Rock climbing is on the rise, and when you give it a go, it’s clear to see why the sport has attracted so much attention recently.

The idea of climbing gyms is pretty recent with the first climbing gym made in 1987.

At first climbing gyms were seen as a way for the athletes to train while off season but now they have developed into a sport of their own.

Rock climbing is a sport for people of all ages, gender and abilities. I asked different climbers in York their opinions on the sport.

Molly Banks (20 years old)

Since the age of nine, Molly has been climbing, she first started climbing because of her older cousin. She continued climbing because she found a love for it.

“I was a bit reserved when I was in high school but what got me through the day was knowing I was going climbing after school. Climbing helped me build my confidence.”

Since Molly has been climbing for 11 years she has witnessed the change in the popularity of climbing first hand.

“When I first started the gyms were very quiet, and out of date looking. The sport started picking up but when Covid happened the gyms were very restricted and less people could go. In the last few years climbing has become more popular, climbing gyms have developed to feel more modern and have a larger range of equipment to use.”

Alice (30 years old)

For a lot of people, climbing is a way to improve their mental health.

Alice started climbing in March with her friend because she was in a rough patch in her life.

“I was really struggling mentally and I didn’t feel like I was enjoying life. Climbing was a way for me to get out of the house and do something. Especially on a hard day, climbing helps me feel a sense of accomplishment. I go running as well and I love it but I feel like with climbing I’m not in my own thoughts as much which is really therapeutic. Also I feel like coming to the gym makes me feel less lonely. Even when I’m not engaging with others I’m surrounded by people achieving their own goals it’s great. When I do feel like socialising there is a nice community feel in this place.”

Kevin (61 years old)

Climbing is great fun for anyone. Kevin started regularly climbing at 55 years old after doing a few outdoor climbs with his dad as a child.

“I love climbing because it makes me feel in touch with nature which is a huge passion of mine. I think its great for people because it really helps improve your mental and physical health. Me and my friend climb together and we really enjoy the problem solving and the accomplishment we feel after doing a hard climb.”

Aaron (25 years old)

Aaron works at The Red Goat climbing gym in York. He started climbing in 2020 with his friend as another way to get some fitness into his life.

“I got dragged to climbing one time by my mate and I’ve loved it ever since. I think it’s great because it’s a place for people who don’t particularly like working out or doing a stereotypical gym routine to get some fitness in their life. It’s a fun way of working out and it’s great socially as well. You can come into the gym at any time of day any day of the week and the people are so friendly and helpful. I think some of the reason climbing has become more popular recently because it became an Olympic sport. It’s more recognised as a sport and it really is something for everyone. Climbing doesn’t have to just be a competition it can just be about your own achievements. People of all ages, genders and abilities come here to achieve their personal goals.”

Start climbing now

If you want to start climbing and you live in York then luckily enough there are two gyms in the city.

The Red Goat which is located in Laythorpe charges only £8.50 for a session and offers tutoring.

Freeklime which is located in Clifton Moor charges £9.50 per session or £8.50 for students, under 21s and concession.