Destination

"It's like yoga on a wall" proclaims an article proudly framed on the wall. Watch Saglinda Roberts scramble across a wall at North Summit Climbing Gym, and you'll have to agree.

Saglinda has been taking her daughter Sara climbing for over 3 years.

"It is much more about balance, technique, and precise controlled movement than brute strength, although that comes in handy at times too" Saglinda adds, "I love it! It is addicting...it's in my blood at this point and I can't imagine ever not climbing!"

Her combination of grace and power reminds you of ballet, while she's perched precariously on a two inch rock, suspended 20 feet off the ground moving in deliberate yet elegant fashion across and up the wall. Sara mimics her mom's style in every way, perhaps with a slightly greater sense of power. Together, the two of them build trust, overcome fears, and gain confidence.

Don't be intimidated by the 30 foot granite looking walls, multiple overhangs, or "rocks" shaped like skulls and sharks. The North Summit environment is about as friendly and communal as one could imagine. Complete strangers will often catch themselves rooting each other on as either is attempting a problem they've never conquered before. The routes up the walls can be as easy or as difficult as you want them to be. Beginners will often start out by placing hands and feet on any available protrusion, while more experienced climbers will pick a route (indicated by colored tape) and stick only to those marked similarly, thereby making the course much tougher. Bill Young, the owner identified by an ever present Gilligan style hat, willingness to help, and obvious climbing prowess, is often changing the routes to keep his repeat customers sufficiently challenged.

Most people at the gym simply "top rope" a style that involves a rope secured at the top of an ascent, and requires a buddy at the bottom to work with the climber. The gear is fairly straight forward; a harness that wraps around your waist and thighs, and a belay device. The belay device is used by the climbing buddy to secure the safety of the climber. It's a very simple friction based device that allows one to arrest a falling climber, and control the speed at which that climber descends from their fall. Belay lessons are given often, and nobody gets to climb without being checked out by one of the expert staff on hand. The rules are straight forward, and safety is always a primary concern as indicated by the waiver required for minors.

Leave your tutu at home for this trip and plan to get sweaty. A quick workout of four or five routes will leave you sufficiently tired, wondering where all the arm strength of your youth went. When not top roping, you can try bouldering, a climbing technique that involves no equipment and often leaves the climber within a few feet of the ground. Any form of climbing will build muscle, increase endurance, and stretch your brain as you attempt to figure out the various climbing problems. Take your time, start slow, use your whole body and not just your arms, and most of all, don't forget to breathe.

Admission to the gym is $13, and gear (harnesses, special climbing shoes) can be rented for a few more dollars. North Summit even offers levels of membership that decrease your per trip costs dramatically and a kids special on Saturdays ($11 includes the entry and a harness rental). For those that get addicted, entry level gear can be obtained for about $200, and the gym does offer a large selection of gear on site.

Directions

Tucked away in an inconspicuous spot right on Rt. 512 in Wind Gap, the North Summit Climbing Gym is very easy to get to, and easy to miss as well so keep your eyes open. Coming South on 512 (either from 33 or directly), cross over Rt. 33, and make a left at the traffic light directly across from the "World's Largest General Store". From 512 North, you'd make the right at the light just before the general store. It's the large rugged looking tan building. For more information, please consult: http://www.northsummitclimbing.com, and note the gym is closed on Mondays.