American Alpine Institute

 

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Larry G.

Silver Spring, MD

American Alpine Institute offers classes in rock climbing (you know, with ropes and harnesses and all that good stuff.). No prior experience is required. Of all the outdoor things I've done in the Las Vegas area, rock climbing was the most exciting. Do it!

During one of my trips to Las Vegas, I went bungy jumping, sky diving, and rock climbing.  I thought sky diving would be the highlight of my trip - or maybe bungy jumping.  I was wrong.  I'm not sure how to convey just how great rock climbing is.  DO IT!!!!!!!!!!

I chose an introductory tour.  I had never tried rock climbing before, either indoors or outdoors, and this is the course designed for such folk.  If you choose a half day course (which is getting harder to find), a good part of the course involves a discussion of rock climbing techniques, practicing climbing techniques, and talks about safety.  For the last bit, you get to try actual rock climbing.  A full day course provides a lot more climbing time, but this can be exhausting for a first timer.  The company provides the proper gear (special climbing shoes; harness; helmet; rope; etc).  My instructor chose an area that seemed to be straight up.  I know, I know, it wasn't, but it was actually pretty close.  It was 110 feet up, and while standing about five feet from the rock face, I could see my instructor the entire time he was climbing up the rock face.  Then it was my turn.  I was securely tied to a rope, so I couldn't fall more than a few inches, but it was up to me to use my hands and feet to climb this sucker.  At the beginning I was convinced I wouldn't be able to do it.  I won't go into details, but somehow I made it.  This is SO much better than something like sky diving.  Instead of just a few seconds of fright, followed by a passive experience, you get an incredible adrenaline rush that lasts and lasts, and it's dependent upon your own abilities the entire time.  At the end, there's this great feeling of satisfaction was well.

Rock climbing is strenuous, scary, and incredibly exciting - and this from someone who was afraid of heights not too long ago.  I highly recommend it, but make sure to get a good instructor.  The last time I went, I used American Alpine Institute.  My instructor was very good, spending lots of time on basics and on safety.  He also put me through the wringer, which is what I wanted.  I was able to complete some climbs, but not others; by the time I cried uncle, my arms were trembling so much I had trouble controlling them.  I got to find out just how much I could do.  I can't wait to go back.  A note about trembling arms:  this is an indication I was doing things all wrong; "use your legs, not your arms".  I've heard from more than one person that women, who have less upper body strength than men, usually learn faster than men, presumably because they have less opportunity to do things the wrong way.

AAI's web site is a little confusing, as they offer rock climbing in different locations, according to season.  There's no summer climbing at Red Rock, as you would literally burn your hands on the stone.  Search for "Programs by Location" - Nevada, and you'll find something for Red Rock Canyon.

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