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The new wave rock-climbing wall (left) at Paragon Gymnastics in Central Park is the first of its kind in the United States.
Stafford's Jacob Barber, 7, is attached to a belay line |
Kids, adults enjoy new walls
Shannon Wohler couldn't believe what she'd gotten herself into.
On a trip to Seneca Rock, W.Va., last year, the 36-year-old Spotsylvania County mother of two found herself near the top of a mountain, staring downward in fright.
Surrounded by experienced mountain climbers, Wohler was perfectly safe.
But don't try telling her that.
"Everybody said I was safe," she said. "But I was scared so bad that I'll never do it again."
Wohler doesn't have to go too far to find a new type of climbing fix.
Two 24-foot rock-climbing walls have been constructed at the new Paragon Gymnastics Center in Central Park.
One is called a wave wall. Climbing instructor Terry Jackson said it's the first of its kind in the United States.
The second and more difficult is the comp wall, which is used for competitions.
Both are made from a fiberglass mold and provide users with a stiff challenge.
"I can't make it up very far," said 12-year-old Spotsylvania resident Ivy Buzzard. "It's a lot harder than it looks."
The third wall at Paragon is about half the height of the other two and only kids use it. It's considered the safest of the three.
Kids wear a helmet and harness when climbing the wave or comp wall. The major safety concern for instructors comes when kids are letting themselves down.
Inexperienced users often swing from the rope instead of continuing to use their feet to come down.
While swinging, a child's head could hit the wall. That's why the helmet is so important.
"It has more to do with inexperience than anything else," Paragon owner Ken Wood said. "But once they learn how to let themselves down, it won't be a problem."
Everyone from toddlers to adults have been drawn to the walls since the new Paragon facility opened two weeks ago.
Wohler, who Jackson said is "very pumped up," is certainly enjoying herself.
"It's a great alternative for the wimpy people," Wohler said. "And it's a great activity for the family."
Jackson coaches gymnastics at Paragon. The 30-year old Caroline County resident has a lifelong passion for climbing, as well.
He's been participating in the sport since he was 10. He competed at the Junior National level while growing up in Ohio.
It was his idea to bring the walls to Paragon. It didn't take much to convince Wood, who is always looking for ways to expand his business.
Since Paragon opened, it has added karate classes and a dance team.
"You won't be in business very long if gymnastics is all you offer," Wood said. "We want to promote a healthy lifestyle and this is another way to do it. [Mountain climbing] is one of the fastest growing sports in the country."
Wohler is one of a few adults who have taken to the walls. Mostly, it's been an outlet for children.
Local home-schooled kids have been using the walls for their weekly physical education period.
Stafford County resident Shari Barber brings three of her four children there for that purpose. Even her 2-year-old daughter, Allison, gave it a shot.
Barber said she plans to use the wall to prepare her kids for family outdoor excursions.
"We were looking for an outdoor sport to get into as a family," Barber said. "This will help a lot."
Jackson shouldn't have much problem building interest in the area. Every week, more than 800 gymnasts use Paragon, and many make the short trip over to the walls.
Karate and dance students also join the fun. When new customers walk in, they often see members of Paragon's staff making the climb.
"The more people on the wall, the better," Jackson said. "Whenever anyone is on, it's good for business."
Wall users pay a one-time $45 fee and just $10 for every additional use. The wave and comp walls were purposely centered so that Jackson can expand if demand increases.
He said minimal athletic ability is required.
"Most of it is based on technique," Jackson said. "I even saw a 300-pound gentlemen reach the top, and I was shocked. But this is a live sport. It's for the old and it's for the young."
To reach TAFT COGHILL JR.: 540/374-5526 tcoghill@freelancestar.com
