Flock to the Rock brings climbers of all abilities to test themselves with how high they can climb. Adam Fornear, a board member of the Duluth Climbers Coalition (DCC), says when it comes to other sports outdoor climbing stands out, because of the personal achievements people make as climbers push themselves to reach for the top.

“The great thing about climbing, it’s you get to actually climb, it’s an individual sport. You have your person down below, belaying you, keeping you safe. But when it’s you on the wall, it’s just you on the wall. It’s a challenge, you’re pushing yourself and what you achieve is all then achieved by you alone. And that’s a really great feeling. Really empowering sport,” Fornear said. “Climbers that have climbed for years, really good climbers and first-time climbers. Get out and just test it out, get a taste for it.”

People could climb for free at Flock to the Rock at Ely’s Peak. UMD’s Recreation Sports and Outdoor Programs (RSOP) along with the DCC provided plenty of helmets, ropes and other equipment needed so the whole family could climb. Andy Naier with UMD’s RSOP says if you’re new to outdoor climbing make sure to pace yourself.

“I think outdoor climbing uses your brain a little more because you’re looking for places to put your hands, looking for places to put your feet,” Naier said. “Wwhereas indoor climbing is super laid out for you, like, oftentimes the holds are jutting out. So I feel like outdoor climbing has just like pushed like at least myself to be more creative in climbing.”

Naier says she’s afraid of heights, but through outdoor climbing she has been able to grow more confident in her abilities. She also hopes other climbers push themselves to overcome their fear through the outdoor sport.

“Just get out there and climb. it can be intimidating, but it is worth it. I, personally, have a fear of heights. So that is like a huge mental block,” Naier said. “But people are really cool when you climb outside and it’s encouraging and it is fun. And so just push yourself to do hard things.”

Also for our story about the Duluth Climbers Coalition’s Ice and Mixed Climbing at Quarry Park you can read more here.