[nfb-talk] Rock Climbing & Adaptive Adventures

[John Heim]

I just wanted to throw out there the idea of taking up rock climbing if 
you're looking for a fun way to get some excersize. Rock climbing is a 
really good sport for blind people because you're hardly at a 
disadvantage when compared to sighted people and it has some really 
interesting aspects that appeal to a blind person. You know how you 
build a 3D map of your surroundings if you're blind? Well, imagine doing 
that with the face of a cliff as you climb it. It's mind blowing. I love 
the challenge of it. It's a great way to test yourself.

I got started rock climbing a couple of years ago with a group called 
Adaptive Adventures. They are based in Colorado but they have chapters 
all over the country. If you're interested in giving it a try, check 
your local indoor rock climbing gym. Indoor rock climbing gyms are 
popping up all over the country. The one in Madison, Wisconsin has a 
clinic for disabled climbers once a month. I did indoor rock climbing 
for about a year before I went on my first trip with Adaptive Adventures.

Every year, Adaptive Adventures takes a group of disabled climbers on a 
trip to Mississippi Palasades State Park in Illinois. The year before 
that, they had an extra trip to Devils Lake State Park in Wisconsin. 
Most of the campers have missing limbs. There were only 2 of us blind 
guys last year. AA supplies food, climbing, and camping equipment if you 
need it. But you probably will have had to have gone to a few of the 
clinics before going on a trip.