Angelica Haggert
Looking up , it looked a lot taller than 17 feet . Sure , the floor was squishy , well-padded . But really - they wanted me to climb up this wall without a rope or a harness ?
It took a few deep breaths , but I grabbed onto the first couple holds and started upward , while the owner of the Windsor Rock Gym and the few friends I ’ d dragged along with me cheered on .
Opened Summer 2016 , and located in an unassuming corner of Walker Road plaza , Windsor Rock Gym has been packed the couple times I have made it in . You find all types - children , rookies and veterans alike - climbing the walls and applauding strangers when they make it to the top . One of owner Marco Fiori ’ s main goals in opening WRG was to create a community-minded atmosphere , along with introducing the sport to the area .
“ It ’ s really created its own community , its own family here in the city ,” said Fiori . “ People who enjoy climbing think alike , everyone gets along here .”
Windsor-Essex was home to a rock-climbing gym that closed more than 10 years ago .
“ It was either I build a wall in my basement , or I find a place to build one in the city ,” said Fiori . “ We ’ ve been open for five months now , with a ton of interest from the community .”
Giorgio Baggi had always been interested in climbing , but had nowhere in the city to do it . Working as a postdoctoral student at the University of Windsor , finding time to get to climbing areas for the weekend was tough .
“ As soon as I heard about a rock climbing gym coming to Windsor , I immediately looked for information on it . I had my membership during the pre-sale , before the WRG was even open ,” said Baggi .
“ WRG opened right when I was looking for a new workout routine , one that would challenge my body and my mind . I conveniently had a friend interested in climbing too , and now we ’ ve been coming consistently .”
Different from previous gyms in the area , WRG is a bouldering gym , with walls shorter than 17 feet high . Climbers ’ goals are to climb shorter , trickier routes , rather than just going up .
“ Bouldering requires balance , coordination , and strength ,” said Fiori . “ There are no harnesses like traditional rock climbing .”
It ’ s not the physical aspect that Baggi loves most about WRG .
“ The mental standpoint is often overlooked . Climbing teaches focus , determination and dedication ,” said Baggi . “ Beyond that , the community that has been created at WRG is beautiful . Climbers of all levels are friendly and always willing to give their advice . What Marco ( Fiori ) has done at WRG is instill his passion for climbing in everyone who steps foot in the place .”
WRG recently held its first competition , with more than 50 competitors climbing as many routes as they could in three hours . The event sold out quickly , showing Fiori how important the climbing opportunity is to the area .
“ It was an entirely local roster for the competition ,” said Fiori . “ We had planned to advertise in London and GTA gyms , but we ended up not needing to .”
Fiori ’ s development plans include expanding bouldering walls to the lobby area at WRG , and higher walls that require harnesses for outdoors in better weather . WRG also has a mobile wall , featured at Open Streets in 2016 .
Where are you exploring this autumn ? Tell us about it ! Use the tag # ExploringMatters on Facebook and Twitter to let us know !
8 The HUB -February 2017