As owners of Side Street Studio?Sue & Nigel recently decided to take up rock climbing? Really!? We?ve been taking lessons at the Boulders Climbing Gym, a not-for-profit facility adjacent to Stelly?s Secondary School in Central Saanich.? (climbtheboulders.com)? While the facility has existed in some form or another since 1993, it has grown exponentially since first opening to the public in 2005.
Most people think of rock climbing as the sole domain of adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers, and there definitely is a thrill to it!? But indoor climbing turns out to be one of the fastest growing sports in North America, and is appealing to a wide-range of people.? At the Boulders, the clientele ranges from the very young (6 years old, but younger with special permission) to those like us whose bodies are no longer as fit as a spring chicken.? The Boulders hosts a range of programs, from recreational to competitive to therapeutic.? A local lawyer, Chris Considine, did his stroke rehabilitation at the Boulders, and the Boulders hosts a range of other adaptive recreation and therapy program, including autism therapy.? There are also programs for competitive athletes, and the Boulders is now home to some of the top sport climbers in the country.
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In 2011, the Boulders, in conjunction with School District 63, started a climbing academy, allowing youth to explore their passion for climbing in a supportive environment.? Students replace a class each year from grades 9 to 12 with climbing related content.? It is one of the reasons families are moving to Central Saanich from across Western Canada.? This year, two families have moved from Nelson alone, so their children could train at the Boulders (the Nelson climbing gym shut down recently).
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The most recent expansion opened in December 2011, adding 8000 square feet of more climbing space to the facility, complete with a 50 foot by 50 foot door.? This huge door, which is opened on sunny days and for competitions, is one of the reasons that the facility is now considered one of the top venues for competition climbing in the world! ?Competition climbing, you ask?
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Climbing is one of the sports short-listed for a spot in the 2020 Summer Olympic Games.? It is extremely popular in Europe, Asia and South America, and is just starting to catch on in a big way in North America.? The Boulders will be hosting 3 major competitions this year:? Provincial Championships at the end of March, National Championships over the May long weekend, as well as the World Youth Championships from August 15-19 2013.
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This last event is expected to bring between 500 and 600 climbers from over 50 countries, along with over 2000 spectators.? The event organizers at the Boulders are looking for local artisans, food producers and others to establish a marketplace at the venue.? While prices are being finalized, it is likely the cost of being a vendor will be under or around $200 for a ten foot ?by ten foot space, right next to the audience for the duration of the event! ?It is going to be a great way to show off the beautiful South Island to these amazing athletes and their families, friends and coaches. If local artisans wish to join in with this superb event then please email Kimanda at ?kimanda@ascentgr.com
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Want to climb, sponsor an event or find out more?? Visit www.climbtheboulders.com? follow the Boulders on twitter @bouldersclimb or email the Boulders Board Chair, kimanda@ascentgr.com
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Belay on!
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Source: http://blog.sidestreetstudio.com/general-news/probably-the-best-climbing-gym-in-canada/
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