The climbing wall has grabbed the attention of students wanting to try it for the first time. You may have seen videos surfacing of students climbing in unusual places, like their dorm rooms. But you may ask, what is grabbing their attention?

And the answer to that is Alex Honnold.

He most recently climbed the Taipei Tower in Taiwan, creating an increase in curiosity for the hobby. The climbing wall is jumping into that curiosity, with open arms.

“Honestly, it’s a really good way to blow off steam,” said Ciaran Brady. “It’s a good break from homework.”

Not only does the climbing wall provide a bouldering style of climbing, but it also provides top roping

“When we have new climbers come in, we’ll go through how to rock climb, what the rules are and the different types of climbing we offer,” said Nathaniel Wrobel, an Outdoor Recreation Supervisor.

and the regulars are thrilled to see new faces at the wall, expanding the community within

“I’ve met so many good friends, I’m likely to meet more,” stated John Bordenave, “I mean, you never know what meeting a new person can bring to your life.”

The outdoor UREC staff ensures that new and old faces at the wall will have a good time, and that they are happy to see the increased interest in climbing altogether.

Coordinator of Outdoor Recreation Operations Keenan Havey loves to see everyone who comes to the wall. He believes it’s a way to show that “grass grows where you water it.”