Reaching new heights
Class offers indoor rock climbing
Derek Spitzer used to be afraid of heights.
After climbing an 8,000-foot mountain, he outgrew his fear.
Rock climbing became a part of his life six years ago when Spitzer’s roommate invited him to try out the sport in Yellowstone National Park.
“ I’ve invested too much money into (rock climbing) to quit,” he said.
Instead of spending his entire time outdoors, climbing granite and sandstone, Spitzer has devoted some time to teaching new climbers the basics of the sport.
This semester Spitzer started teaching his first NDSU class at the Schlossman Family YMCA-West. Spitzer has taught classes for the YMCA for the last four years.
One of the most important parts of the curriculum is safety, Spitzer said.
“ I point out some of the mistakes people can make (when climbing),” he said.
The class learns how to put on a climbing harness and how to tie the basic knots used when climbing. Spitzer can also certify students to belay — the technique used to hold a rope for a climber.
Spitzer explains lead climbing, which is climbing without already placed protection, and bouldering, a type of climbing close to the ground that requires no rope.
Rock Climbing is a course designed for people who enjoy new adventures, Spitzer said.
“ It’s something out of the norm, especially around here,” he said.
New climbers should have a good attitude about trying something difficult, he said. Mental abilities are more important than physical abilities, Spitzer said.
“ Sometimes big, strong, tough guys come in and try it and they just suck at it,” he said.
Jon Gussiaas, a business administration junior, mostly understood bouldering-climbing before stepping into class this semester. Gussiaas had never used a rope or harness when climbing and wanted to further his climbing skills.
He has learned the importance of teamwork and trust through this class. Gussiaas said communication is crucial when climbing with another person.
“ You got to work with your belayer the whole way,” he said.
Climbing outdoors is different from indoors, Gussiaas said. When he climbed outdoors, it was a challenge to find something to hold onto. Indoor climbing doesn’t usually change, unless rock pedestals are moved around, he said.
Gussiaas said he enjoys taking a break from “normality” and his required classes to climb walls.
“ This is the kind of course where you can relax,” he said. “I plan on using what Derek has taught me throughout the whole summer.”
Kya Blestrud, an architecture senior, also considers rock climbing a break in her regular schedule.
“ It gets you doing something other than just sitting in a classroom,” she said. “You get credit for doing something fun.”
Blestrud started climbing four years ago with relatives in Florida. Blestrud decided to take Rock Climbing because she enjoyed her first climbing experience so much.
Climbing can be a challenge for anyone who climbs, Blestrud said.
Both beginners and advanced climbers face different confrontations on each climb, she said.
“ It can be kind of a strategy game to look at the wall and try to figure out a path up there,” she said.
Spitzer said he loves to teach new people everything he knows about climbing. One of his goals is to have at least one person become more interested in climbing.