My Brain is Hanging Upside Down
At Vertical Endeavors, Fitness Comes With A Side Of Adrenaline
“Just let go!” My friends shouted up to me. Right. You cling to a wall 40 feet off the ground and “just let go”. I glanced down and quickly turned back to the wooden climbing wall I clung to. I had to face the inevitable—I had to get down and I had to let go. I was far too tired to pick my way to the bottom. My fingers were stiff and my arms were shaking from my climb up.
“C’mon, Bailey, just let go!” They called up to me again. I groaned. Okay, one, two, three… I let go.
Now it certainly isn’t outdoor climbing weather in Duluth—unless you’d like to ice climb—but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the ascent and descent of climbing! Vertical Endeavors located in Canal Park within the Adventure Zone brings climbing to the area in the Northland’s largest climbing facility all year round.
Vertical Endeavors has 14,000 square feet of climbing surface that can reach 42 feet high on three different kinds of climbing walls. But don’t be daunted by the big numbers, because Vertical Endeavors caters to the beginner and the expert, those who’ve never climbed and who want to learn to those who want to improve their skills or compete. Climbing, because of its slow, precise movements is a sport that any age level can enjoy and experience well into old age.
Vertical Endeavors offers group programs for public schools, homeschoolers, clubs, birthday parties, and lessons including Beginning Safety and Movement and Technique lessons. One of its winter programs is ice climbing with Vertical Endeavors Guided Adventures at Robinson Quarry in Sandstone, MN. VEGA provides all the gear if you don’t have your own and is a great outing for both an introductory course and a chance to enhance your abilities. This program costs $199/person with upcoming trips on February 12, and March 5th and 12th this year.
Vertical Endeavors is a perfect place to go with friends to learn about climbing, test your skills, or develop your strength, coordination, and endurance. A daily pass is $10 and the rental package is $10. Vertical Endeavors also has a pro shop that rents out individual climbing items such as climbing shoes, harness, belay device, chalk bag, and helmet. Monthly and yearly memberships are also available if you find that climbing is the sport for you.
If you’re interesting in checking it out (which I enthusiastically encourage), Vertical Endeavors is open Monday through Friday 2-9p.m., Saturday 11a.m.-8p.m., and Sunday 11a.m.-6p.m. On Fridays after 5p.m. women get 50% off their daily pass for the special Ladies Night. Vertical Endeavors requires that all participants, both climbers and spectators, to have a signed waiver on file before entering the facility and climbing areas. Anyone under age 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian before they can take part.
Never climbed before? Vertical Endeavors gives you a great opportunity to learn and practice inside out of the blowing winds, snow, and temperatures of our Duluth-Superior winter. I hope you check out the facilities and find climbing to be a worthwhile and fun experience . . . for both the climb up and the part where you let go.
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