 Wed, Aug 22, 2007 08:16 PM
| |
| |
| |
 | 
2007-08-02  FORSYTH HERALD | Climbers get it all at Adrenaline Climbing
Adventure training made to order
|
| | by Kristen Berry | |  |
| | 
|  |
| |  | | 
| | | (Kristen Berry/HERALD) - Climbers rappel a rock wall at Adrenaline Climbing. | |
August 06, 2007
At Adrenaline Climbing in Suwanee, the climb to the top is not only the means but the end.
Adrenaline Climbing has 25-foot walls, 70-foot roof routes, a top-out boulder island and two rappel stations to challenge climbers of all levels to reach new heights. The facility provides a place to train for experienced and novice climbers by replacing and rotating climbing routes every six to 12 weeks.
That means climbers can look forward to new challenges on the rocks after they have mastered a desired level. Climbing isn't just for seasoned athletes, it can be a great way to build strength and get in shape.
"Climbing develops focus and concentration, problem solving skills and spatial awareness while simultaneously providing a full body workout," said Brad Johanson- Smith, owner and route manager.
|
|
'It's like you just walked into the Grand Canyon with convenient handles all over the place.'
JARED ZIEGENBEIN
Climber |
|
| | | |
The facility also has a pull-up bar with hanging "pump rocks" and inversion boots designed to gives the abs an effective workout. Little ones enjoy flying down the 22 ft. slide, built with them in mind.
Walking into Adrenaline is like walking into a giant cave with different colored holds to grip onto and start exploring.
"It's like you just walked into the Grand Canyon with convenient handles all over the place," said Jared Ziegenbein who has been climbing for three years.
Husband and wife team, and Adrenaline owners, Brad and Trey Johanson Smith are forever crafting boulder problems from the simplest to most challenging levels. They also maintain a variety of extra holds on bouldering areas so that climbers can come up with their own unique challenges.
New climbers are guided through climbing basics until they feel comfortable enough to give it a try. Climbers are taught how to belay, or control the rope to which a climber is attached, and even the most novice climbers seem to catch on pretty quickly.
"I was scared at first, especially because the person I was belaying was heavier than me. I thought I would be lifted off the ground. But that didn't happen, and I got used to belaying by the second time I tried it," said Joe Berry who climbs frequently.
Climbers are provided with everything they need to get started and one of the easiest ways to begin a day on the rocks is through a one-hour "Get a Grip" climbing session.
A coach can handle the ropes while offering encouraging advice and instruction to timid climbers.
"Climbing exercises the body and mind. We have helped climbers conquer their fear of heights, transformed unathletic kids into confident climbing all-stars and even helped kids with ADD do better in school by teaching them how to concentrate." Said Brad Johanson-Smith.
His calm coaching demeanor seems to put first time climbers at ease. A "Youth Ascenders" program led by Trey Johanson-Smith teaches life lessons through climbing and Smith also coaches Team Adrenaline, the competitive youth team.
Boy Scouts can work for their climbing merit badge through Smith since she also happens to be a Certified BSA Outdoor Climbing Instructor.
Whether it's a birthday party or a serious training session for advanced climbers, Adrenaline has it all, from climbing gear and high-level bouldering challenges to intense roof climbing.
When it's time to take a break, spend a few minutes with "Cliff" the dog who seems to love entertaining the guests when he's not rolling around on the floor under the 6,000-square-foot amphitheater/cave.
For information on Adrenaline Climbing call 770-271-1390 or visit adrenalineclimbing.com.
| |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
