Rock climbing grows in popularity

The sport of rock climbing is gaining popularity in Iowa. A climbing gym owner in Kelley, near Ames, says in the past six months business has picked up 25 to 30 percent. Matt Reber, owner of Wall-Nut Creek Mountaineering, says the rocking climbing industry is growing. Reber says there’s an outdoor boom right now — from mountain biking to adventure racing — he says it might have to do with ESPN-2 coverage and “blue torch” TV, an adventure sports segment on cable. Wall-Nut Creek is an old barn converted into a four-thousand-square-foot rock climbing facility. Reber says they have lots to do there from what’s called “bouldering” – climbing shorter routs without ropes, to rope-walking, which is much like tight rope walking. The gym suits a variety of skill levels and classes are available for those who want to learn how to climb. Reber says the average climber is college aged to 35 years old, but all ages can rock climb. Ten-year-old Jessica Prater ( of Ankeny goes to the climbing gym with her mom, and sets goals for herself. Jessica likes the challenge of trying to reach a new rock. The University of Northern Iowa added a rock climbing wall on campus in 1997 and Iowa State University recently added a rock wall of their own at the University’s rec center. But you don’t have to head to the mountains to climb outdoors — Iowa has rocks to climb outside as well. Backbone State Park in northeast Iowa is a popular place for Iowans to climb. Ashley Burton of Madrid climbs at Wall-Nut Creek Mountaineering and takes several trips a year around the state and country for rock climbing. Burton says climbing is challenge and an adrenaline rush. He says sometimes it can scare you — which he likes — and you can see things that many people don’t get to. Ashley Burton of Madrid climbs at a commercial climbing facility, and takes several trips a year around the state and country for rock climbing. The University of Northern Iowa added a rock climbing wall on campus in 1997 and Iowa State University recently added a rock wall of their own at the University’s rec center. In addition to clubs that sponsor climbing expeditions, Iowa has rocks to climb outside as well. Backbone State Park in northeast Iowa is a popular place for Iowans to climb. For more information about Wall-Nut Creek Mountaineering call 515-210-9940.