My affair with the climbing wall.
Sean Finan // Crew Writer (any)
Yohahnah Loker // Illustrator (she/her)
Roughly one year ago, I engaged in an affair. This affair has become obsessive. It has caused great monetary loss, physical injury and even caused me to neglect the ones I love the most. My girlfriend even joined me in this affair a few times, as did my friends and family. Every time I start, I feel great. But when I’m done I’m left with my hands trembling, covered in a mysterious white substance. This white substance I am referring to is obviously liquid chalk (magnesium bicarbonate) and the affair I am referring to is, of course, indoor bouldering.
It was a frigid Whistler evening in December 2023 when I thought to myself, “I should probably go workout or something, I’ve been treating my body like a shoe.” So I went to “The Core,” a Whistler staple–a regular gym that doubles as a climbing gym. I didn’t intend to use the climbing facilities there, but since I paid for a drop-in, I thought “Why not?”
This “why not?” led me to an obsession that spanned the entire winter holiday leading to my hands being torn to shreds and my heart being carved open. When I arrived back in Vancouver, I realized that it was hard to stop. So I signed up for a membership at “The Hive.”
Since then, I’ve been inseparable from the wall. It’s simply the best. Half of the time, you hang out, talk to people or relax. And the other half? You embrace your inner primate while solving puzzles and moving your body in ways you’ve never imagined. There is an ancient impulse that takes over when you climb, it’s hard to explain. My question is, between our times as chimpanzees and humans, when and most importantly why did we stop climbing?
I love that the climbing gym is an even playing field. There are few physical indications that can tell you whether or not someone has the juice. No matter your gender, age, size, weight (etc.) you can be an amazing climber. Some of the best climbers in the gym are often children. It’s also quite common for climbers to peak in their 40s and 50s.
The climbing gym is one of the most encouraging places to be. Because everyone is allowed to watch each other climb, strangers often help each other figure out how to maneuver up a route. I was attempting a climb once and Adam DiMarco from Radio Rebel and Season two of White Lotus just so happened to attempt that route at the same time. All we talked about were solutions to the problem. It was a beautiful thing. No matter who you are or where you come from, you can find common ground in the climbing gym.
I’m far from the best bee in The Hive. I’m still working on making my arachnid fingers as strong as they can be, but I’m pretty sure I’ve found a sport that I will continue doing for my entire life. I have seldom been outdoor climbing, but this year I hope to change that and start getting my hands on some real rock.
