Climbing

Climbing is becoming one of the fastest growing sports throughout the world. Featured mostly as an extreme sport, it can be exhilarating. Our climbing facility is open to all ages as wells as climbing abilities. Our facility has designated training areas. At South Metro we offer a variety of classes for young and old alike. We also offer birthday parties as well as group rates. If you are interested in booking your group or a party, please call and speak with a YMCA staff Member.

Please look for climbing schedules, waivers, and birthday party registration in the Download Center.

Climbing Director Lee Vartanian  (Second from left)

Mount Everest Climber Visits South Metro Family YMCA

On May 25, 2001, Erik Weihenmayer became the only blind man in history to reach the summit of the world's highest peak - Mount Everest. And on September 5, 2002, when he stood on top of Mt. Kosciusko in Australia, Weihenmayer completed his 7-year quest to climb the Seven Summits - the highest mountains on each of the seven continents, joining only 100 mountaineers who have accomplished that feat. At age 33, he was also one of the youngest. Additionally, he has scaled El Capitan, a 3300-foot overhanging rock wall in Yosemite; Polar Circus, a 3000-foot ice waterfall in The Canadian Rockies; and a difficult and rarely climbed rock face on 17,000-foot Mt. Kenya.

"He climbs by grabbing a hold, pulling up to it and reaching out in faith that there will be a next hold, when he gets that he repeats. He is so motivating and inspirational, I bought his book and I can't put it down, It's a climbing book yet it's an amazing story of overcoming insurmountable obstacles. It was great talking to him...he is very humble and had such a great sense of humor, I spent most of the time admiring his incredible strength and ability to climb and the rest of the time laughing at the comments he would make. We were very excited to have him here and it was a night I won’t soon forget."    -- Lee Vartanian, South Metro Family YMCA Climbing Director.

In addition to being a world-class athlete, Erik is also the author of the book, Touch the Top of the World, published in ten countries and six languages. According to Publisher's Weekly, Erik's memoir is "moving and adventure packed, Weihenmayer tells his extraordinary story with humor, honesty and vivid detail, and his fortitude and enthusiasm are deeply inspiring." The book was made into a feature film which aired on A&E in June, 2006.

Pictured: Erik Weihenmayer on left, Lee Vartanian, right.

Adventure Climbing Trips

We offer Adventure Climbing Trips for those who want to test their skills outside of the climbing gym. Look for updated Climbing Trip information and prices in the "Download Center".

2007 TESTIMONIAL

"As a Pastor to college-age students, and avid climber, I was blown away by the fact that the experience that we had on this trip and Lee, our guide, far exceeded our expectations! Two members of our group, Sarah Bailey and Aaron Davis, were first-time outdoor climbers and commented how the trip, as a whole, was so much more than they expected. As a result of Lee’s guidance and encouragement, we safely climbed routes that seemed beyond our ability, giving us a great sense of accomplishment. The weather and brilliant fall colors were an added bonus, and our time around the campfire in the evenings was especially memorable. I highly recommend this type of trip to any group that wants to grow closer and stronger together."

Jonathan Cox
Associate Pastor
Northside Church of God
5252 Dunn Av
Jacksonville, Fl 32218

Off the Wall!

The South Metro YMCA has great "off the wall" experiences for everyone ages 5 and up. Learn more about our wide array of climbing classes for all ages by calling or stopping in at the branch!

Come and try our climbing wall today!

Do you want to check out the Extreme Climbing Day Camp?

Click here for info.

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