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ADVENTURE SPORT >> ROCK CLIMBING
A climber belays, or holds the rope for another climber, at Sun Country. Instructors are available to teach visitors who have never climbed before.
Climbing in Gainesville Climbing spots in town are limited, but several options still exist. For those looking to climb indoors, or to compete on a team, Sun Country Sports Center is a good place to go, Meyer said.
now practices there too. Jordan Robitaille grew up in Gainesville, participating with the GRG youth team and eventually working as a coach before GRG closed. Competitions are great ways to get involved in the sport and to make friends with other climbers, he said.
UF students, staff and faculty (and their guests) are allowed free access to the 55-foot tall wall on the south shore of Lake Wauburg. The facility features a variety of sports, including fencing, gymnastics and martial arts. While climbers must share the area with other activities, Sun Country still offers more than 2,500 square feet of climbing space. It also hosts climbing teams for various age groups. Sun Country has a team, but since the Gainesville Rock Gym is closed, its team 22 |
OUR TOWN MAGAZINE
JULY/AUGUST 2016
“Everyone there is spotting each other and helping them work through routes,� he said. Several members of the local climbing community have even created their own climbing spots. For example, Meyer and her friend installed a hangboard in her house. This board simulates a rock wall, with different sized pockets and depths so that people