When it comes to man versus nature, few challenges are as thrilling as scaling a rock wall, says Trevor Childress, an experienced climber. The combination of physical prowess, mental concentration, and sheer exhilaration put the sport head and shoulders above other outdoor pursuits.
“You’ll be holding on to a small crimp the size of a credit card, and then you’ll grab another one, and then you’ll get a high foot and stand up, and you’ll be like, ‘How am I holding on? This doesn’t make sense!’ And then you’ll go for your next move, and the sense of accomplishment and power is phenomenal,” says Childress. When the average person thinks of rock climbing, the opening scene of “Mission: Impossible 2” typically springs to mind. In the movie, Tom Cruise, as agent Ethan Hunt, hangs from the bottom of an outcropping of rock, the ground hundreds of feet below him. Without using any equipment, he somehow makes it over the extension to the top of the cliff.
But Childress says that’s Hollywood, not an average rock climbing experience. While he says the goal of “every true rock climber” is to ascend a wall without using equipment, the more common approach sees climbers use ropes, metal loops called carabiners, permanent anchors already drilled into the rock, and other gear. They also grade the routes, or paths up a wall, according to their difficulty, allowing climbers to tackle challenges that match their skill level. The scale starts at 5.0.
“Walking across this room is a 5.0,” Childress says of the surface of Outdoor Chattanooga, where he works as a recreational specialist. “When you get to 5.5, you’ve got big holes, but you’re going to want a rope because there’s a chance you might fall. And then 5.6 is a little harder, and 5.7 is a little harder, and if you try to climb a 5.8, but you’ve never climbed before, it’s going to be difficult.”
That said, a 5.8 is a kiddy climb for skilled veterans. Real rock climbing begins at 5.10, Childress says, emphasizing the word “real.”
“At that point, the scale breaks down into small movements and different levels of endurance. If you’re climbing a 5.12, then you’re awesome; if you’re climbing thirteens, then you’re climbing with the pros; if you’re climbing fourteens, then your climbing with the elite; and if you’re climbing fifteens, then you’re probably Chris Sharma, one of the best rock climbers in the U.S.,” Childress says.
While climbers who progress to the point where they can take on a 5.10 are more prone to experience “Mission: Impossible 2” thrills, casual and novice climbers can still feel the excitement of a rigorous climb at one of the lower levels. “If you’re learning how to climb, and you’re with a professional who climbs thirteens, then he’s going to take you on a 5.8, and you’re going to have an incredible day,” Childress says. Childress, who eats thirteens for breakfast and occasionally gives private lessons, stresses the importance of teaming up with a skilled instructor when learning how to climb.
“Don’t, don’t, don’t try to teach yourself. There are trained professionals who can teach you how to climb, and although they cost a decent amount of money, they’re well worth it. Rock climbing is not a dangerous sport, but you have to know what you’re doing to minimize the risk.”
While the notion that rock climbing is safe might surprise some people, even more startling is the fact that Chattanooga has become a global Mecca for rock climbing enthusiasts. With over 3,000 routes within 25 minutes of the downtown area, Childress says Scenic City draws climbers from every hemisphere on Earth. Some of the most popular spots include the Tennessee Wall, the routes at Foster Falls, and Lookout Mountain. Chattanooga is also home to a lot of private, or “secret,” crags, Childress says.
Unfortunately, the difficulty of most of the climbs make them off limits to amateurs.
“Climbing here is hard. There’s no easy climbing, so it’s not the best place to get into the sport,” he says.
For wannabes who still want to turn mission impossible into mission accomplished, Childress recommends starting at Urban Rocks, a full service climbing gym located off Amnicola Highway. With top roping, lead climbing and bouldering, newbies can acquire a variety of skills in a cushy environment before heading out with an instructor to face the jagged reality of a real rock wall. But Childress warns rock climbing can be addictive. “Rock climbing appeals to people who want a little more adventure when they go for a hike in the woods. But a lot of people have tried it, and it’s taken over their lives. It’s all they do. It’s certainly taken over my life.”
For more information about Urban Rocks, visit www.urbanrocksgym.com. Contact Childress through www.lookoutside.com.