[title subtitle=”WORDS Liesel Schmidt
IMAGES courtesy Vertical Horizons Climbing Gym”][/title]
For those who love a challenge and thrill to an outdoor adventure, there’s nothing quite like rock climbing. The determination, the sheer grit, the skill to spot crimps and jugs and knowing how best to set a cam…It’s all part of the draw that’s made rock climbing such a popular pursuit; and for those who love the idea of the climb but may not have the resources or time to find the perfect rock face, there is no more perfect solution than indoor climbing.
In short, it’s all the perks of outdoor rock climbing without all the hassle—and far fewer risks. “Indoor rock climbing provides a safe and controlled environment and is actually one of the safest sports there is with proper instruction. There are fewer injuries reported from indoor climbing than with most sports,” says Jerry Barnett, who co-owns Vertical Horizons Climbing Gym with his wife Amanda. Fortunately for those who have more heart than skill, the sport is actually quite doable. “It doesn’t take a great deal of skill to climb—determination is the most important characteristic to have. You can have no athletic experience or have years of experience and still enjoy climbing.”
Open since late February 2020, Vertical Horizons has been climbing its way to the top of the hill as a popular way to get a workout, socialize, and challenge physical ability. “When we opened the gym, we really wanted to introduce the sport of rock climbing to the River Valley area, encourage exploration of the outdoors, and provide a place where families can play together, support one another, and challenge each other. We also wanted to develop a strong climbing community,” Jerry explains.
Despite the shiny newness of the gym, its popularity promises to be one with longevity, as the Barnetts have created the perfect plan for their climb to success. “Vertical Horizons has become a place that inspires people, provides a staff that encourages them to push themselves, and develops community, and that’s why people love coming here,” says Jerry, who is himself an avid climber who has scaled rocks in Yosemite, California, Wyoming, Tennessee, and New Mexico as well as Arkansas. “I got into rock climbing because I’ve always loved the outdoors, and it gave me a way to connect with nature in addition to providing me with a way to push myself mentally and physically. It combines the grace of ballet, the problem solving of chess, and the flexibility and strength of gymnastics.”
And, much like he does now in his work with climbers at the gym, it was Jerry’s ability to teach and impart his own passion for the sport to others that made his wife come to love climbing, as well. “I took her climbing on our first date, and she did awesome,” he recalls.
“I had very little climbing experience before meeting Jerry,” Amanda adds. “It was something that I’d always had an interest in but did not have the knowledge or resources to begin. After meeting Jerry at church and learning that he was a climber, I was eager to have him show me the ropes. We finally found a day we both could go and set up our first date.”
“And the rest is history,” Jerry says.
History, indeed, as it was their shared passion that inspired them to open the gym. And while Amanda, a veterinarian, and Jerry, the owner of a design and construction company, might have been in for a steep climb when they decided to start Vertical Horizons, it was their own dedication to the sport and their ability to recognize the opportunity that gave them the confidence to begin. “We’re the only indoor climbing gym in the area, and the sport of rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. It will actually be part of the 2020 Olympics,” Jerry explains.
Fortunately for those who come to Vertical Horizons, it doesn’t take Olympic-level skill to enjoy the climb, and Jerry and his staff have the experience needed to help even the most novice of climbers. “We encourage everyone to come out to the gym. We have a wonderful staff that is excited to introduce the sport of climbing to anyone that comes in, and our experienced instructors offer classes for beginning to advanced climbers,” Jerry says. A combined forty-plus years of climbing between them, Jerry and his right hand, Amanda, instruct climbers at the gym and literally show them the ropes, giving them the confidence to begin and the support they need to make it to the top—regardless of their age or ability.
“We have several people in their sixties who started climbing with us and have told us that learning how to climb has made them feel younger and braver. It’s amazing to see that and to be a part of that,” says Jerry. And they’re making an impact on kids, as well. “We have kids who get so excited when they make it to the top and are amazed that they did—it shows them what they can accomplish when they make a goal for themselves and have someone believe in them, and that’s really important.”
Confidence boosts aside, the benefits of climbing are many. “There are tons of health benefits to climbing,” says Jerry. “It keeps the mind and the body sharp and in top form. We have a lot of members who use climbing as a way to get into shape by providing a fun, alternative method of cardio and strength training.”
“One of the best things about climbing is the mental aspect of it. It’s like working a puzzle sometimes or solving a mystery,” adds Amanda, who personally loves such an intellectually stimulating challenge. “You have to figure out how to get your body in the right positions to get to the next handhold, so it’s not simply about the physicality of it—which is great because it’s a total body workout, so you’re getting cardio and strength training. At the same time, you’re having to think each time you move to get to the next step and to get to the top. I love the problem-solving aspect of climbing.”
And for anyone who would love to take the thrill of the climb outdoors, the gym has plans for working with them, as well. “We plan on taking groups from the gym outdoors so that they can apply the skills they learned here and put them to use on the rocks,” says Jerry. “It will also give them an opportunity to be outside with family and friends and to see the beauty that Arkansas has to offer.”
Beginner or master, it’s seeing the excitement of their climbers as they tackle their next challenge, making it just a little bit higher or climbing just a little bit faster that has been the Barnett’s greatest reward in opening the gym. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the smiles on everyone’s faces, both when they walk in and when they leave,” says Amanda. And though not every move may be a success, making the effort to tackle the challenge of climbing to the top is the most important thing; and Vertical Horizons is definitely tackling the challenge.
Vertical Horizons Climbing Gym
3625 S. 91st Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas
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