Grand Junction High School’s Climbing Club continues to grow as the students take their skills beyond the gym and into the outdoors.
Now in its second year, the club offers students the opportunity to practice, compete, and explore outdoor climbing while learning from guided instructors.
“Everybody has free rein, so you can boulder or climb and Mr. Rankin will teach you whatever you need to know,” said GJHS sophomore Elliette Wilson.
The Climbing Club meets every Thursday from 4-5 p.m. at Grand Valley Climbing Gym off of 25 Road for practices where an average of about 10 members attend to train in bouldering or top-rope climbing. If students come in on Thursdays to climb with the club, the day pass is $10 in comparison to going without the club which would cost $20. Along with a reduced day pass, students also get a student priced monthly membership through the climbing gym.
Throughout the season, which runs from November through February, students also compete against other schools on the Western Slope, including Delta, Montrose, and Coal Ridge.
“We have actual competitions, which is through a third party that we compete against,” said GJHS math teacher and Climbing Club sponsor Jacob Rankin.
Competitions are indoors and usually last four to five hours where climbers try to complete their most challenging climb without falling. Every time you fall, it counts against you, but if you complete your climb without falling you will receive a higher score. In addition to competitions, the club hosts guided outdoor trips where students get the opportunity to climb outdoors while hanging out with their friends.
“Last year, we went to Unaweep and basically you just hang out with all your friends and climb outdoors on top-rope,” said GJHS junior Gareth Keller.
While competing and improving skills are part of the experience, Rankin said the focus is on creating a positive and supportive environment.
“The goal of the club is just to have a good time climbing and being safe,” said Rankin.
For many students, the club has also become a way to connect with others who share a love of climbing.
“I made some good friends at the gym and they were in Climbing Club, so it kind of got me to join it and I’ve had a great time doing it,” said Keller.
The Climbing Club plans to keep training, competing, and heading outdoors whenever possible. With new members joining and more events to come, the club is ready to climb into another season. Students are welcome to come in any Thursday to climb or email Rankin if you are interested in joining.
