Get Vertical!

When I think of the word "serendipity," I can't help but think of John Cusack chasing through New York on a whim in search of a book. Life happened in that movie, and he chose to chase a random encounter with an unlikely outcome. It was serendipity. Although it isn't a romantic tale, fate stepped in and changed the course of Jason's future -for the better, that is. At eighteen, he found himself climbing in the newly opened gym of Vertically Inclined, pondering who he was going to shadow for "Career Day" at school. A friend sugggested he work at the gym for the day, and twenty years later he can still be found there; although now, he is running the show now.

Serendipity is when life happens. At Vertically Inclined, life happens there. On any given weekday, classes of kids in various age groups can be found learning the ropes of it all. Parents can be seen snuggled on the couch with younger siblings, helping them do homework as they wait for their turn. Older members are seated at the tables, discussing different routes and techniques as they take a break between sets. The gym buzzes with a calm and strong energy, much like a family home. That's what this places feels like: home. It's a small community of people each come into with their own experiences and for their own reasons, to work on the same puzzle: how to get vertical. Those bouldering, below, respect those top roping, above. Walkers beneath the lead wall respect the ones reaching for the next draw on the over-hang. All are watching eachother, holding their breath in anticipation of the next move, cheering them on. Each member knows he or she can learn something from the next. Respect for the sport teaches respect for each other. No climber is too young to show you a new trick; no climber is too old to beat you up the wall. Jason and hi

s team have created such a culture, that as soon as you are immersed in it, you do not want to leave.

I had the pleasure of spending some time at Vertically Inclined, along with many of my friends. I have many years of climbing behind me, but there was every level of climber in our group. Some were nervous; some were excited; I was hoping it would be like riding a bike. It's been five years since I last climbed -five years living in Alberta. I ached to get back on the wall. Anyone who comes in to begin climbing is given a small introduction by the friendly, and knowledgable staff. Despite my history of climbing and coaching, I had to go through the very basics, once again. It's for my own safety. Everyone started out shy at first: choosing the easier routes and taking it slow to the top. Then it happened, as if someone flipped a switch: there were smiles on all faces and our group was all over the gym. As we attempted harder routes, we would gather together to cheer each other on and shout pointers for holds from below. Our muscles began to ache, but the joy of racing to the top kept us move forward -or rather, up. It was fun.

Two of my friends decided to look at the

night as a date. It was something out of the norm for them, if not entirely out of their comfort zone. At the end of the night, however, they had the biggest smiles of their faces. They had spent the evening challenging themselves on every wall and, even, the climbing ladder! They had fun. The fun comes from solving the puzzle, working with others, exhausting yourself in the dream of accomplishing a challenge. And, it is an accomplishment. It's reminiscent of childhood days climbing a tree with abandon. It's a rush.

I love to climb. I want to put Moose and Boo into the classes when they are old enough. I know it will teach them values that I, too follow in my life: patience, persistence, and mental strengh. Climbing is a workout that requires, both, physical and mental strength. You are challenged by the route. Your body is challenged as each limb pushes you further to the top. It is a dance up, across, and down the wall. It is beautiful. Karl keeps asking me if we can go back. I want to. I want it to become something that our family does, together. And at Vertically Inclined, it is accessible to anyone willing to learn.