Bouldering in Vancouver - Cliffhanger Climbing Gym

Cliffhanger is Vancouver's climbing gym. It is located near Main st. and Terminal st. on the east side.

I am new to the sport and this is the only climbing gym i have ever been to. Looks like a good one.

I wanted to get back in the exercise mode last december. Tried lifting weights but didn't have enough energy for the gym buzz. I'd walk in and walk right out.

I gave indoor climbing a chance. I been going twice per week since. I am not very good at it but hey. Its a good all around exercise. It is an exercise for the mind as well. You get to map a route in your head before you hit the wall.

From what I see at Cliffhanger, people prefer climbing heights with ropes and harnesses vs. bouldering. I tried ropes once. Need gear and a climbing partner. Requires time and a safety test pass. The harness squeezes, outlines and accentuates your crotch. Safety first i guess. I pass.

Bouldering is free climbing on small heights. All you need is climbing shoes and some chalk for your hands. Mats are comfortable to fall on in case you lose your grip.

The way it works is that you have all these holds on the wall, hundreds of them, marked with different colours. You follow a colour from start to end point. Usually, but not always, from bottom to top. Each route is marked anywhere from V0 to V8. V8 is for spiderman i think. I'm able to do a few V2's. Far still from moving onto V3's. At Cliffhanger they change the wall arrangement every 5-6 weeks.

Anyway. I asked to take a few photos today. The gym was empty so my friend Hans took a few of me attempting a red V2.