Ever tried rock climbing? It's a great sport once you get the hang of it - the thrill of gripping the holds by your fingertips and the exhilaration you get from completing a route. Personally, I've never taken to an actual rock face before, so indoor climbing gyms offer an alternative that is available regardless the weather.
The front area of the gym
Formerly known as Boulderzone,
Adelaide's Bouldering Club in Thebarton is one such gym. The location's a bit hidden away, but it's quiet and there's a good amount of parking space if you're driving. As a student who relies on public transport, I took the 287 bus from North Terrace and got off at Stop 5B. The gym's just a two minute walk from there.
Bouldering does not require a harness, or any kind of ropes. Once you're at the top, just jump onto the mattress below.
You shouldn't worry if it's your first time climbing, as the staff are helpful and will happily assist you with 'problems' (routes). Kids are welcome to climb as well, though I'm not sure about the pricing for that. If you're a beginner, it's good to go with a group of friends. My second time visiting was in a group of ten or so people; there should be enough space for a group unless there is an unusually large amount of climbers present on that day.
It's more fun to climb with friends
Experienced climbers will definitely have a lot of problems to solve on the wall as well. There are many levels of difficulty offered here, ranging from 'Very Easy' to 'Don't Bother'. Keep in mind that the easiest routes are challenging too. Routes are set in a way that you must follow a certain chalk colour on the holds, which I found a bit confusing, but eventually you'll get used to it.
It's good to wear clothes that you can move around in for this, like t-shirts and track pants. You're allowed to wear your own sports shoes here (I know other gyms won't allow you to), but I feel that it would be best if they are reasonably slim shoes, and not the bulky kind you go jogging with. Whatever it is, climbing shoe rental is only three dollars, which I think is reasonable.
The entrance to Adelaide's Bouldering Club
Entry is $15 for a day, while regular climbers can pay $75 a month. If you're a member of the
UniSA Rock Climbing Club,
Adelaide University Mountain Club or
Climbing Club of South Australia, you can get a day's entry for $12.
Adelaide's Bouldering Club is a great way to spend a Saturday with friends, or to work on your climbing skills in the evenings after a weekday's work. If you're looking to climb on Sundays, check the Facebook page first, as they only open then when it rains.
