Climbing is a natural thing for humans to do, and that makes it naturally fun. An easy and increasingly popular way to get into all that fun is with indoor climbing.
That’s why Mt Van Hoevenberg’s climbing center has a new name and a fresh look: Hi Notch Indoor Climbing. The new identity reflects the rapid rise of climbing as one of the fastest-growing sports in the world—and one that’s more welcoming and accessible than ever.
At a recent free indoor climbing event at Hi Notch, we discovered that fun is merely the beginning. The evening provided free access to the climbing walls, free climbing shoe rentals, and free learning clinics, plus contests, prizes, and a lot more. It was also a family-friendly event and a perfect introduction for newcomers to the climbing community.
Experienced local climber Ruth Moulton, who brought two boys to the event, summed it up perfectly: “It’s great access for people who are just wanting to get introduced to climbing.”
While climbing was once a niche sport reserved for the wildly adventurous, the indoor version came along and changed all that. And though it began as a way for outdoor climbers to train in the winter months, indoor climbing is now a widely practiced activity and a sport unto itself – one that’s even risen to the Olympic level.
The Benefits
“Indoor climbing is easily a full-body workout,” says Cat Kluchinski, Mt Van Hoevenberg’s Manager of Programs, Attractions, and Experiences. “From your fingertips and your arms to your core and legs, Hi Notch provides a versatile workout experience in a safe, controlled environment for climbers of all levels.”
In addition to the physical benefits, indoor rock climbing offers a wide range of mental and emotional benefits, too, including a decidedly social atmosphere. That makes a facility like Hi Notch more than just a place to climb; it also fosters connections, community, and friendships while offering a unique way to stay active and challenge oneself.
“Climbing even offers a chance to solve problems,” says Cat. “When you’re trying to find the best route to climb. There are different movements and hand or body placements to figure out. Working with someone and trading ideas turns it into it a good community effort.”
A Range of Climbers and Climbing Options
People come to climbing with different perspectives, and climbing also offers different challenges to focus on. Naturally then, people climb for varied reasons. It affords physical and mental well-being but also a sense of adventure, excitement, and feelings of accomplishment. Climbing can be a powerful way to build confidence, and when one feels ready, they can take their sport outdoors to connect with nature in a unique and exhilarating way. Additionally, indoor climbing can be tailored to suit the individual; it can be a simple and straightforward physical challenge or an activity that’s communal and fun – one that can accomplish what a traditional gym environment cannot.
To help in that regard, Hi Notch Indoor Climbing also features different areas for different climbing style options, including bouldering and top roping. One can use the auto-belay system that allows you to climb on your own, or if desired, experienced staff are there to belay you and provide a safe and communal experience.
Says Cat, “Some people feel more secure tied into a rope, so they prefer using our traditional belay areas where you can have someone there specifically for you. That way, if you let go, you’ll just hang and that can give people some more comfort, feeling more secure.”
As a sport, climbing has always been a progressive one, encouraging skill development in addition to the fun. Everything at Hi Notch Indoor Climbing is designed to achieve that intentionally if that’s what a climber is looking for.
“What’s special about Hi Notch,” says Cat, “is we have all different types of levels of people that come here from people who have never touched a climbing wall to others who have been climbing all their lives. We have a really great community space, too. Our newer programs and our evening climbing programs are designed more to serve the community of climbers who live here.”
While daytime hours at Hi Notch tend to see more visitors to the area, the evening sessions offered from 5:00 to 8:00 pm are more of an open gym setting. “We’re a little more hands off than we would be during the day,” says Cat “and that brings in more locals.”
New to Climbing?
First time climbers can easily feel intimidated. That’s natural. Like most new sports, it takes time and a chance to learn techniques before one is truly comfortable doing it.
“Our staff is super friendly,” says Cat. “Everyone is very willing to do what you need to really help you get up on the wall. If you only want to climb five feet into the air, that’s totally OK. Maybe you’ll come back again and get to 10 feet, but everyone is willing to give you tips and help in any way they can to make you feel more comfortable.”
In no time, the friendly crew at Hi Notch will have any beginner feeling at ease on the climbing wall. This is a team who wants everyone who walks through the Hi Notch doors to feel like they not only belong but also have the support they need to achieve their goals.
Says Ruth, “This is a great facility to give climbing a try and see what it’s all about. It’s a very welcoming environment with an excellent, top-notch staff.”
“People are still learning about the space and the opportunities here at Hi Notch,” says Cat. “As the days get shorter we’ll add night climbing hours during the week to provide more opportunity.”
Whether you’re a seasoned climber or ready to give it a go for the first time, Hi Notch offers family-friendly evening climbing as a perfect way to hang out (literally) with the local climbing community.