Local Indoor Rock Climbing Gym Open to Climbers of All Levels
By Lily Ghiz
If you’re an avid rock climber, or simply looking for something fun to do, The River Rockindoor rock climbing gym in Roanoke offers the opportunity for anyone to climb together — regardless of experience.
One of the ways The River Rock adjusts to varying levels of ability is with colored tape markers that map out different routes. Each route is rated by difficulty started at level zero, which is the beginner’s level. The levels then go from 5.1–6.0, 5.1 being the least difficult and 6.0 being the most difficult. Because one wall can be climbed in multiple ways, children and adults at different levels can climb together. The routes also allow beginner climbers to feel comfortable learning at their own pace.
In addition to marked routes, the River Rock provides both ropes for experienced climbers to belay one another and auto-belay devices for beginner or solo climbers. For those who wish to climb without ropes, the gym has an area entirely dedicated to bouldering. The bouldering wall is 4,500 square feet total and averages 12 feet in height.
First-time visitors at the River Rock receive a 15-minute tutorial from an instructor, where they learn about the various rules of the gym and how to use the auto-belay system.
The gym hopes that people climbing there will lead to them climbing outdoors. Their website reads, “By providing this space for the community we hope that the River Rock will be both a hub and a gateway for introducing the beautiful Appalachian outdoors to those who may not otherwise experience the abundant nature that surrounds us.”
“I was really wanting to be active, but sometimes it’s hard to want to go places in the middle of winter,” said Anna Bowers, Editorial Manager at Southern Virginia University. “When I found out about this rock climbing gym, I was really excited. My husband and I went up on a Saturday and had so much fun climbing together.”
Bowers went on to recommend climbing at the River Rock as an ideal activity to take a date.
“It was a great place for a get-to-know-you type group date,” she said. “There are even some good restaurants nearby.”
The River Rock offers the options to climb by yourself, take a class or rent an instructor. Day passes are priced at $15 for those 18 and older, and registered students who present their student ID are offered a discounted price of $11.5. Prices for gear rental, such as harnesses and climbing shoes are additional and vary between items. To learn more about the gym, events, classes and pricing, visit the River Rock’s website.
