Rock climbing can be a thrill, inside and out.
Whether you are an avid indoor climber looking to take things to new heights, or are new to the sport, the Guelph Grotto Climbing Gym offers an accessible way to experience the unique challenge of climbing, outdoors.
The introductory outdoor program offers climbers, of all levels, the opportunity to explore beneath the canopy of Canada's Boreal Forest at Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area in Milton where they can experience what it's like to climb on real rock.
"We want to be able to fit the experience with the individual," says Guelph Grotto manager, Julia Pilliar.
"And the Introduction to top rope climbing outdoors is where people can learn the differences between indoor and outdoor climbing."
Since Dave Shepherd, director of the school and outdoor program came on board, interest in outdoor programming has continued to grow at the Guelph Grotto.
"Dave is our outdoor guy. He has been doing this his entire life. He used to operate under his own organization before he joined the Grotto's forces," Pilliar said.
"And now together, we are able to offer so much more. It's been a true building of community, where we can offer many different settings."
Since 1994, The Guelph Grotto provides an accessible and inclusive community-oriented gym dedicated to welcoming current and future climbers of every age, regardless of experience or ability.
"So many people, myself included, began climbing in a gym setting, It's so much fun when you start and then you just want to keep coming back. We all start somewhere," Pilliar said.
"It doesn't matter what level you start with. Climbers around you are so supportive of everyone else and what they want to achieve."
Pilliar says rock climbing isn't just a great workout for the body. It also exercises the brain and offers opportunities to challenge yourself, especially when outdoors.
"It's not just a physical but a mental challenge as well. There's always room to improve and move up and try different kinds of climbing," Pilliar said.
"Translating that to the outdoor setting is just another step. And on top of that, you get to be outdoors among some of the most beautiful territory that we have here in Ontario."
Following the introduction to climbing program, the Guelph Grotto also offers a top rope anchor course that provides participants with the knowledge and confidence required to set up and evaluate top rope anchors for climbing outdoors. Topics include knots, systems, and possible hazards.
Participants must be top rope belay certified at the Guelph Grotto or at their local climbing gym.
"As we all know rock climbing is inherently dangerous, and it certainly is if you go outdoors," Pilliar said.
"There are certain ways of building anchors to ensure that they are safe enough. Without that knowledge, we dissuade people from going outside if they haven't learned from someone who is reputable or reliable."
The gym to crag course builds on lead climbing skills and prepares climbers with the technical skills needed to set up, and climb. Topics include crag etiquette, potential outdoor hazards, and anchor setup/cleaning.
Outdoor programming includes all technical equipment and professional guidance.
"We do require that everyone who wants to try outdoor climbing, first know how to top rope belay. They can learn that in the gym setting where there is more of a controlled environment," Pilliar said.
"And for individuals as well as groups, we have quite a few schools who go outdoor climbing. It's such a great environment and atmosphere. Being outside in nature, students learn many different skills."
Pilliar says climbers quickly learn communication and respect for each other.
"And you learn teamwork because you are never by your self. You always work with your partner or group. And you are always under supervision," she said.
As well as providing custom outdoor adventures for groups such as scouts, corporate team building events, or family weekend outings, the Guelph Grotto also offers outdoor summer camps, and an outdoor climbing social.
"This is something new that we've started to offer this year. The outdoor climbing social is less structured and offers more of an open climb time. If you want to experience rock climbing, come on out, meet new friends, and spend some time with your climbing community," Pilliar said.
"We'll set up the ropes. Come on out and enjoy climbing with us."
And for those interested in a below ground adventure, the Guelph Grotto also offers a caving outdoor program.
Participants can explore the underground world while being lowered into local caves with only the light of a headlamp to guide the way to natural hidden treasures including an underground spring.
"Our instructors are trained in these caves and know the in's and out's of them. You can cave through the escarpment and explore the depths, underneath," Pilliar said.
"Being lowered on rope into the caves, you can touch an underground spring. To feel it, it really is a phenomenal experience. It's like nothing else."
With the right guidance, Pilliar says absolutely anyone can enjoy climbing outdoors.
"We make sure every situation is appropriate for each individual," Pilliar said.
"If we have someone who wants to get outdoors and experience it, we will find a way to make that happen."
