Photo Contributed by Andrea Leigh Ptak
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A good way to get your hands those first calluses is to take one of REI’s “Climbing 101” classes on The Pinnacle at the organization’s flagship store in Seattle. REI members pay a $25 fee for the 2 ½-hour class—held most Monday evenings—that includes equipment rental and instruction by members of the store’s climbing staff. A special women-only class is offered once a month, as is an advanced class, “Climbing 102.” There’s also a “Kids’ Climb” class on Sundays from 5:30–7:00pm for ages 8 to 14. The advantage to this approach is the ability to practice your new-found skills on the Pinnacle during its open hours. REI provides “belay slaves” so you don’t even need to drag a friend along.
If those options don’t work into your schedule or hold much appeal, consider taking classes at one of the area’s climbing gyms. Seattle boasts two gyms—though they are both located in the Ballard area—Stone Gardens and Vertical World which has three other locations (Everett, Bremerton and Redmond). Tacoma also has a gym, Edgeworks Climbing, as does Olympia, Warehouse Rock Gym. If you live a bit north of the city, Everett has one called Cascade Crags. All offer an extensive list of classes at comparable rates for climbers of all levels.
The gym option has its advantages; weather won’t be a factor, and the variety of class offerings and times give more scheduling options. And, there will be the opportunity to continue instruction if you decide that rock climbing is the thing for you. However, as with all gyms, there will be some pressure to purchase a membership—that can be pricey. Short-term plans are available if you’re not ready to commit long-term. Though both gyms may look similar to the untrained eye, Stone Gardens is more known for its bouldering routes (lower, more strength-intensive climbing without rope), and Vertical World for its roped routes.
All of the gyms provide gear for class members, and offer rental equipment for climbing outside of class time. If you decide to join, you’ll want to invest in at least the minimum gear of shoes, chalk bag, and a harness ($150-300). The gyms all have gear for sale, as well as REI, or specialty sporting good stores like Marmot Mountain Works (Bellevue and Tacoma). It’s best to buy from someone who can make sure you’re getting a good fit.
Basic Rock Instruction Contact Information
Mountaineers
300 3rd Ave. W
Seattle, WA 98119
206.284-8484
800.573-8484
Website
Stone Gardens
2839 N.W. Market St.
Seattle, WA 98107
206.781.9828
Website
Seattle Vertical World
2123 W. Elmore Street
Seattle, WA 98199
206.283.4497
Website
REI - Seattle Flagship Store
222 Yale Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
206.223.1944
888.873.1938
Website
South Bellevue Community Center
14509 S.E. Newport Way
P.O. Box 90012
Bellevue, WA 98009
425.452.4240
Website
Edgeworks–Climbing
6102 North 9th St. Suite 200
Tacoma, WA 98406
253.564.4899
Website
Warehouse Rock Gym
315 Jefferson St. NE
Olympia, WA 98501
360.596.9255
Website
