Rock climbing enthusiasts can sharpen their skills during an indoor and outdoor bouldering trip this weekend, organized by the University of Mississippi’s Ole Miss Outdoors program.
This three-day event is set for Feb. 26-28 in Birmingham, Alabama. Participants, both students and community members, are encouraged to come learn more about how to solve bouldering problems, both inside the gym and outside on the rock.
The event begins in the First Avenue Rocks climbing gym, and participants then will take what they learned and apply it in a more natural setting at Moss Rock Preserve. No previous climbing experience is necessary for this trip, as leaders will be available to teach individuals all they need to know.
“It may sound a little intimidating for someone who has never tried it – or maybe even heard of it – but I have never come across a participant who hasn’t fallen in love with it after they just give it a chance,” said Katherine Westfall, graduate assistant for Ole Miss Outdoors. “We have specifically designed the trip for all experience levels, including those at zero, by starting in the gym and then heading outside once basic skills have been mastered.”
The trip costs $120 for students and $125 for community members. Included in that fee are transportation, camping fees and gear, climbing gym fees and gear, bouldering instruction, and food.
Anyone interested in attending this event can register at Ole Miss Outdoors, Turner Center, Room 110, or email olemissoutdoors@gmail.com for more information. Registration closes at 6 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 25).