Ledger

Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: News

Ledger staff reporter Daniel Nash scales the Edgeworks rock climbing wall in Tacoma for free. Free UWT student membership at Edgeworks Climbing on North 9th Street will last through June 2008.

While being a student usually comes with added stress and a lack of sleep, it also has its perks. Thanks to University of Washington Tacoma Student Life, students are now able to try out a most impressive hobby-at no charge.

Edgeworks Climbing offers free membership to UWT students through the end of June 2008. Edgeworks is an indoor climbing gym, the first and only full facility climbing gym in Tacoma. Located at 6102 N. 9th Street in Tacoma, the second floor of the gym can be accessed by the obvious stairway, but ambitious climbers also have the option of climbing to the top of one of the two archway structures, then walking across the top to the second floor balcony.

General Manager Tod Bloxham describes climbing as an exciting sport that even the most non-athletic type will fall in love with.
"Young, old, athletic or not, almost anyone can get into this," Bloxham said.

The gym offers several different forms of rock climbing and free equipment rentals for students. Day passes usually run $7-15 and a full rental package costs $8. For UWT students who make repeated visits, the savings are significant.

Bloxham, who has a background in outdoor equipment sales, opened the gym in 2004. He spends Monday through Friday at the gym and loves his job.

"It's a great community. People are very social here. Even if you don't know anyone when you start, people start to become familiar with regular climbers and staff," Bloxham said.

Boulder climbing is a low height climb that involves no equipment except climbing shoes.
Belaying involves the use of ropes and a partner and must be preceded by a basic safety course, which is also offered for free to UWT students.

First time users are also required to read and sign a waiver releasing Edgeworks from liability in case of injury. The gym does feature many protections. The floor of the climbing area is constructed from spring-reinforced carpet and cushions that absorb the impact of a fall. Rock walls with an upward slant have additional cushions to protect from falls in which climbers would likely land on their back.

For the more skilled climber, there is also "leap climbing." Instead of being suspended from a rope, a leap climber attaches his equipment on steel rings while working his way to the top.

Team coach Mike Kimmel says that while climbers typically enjoy climbing outdoors for the ambiance, climbing indoors is a good place to start.

"With indoor climbing, you basically put your shoes on and go. With outdoor climbing there is a lot more safety training involved," Kimmel said.

The main floor of the building provides enough space for all types of climbers with climbing routes and difficulty levels clearly outlined by colored tape.

They also have a weight room and hold yoga and additional climbing classes which are available to students at a discounted rate.
UWT Junior Heather Minella was recently took advantage of the free membership for the first time.

"I've climbed a couple times before but not for a few years. I didn't even know this place was here. This is great," Minnella said.

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