Rock climbing rocks. I don’t really know a better way to say it. My very first try at rock climbing was at Yamnuska this year, and it’s one of the best tours I’ve booked so far. Are you curious why I did it, and if it’s right for you? Read on!
In a previous article, “Meeting Likeminded People,” I mentioned that I met some people who love rock climbing and talked about it passionately. After listening to these stories, I decided that I needed to try it out! (Note to self: always ask about people’s hobbies and try new stuff. It’s worth it.) When I was in Yamnuska, Alberta, Canada, I saw a flyer for a beginning rock climbing course by Yamnuska Mountain Adventures and decided to check it out with one of my good childhood friend, Anya.
When you get there
The first thing we noticed when we arrived was that we were a small group. Which is the best kind, if you ask me. There were five of us there, so we could chat easily without being swallowed in a crowd. Once everyone arrived, we started our orientation. In the classroom, our guides explained what rock climbing is, the basics, the safety stuff, and all that shebang. The guides were all about safety, which made me feel comfortable about trusting them with my life while I scaled a massive rock face. They taught us everything we needed to know. Of course, you can memorize every rock-climbing guide without learning how to do it, so eventually we headed off to Zygote Mountain.
The first climb
To begin, our guide taught us how to tie the knot (no, not get married, although it would be a cool place to do that), showed us the point of the hooks, and explained the level of the rocks. He taught us the different commands and how to belay. He also made sure that we trusted our partners, which is super important! Fortunately, I had Anya with me. I know she’s got me.
All that day, we climbed up the sides of the mountain. The time slipped away before my eyes, and before I knew it, the first day was over! I was already addicted to climbing by the time my feet touched the ground for the last time. All day, our guide kept pushing us to do harder and harder paths. I loved that no one follows a specific route; you do your own thing and figure out what’s the most comfy for you. It’s sort of like a puzzle that you have to figure out as you go along. You have to challenge yourself!
Climbing day two
The first thing I noticed when I woke up on the second day was that I was SORE. The day before, I had used all the muscles I had, even the little ones that I didn’t know existed. The soreness actually made me kind of happy!
When we got to the mountain, our guide decided to take us further and made us do the back of Lake Louise. He checked our ability to do the basic skills, and then we climbed. It was such an amazing place to rock climb! The wall was fantastic, and there were so many routes. As a plus, we had a great view of Lake Louise from the top. Event thought the main point of the climb was to have an adventure, just the lake view was worth the trip.
Something I discovered about the rock-climbing community is that everyone is friendly and helpful. There is no competition, only encouragement! Everyone is there for everyone else, and the sport is only a challenge against your own mind and willpower. That’s my kind of sport, friends. I love this culture. I love this tour! I would definitely do it again.
Wow! That seems so beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Good for you! I would love to do that!
That looks like fun. I’ve never been rock climbing, but I think it would be a blast.
My son has gone rock climbing and repelling and I was so scared for him! He said he loved it though.
There are a lot of great rock climbing spots in my area. I have thought about giving it a go.
It looks like you had so much fun! I love rock climbing but I’ve only ever been rock climbing in a gym. I would love to go rock climbing like this sometime.
You certainly are braver than I am Karla! I am not sure if I could venture up a mountain like that, but you certainly “rocked” it.
This looks like so much fun and something I have put on my bucket list for next year when the weather gets nice again.
I would love to go rock climbing! It looks like an amazing experience, but I’m not sure I have enough upper body strength.
Oh my goodness! That would scare the heck out of me. Me and rocks don’t get along too well. I am happy that you got to experience though.
Oh my goodness! That would scare the heck out of me. Me and rocks don’t get along very well.I am glad that you got to experience it though.
Oh my goodness! I would be scared to death. Me and rocks don’t get along too well. I am glad that you got to do it though!
Rock climbing real rocks sounds like an amazing experience. I tried the rock wall at my gym last year and had a really hard time getting even 1/2 way up. I wonder if it would be easier for me to do the real deal?
It should. It is so much fun, go for it.
It looks like you had a great time rock climbing. I don’t that I am that bold, maybe one day! Its nice that you had a great group to help and encourage you through the end.
That was awesome! I never tried rock climbing before but it looks so much fun!
It seemed like the place you booked with was thorough on safety! Love it! Wish I could have gone!!
Oh wow! That is awesome. I’ve never gone rock climbing before but its been discussed and I cannot wait to go!
I guess I am a little too old for this kind of activity, but my children would love it. They love to go on hiking, trekking and rock climbing activities! I’m letting them know about this.
Rock climbing takes skill and a lot of strength, determination and fearlessness. I bet it’s a great workout and I can imagine being very sore afterwards. It must seem like a great accomplishment when you reach the top.
Wow this must of been something. I did indoor rocking climbing before and felt like I was almost gonna die but you guys are actually climbing on rock! You guys…ROCK!
Wow, looks like a very fun activity! You are so active! We will put this in our bucket list.
I hope you make it there, its worth it.
It definitely is a great place to do some rock climbing. I used to wall climb a lot a few years back and it’s always been a goal of mine to do rock climbing instead of just the usual. I’d definitely consider going here to experience that.
I tried to do indoor rock climbing, it was fun but this was definitely better.
I would be terrified to try rock climbing! But, that view would make it totally worth it!!!
I was scared to bring out my phone for a photo. I felt that it would fall off but the view from up there is definitely worth it.
I’ve always wanted to do this! Your pictures are so inspiring and amazing!
This was something I thought I would do just once, but rock climbing is addicting.
Nice rock climbing article! We are rock climbers as well, and we had the same jitters, anxiousness, and excitement as you felt when we first started rock climbing. If you have the opportunity, visit us here in Cebu, Philippines. We’ll take you rock climbing to our humble crags in Cantabaco and Poog. 🙂