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| - Although I'd like to think that I'm relatively physically fit and dexterous, my previous experience with climbing had been watching American Gladiators [featuring the wall ] re-runs as a kid. I went for the first climbing time a couple weekends ago at the Cleveland Rock Gym.
As the picture shows, the gym is inside a former industrial warehouse discretely located on St. Clair, behind another industrial warehouse, just continue the driveway next to the sign.
There are several [at least 10] climbing walls [30 feet high] each with numerous routes. I spent over 3 hours here and definitely did not try all of them. Additionally, the routes change every few months. Some routes were more challenging than others. There's also a few bouldering walls, which are no more than 20 feet off the ground, on these, you climb without a harness and thick soft cushions break your fall like you're in a ball pit.
It's not very cheap, $20 for your first time, which includes all of your equipment [harness, climbing shoes, belay device] needed to climb, and an experienced person on hand to show you the basics. There are more economical monthly and multiple visit passes. For the experienced with their own equipment, it's $12.
The atmosphere was relatively friendly although I may be biased, I went with a couple of friends who are regulars there. Strangers and friends were cheering each other on as they struggled with at particular points in their climbs. Although I only went once and have talked about the experience with friends, I sense there's a friendly climbing subculture. There's also a couple picnic tables on hand and you can bring in your own food/drink if you want.
Clothing-wise, I wore work out clothes and my more experienced friend said to wear layers as the temps can change there.
During my only visit, the place was neither dead nor very busy. I never had to wait more than 10-15 minutes to climb [and you want a break anyways in between climbs], with people of all ages 10 to 40 and different levels of experience.
Eric, the owner, was very friendly and answered all of my questions. If you're new to it and would like to try, he recommended to call ahead for a date about a week or two in advance, so there's enough belayers [people who will help you out, hold your rope as you ascend] on hand.
For the uninitiated, climbing was fun, physically strenuous, and even requires a bit of mentally stimulating as you strategize your next moves as you go up the wall. It's also a good group activity as well (and the group pricing knocked the price down a bit).
I'm very glad that I tried it out, although it didn't end up my favorite activity to do, it was fun and would recommend it if you're looking for a new physical hobby, even if it's not the cheapest one out there. As far as I know, it's the only place to [legally] do it in Northeast Ohio besides Whipps Ledges which is outdoors.
I'd give it a 3.75, so I'll be generous and round up to 4.
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