SLCC student Rachael Mackay reaches for her next handhold.
Andraya Cortez has her sights set on law school, but until
then she’s conquering a few fears, like her fright of heights. What better way
to do that than enroll in a climbing class at Salt Lake Community College?
Cortez, 22, worried a lot at first about the integrity of
foot holds or reliability of her harness. She started slow with bouldering and
worked her way up to scaling high walls that require ropes to safely ascend and
descend. Her fears have diminished with each climb. “I sweat a lot,” she says.
“I work out really hard, and then I go home sore. But I feel great because I
did a good job.”
The Front's David Farkas offers advice to SLCC student Andraya Cortez.
Cortez and more than 30 other SLCC students are signed up
this summer for climbing classes at The Front in Salt Lake City. The college
also offers the same courses through Momentum in Sandy and the Dimple Dell
Recreation Center. Students receive one credit for successful completion of the
class, which for many fulfills a degree requirement through the college’s Lifelong
Wellness program.
David Farkas, The Front’s adult program manager, and other
staffers take students through the different stages of learning how to climb.
Bouldering. How to tie a knot for belaying. Top roping. The best, most
efficient ways to move and place hands or feet. “You don’t have to be a strong
person,” says Farkas. “But you need to know how to use the strength you have
efficiently.”
Farkas is encouraged that SLCC offers Rock Climbing 1 and 2
so that more people in a community where climbing is popular can learn the
correct movement and technical skills to remain safe while doing what they
love. “A little knowledge can be dangerous,” he says about trying to casually
learn through friends. “I applaud the college for joining with us in giving
people the chance to move safely the first time around.”
SLCC students tackle a high wall during climbing class.
Henrick Papritz is taking some cool classes at SLCC, like
Intro to Nanotechnology, but so far nothing like climbing. The future astronaut
– at least that’s his dream – had only climbed a few times prior to the class
at The Front. “I really liked it,” says Papritz, 19. “So, this just sounded
fun. And it’s awesome.”
Alec Anderson could no longer afford to attend a four-year
university when he enrolled at SLCC, where he is completing his general
education courses before transferring to Brigham Young University – he might
major in computer science or game development. The 23-year-old has developed
some tendonitis in his elbows from the class, but so far, he says, it’s been
worth it.
SLCC students take time for a little bouldering without ropes.
