year-old is a rock climber who makes it his business to share his passion with the next generation.

"It's just a great activity," says Irwin, of Boulder, Colo. "I take my two granddaughters with me. We get to be together and to be active."

Despite its lack of celebrity athletes and network-TV moments, rock climbing has quietly earned a place in mainstream exercise for youngsters and adults.

The sport hit U.S. gyms in the 1980s. Prior to that, rock climbing was strictly an outdoor mountaineer's sport. In 1984, Vertical World in Seattle, Wash., opened the first commercial indoor rock-climbing wall in the nation, according to Kynan Waggoner of USA Climbing, the governing body of competitive climbing in the United States. Relying on permanent anchors that are drilled into the rock, climbing eliminated most major risk factors involved in a sport that emphasizes building strength and endurance at any fitness level.

What is rock climbing exactly?

In the literal sense, it's all about scaling rocks, using natural ledges, edges, and cliffs. Climbers propel themselves upward, along the mountain contours, using all manner of safety gear. In a gym, the mountain faces are mostly straight verticals, made mostly of concrete, fiberglass, or plywood with a cementicious surface, says Kyla Duffy, sales manager at Eldorado Walls, an indoor climbing construction company in Boulder, Colo. The handholds, which are bolted to the walls, are made of polyester resin or urethane and come in different sizes to create a variety of route options for the climber.

How safe is it?

While there are risks in any physical activity, rock climbing is considered a safe sport. "Indoor routes have tape that indicates where to go. Generally, gym routes are set to eliminate risk." says Cody Hidler, manager of RockReation Climbing Gym in Salt Lake City, Utah. "Outside, you have to figure out more things for yourself; the paths are not as clear." Additionally, in gyms a belayer is present who controls the climber's rope from the ground, using relatively little exertion. The belayer can also completely stop a fall by gently lowering the climber.

Not surprisingly, the attraction to the sport for kids and adults is reaching the summit. "I know of several grandparents who climb on a regular basis. We have lots of retirees who climb," says Hidler. "Everyone can attain success at climbing in their own way, people of all abilities can enjoy climbing. I've known people who started later in life and they've done great."

Once you're hooked, expert climbers strongly suggest buying your own gear. To purchase harnesses, belay systems, shoes, helmets, and carabineers, REI, Outdoor Divas, and EMS have staffers who can help you find exactly what you need.

Whether it's a one-time adrenaline rush or a regular hobby, climbers seek that glorious sense of accomplishment: reaching the top.
 

If your grandchildren love the great outdoors, read our article on hiking.