Fitness on the Rocks
A new indoor climbing facility offers an alternative workout.
For those addicted to the challenge, physical benefits, and sheer exhilaration of rock climbing, the greater Birmingham area now has a world-class indoor climbing gym. In August of 2009 First Avenue Rocks opened in downtown Birmingham’s industrial district, which has blossomed into a funky commercial sector in recent years. The 4,000-square-foot gymnasium features several 15-foot-tall simulated rock formations that include hundreds of “holds” (plastic structures functioning as grips for hands and steps for feet as climbers attempt to scale the angular, fabricated stone façades). Each week, on one wall of each boulder, the “holds” are unscrewed from the surfaces and rearranged to provide a new climbing challenge. Climbers may continue to confront scaling dilemmas for a while when a particular rock formation proves too difficult to conquer in a short time.
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Indoor rock-climbing gyms originated in Seattle when Vertical World opened the country’s first inside “bouldering” facility in 1987. Popular with rock-scaling fanatics eager to climb when a trip to an outdoor setting is not feasible, such facilities have sprouted in large urban environs in recent years. Atlanta currently has a half-dozen indoor bouldering gyms.
Aware of Alabama’s reputation among climbing enthusiasts, Joe Ortega and partner Adam Henry opened First Avenue Rocks for climbers who don’t always have time to visit popular Alabama rock-climbing settings such as Horse Pens 40, Hoover’s Moss Rock Preserve, or Little River Canyon.
“People come from all over the world to climb in Alabama,” says Ortega, a Californian who has been a climbing enthusiast for decades. “There are more foreign languages being spoken at Horse Pens 40 in the winter than there is English,” he claims as he explains why he chose Birmingham for such a facility. “People come from literally everywhere. From France, Canada, South Africa, from all over South America. Birmingham really is an international bouldering destination, believe it or not.” First Avenue Rocks will soon conduct group expeditions to some of the state’s best climbing spots. “We’re going to start doing outdoor trips in November,” he says. “We currently take scout groups and others out to property near Oneonta that is set up to teach people to climb outside.”
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First Avenue Rocks offers recreational climbing (including instruction) for those with or without experience. The gym has wall space specifically designed for “top rope climbing” (an introductory level often used by beginners that employs harnesses and rope). “We’re not here to serve only experienced rock climbers,” he explains. “We’re here to get new climbers interested. It helps if you’re in shape, but it’s not a requirement. Climbing doesn’t require a whole lot of upper body strength to start out. Beginners are always surprised at how much they have to use their legs.”
Climbers are allowed to participate in tennis shoes (barefoot climbing is forbidden). Specially designed climbing shoes are available for rent or purchase. The flooring in the climbing areas consists of 10 inches of foam cushioning for safety. Colored tape on the boulder walls suggests routes to reach the top of each structure. “Boulder routes are called problems,” explains Ortega.
“Climbing is not simply going up and down a ladder. There are decisions to be made to figure out how to reach the top.”
Free Wi-Fi, a foosball table, couches, and a TV are available for those content to lounge while friends or family members work out. The gym also offers a small weight room, as well as cross-fit training instruction and a yoga studio that offers daily classes.
Located at 2417 First Avenue South, First Avenue Rocks is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 320-2277 or go to firstaverocks.com for more information.