In 1997 a rock climbing wall was installed in the Student Recreation Center. Since then, avid climbers have been eager to have a new wall to scale. That new wall has arrived. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the wall was held on October 8. Vice Chancellor Jake Poole cut the ribbon, opening the wall for climbers.

The new climbing wall was finally brought to UAF through the combined efforts of the Alaska Alpine Club and other organizations, such as the SRC Board and the student government, according to Mark Oldmixon of Outdoor Adventures. The wall has a little something for all climbers. There are parts for beginners and space for the more advanced climbers.

The wall cost around $160,000 and of that, the Alaska Alpine Club contributed $20,000. To get the new wall, the club went through "a lot of red tape," said Joseph Nichols of the Alaskan Alpine Club. Although completed now, the rock wall is still missing a special flooring which is still not in because of delays at the factory, according to Oldmixon.

The new wall brings "more than just a vertical face; there is more variety" said Oldmixon, this more variety have brought more people to rock climbing. The rock wall’s ability to cater to beginners and to more advanced climbers is something that the old wall could not provide as well.

The Alaska Alpine Club felt this change was a long time coming; they worked for the last ten years to get this new wall. The planning started two years ago and was just now finished because of because of the factory delays. The work was not all for naught: The new wall is currently open, and, as Nichols said, "the additions are amazing." They include a more jutted rock face and a variety of rock faces. According to Nichols, the number of people using it "should increase on average 20 to 30 people at any given time."

Rock climbing is not as hard to get into as it might seem to be. There are rock-climbing classes available here at UAF. Because the wall is new, there is a requirement for new certification. Certification costs only $5 if you are already certified and $10 if you have never been certified. The process takes about an hour and teaches prospective climbers how to tie climbing knots, belay and some rules.

Certification classes give climbers experience in rock climbing which students can use anywhere in the United States. Rock climbing involves both leg and upper-body strength. This gives the climber a great work out as it balances all muscles of the body it is much like yoga and dance in the instance that it requires an understanding about the placement of arms and legs.

Oldmixon said that the rock wall should last about "ten years before they get bored of it and want more." The wall should satisfy the needs of all the climbers. It is open to anyone who has access to the SRC and climbing wall certification.

If you want to keep those holiday pounds off and prevent cabin fever this winter, try rock climbing. Go the SRC to register for certification on the rock wall..