SPECIAL FOCUS

Climbing as a Sport Rocks Illinois

BY RYAN PURER

Rock climbers and those who enjoy other forms of "adventure recreation" are a gutsy breed. In Illinois, these daring recreators challenge themselves at state parks, outdoor artificial climbing walls and indoors at 'rock gyms."

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear someone mention the sport of rock climbing? Danger, fear, challenge, or great fun may be one of your responses. Certainly rock climbing is a sport that encompasses these and many other components.

Rock climbing is also a sport surrounded by misunderstanding and misconceptions. Climbing stems from the desire to reach places once thought inaccessible due to their height, severity of terrain, or remote location. While these characteristics bring to mind mountainous areas, the sport of rock climbing is not limited to such an area. With the popularity of adventure travel and recreation steadily increasing over the past few years, how can leisure professionals from the flatlands of Illinois keep pace?

There are actually two ways this goal can be achieved in and around Illinois. One is to take advantage of the natural areas in Illinois with favorable conditions for the sport of rock climbing. Mississippi Palisades near Savannah (in central Illinois) as well as the Shawnee National Forest outside of Carbondale (southern Illinois) are two natural areas with such features. Due to environmental impact and liability, local laws and policies pertaining to climbing areas are constantly changing. It is important to make sure the area you choose to climb in is both legal and safe.

The other increasingly popular way to enjoy rock climbing in Illinois is with artificial structures called climbing walls. These walls vary in their complexity, design, and materials. Styles range from small wooden blocks affixed to gymnasium walls, to an elaborate system of interlocking textured panels designed to simulate the look and feel of natural rock. Examples of each can be found in various settings. Many health clubs, YMCAs, summer camp settings, and a few backyards have seen the value of adding climbing to their lists of recreational opportunities.

Some facilities have been devoted solely to the sport and are known as "rock gyms." Most gyms offer memberships, single use, classes, and exclusive use for organized groups. The Chicago area alone has over a dozen of these gyms.

The Irons Oaks Adventure Center in Olympia Fields has a series of rock climbing offerings for youth and adults. On-site at the Adventure Center is a recently renovated 50-foot climbing tower. The tower is an exterior structure built on utility poles with two sides for , climbing and a third used for instruction in "rappelling," the term used to describe a climber's descent technique.

Programs offered on the tower include recreational classes for teens and adults as well as open climbing each Wednesday evening in the summer. Open climbing is geared towards the experienced climber who wants to stay in shape in between climbing trips. The tower at Irons Oaks is also available for groups by appointment.

Additional climbing opportunities offered at Irons Oaks include trips to Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wis., as well as an annual trip to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area outside Las Vegas, Nev.

The majority of Irons Oaks climbing trips are for individuals ages 21 and older, however, specialty trips for park districts and organized youth groups can also be arranged. Irons Oaks has been offering adventure trips for fifteen years and has an exemplary safety record.

Climbing is an inherently dangerous sport and should not be attempted by anyone without proper training and supervision. However, this training and supervision is readily available for those interested in seeking it out.

Climbing is a sport that requires the use of the mind and body in harmony. Anyone with the desire can enjoy the sport of rock climbing, regardless of age, physical shape, or fear of heights. •

RYAN PURER
has been on avid climber for 8 years and has lead trips for the post 5 years as a program supervisor for the Iron Oaks Adventure Center, a jointly owned facility of the Olympic Fields and Homewood Flossmoor park districts. Iron Oaks offers year round educational and recreational programs on its 40 acre site.

30/ Illinois Parks and Recreation

Top: Climbers take the challenge on Iron Oaks Adventure Center's 50-foot climbing tower.
Bottom: A tour group from Iron Oaks makes its way to a climbing site in Baraboo, Wis

January/February 1997 /31