The Climbing Wall

With the Opening of the Foote Athletic Centre this past September, Brentwood students gained access to the an amazing feature that very few schools around the world are fortunate enough to have. With eight full-size routes and 10 different bouldering routes, the certified Olympic size climbing wall in our new gym is nicer than most. The wall has a variety of climbs varying from fun easy ones, to very technical, advanced routes. As far as climbing gyms go, this wall has it all! I have been into climbing for a couple years now, and when I heard there was a full size wall being built, I was stoked! It is not often you have a Olympic wall just a three minute walk from your room. The wall is open for students all art blocks on Friday along with Saturday afternoon and some Sundays. This time is for students to get on the wall without having to choose it as a sport. And it is a sport. Thirty students climb on sports days for 90 minutes under the watchful eyes of Mr Jacob Norman and Ms Murray. When it first opened, it was being used regularly by the students who had climbing experience but that was about it. It did receive a lot of attention. Now when you walk by, it is rare that it isn’t full; it is truly a thriving gym!  Climbing is a great way to be active and push your limits. I asked a couple of students why they thought the wall is a great addition to the school: “I think it is a good addition because it allows students to try out something completely new, it also creates a very diverse athletic program” said Jacob H, my little brother, who is in second term climbing.  Having this wall at the school is really something special. It brings a whole new aspect to the sports program. It lets kids explore a whole new way of using their bodies. Climbing is a physical sport, but it is also a mental thing. For many, it is a challenge to stay composed when you are suspended 40+ feet above the ground clinging onto the wall for dear life.  The wall is a great addition to the Brentwood campus as it allows student life to reach new peaks. It gives us another chance to push our limits in a safe and positive environment, and for many to try something completely new! It is also a great place to go spend an afternoon with a friend and blow off some steam. Climbing is a great physical activity, so I believe having a wall at Brentwood is a very important for a healthy community. If you haven’t had a chance to get on the wall, I recommend you do so soon. On belay. Climb when ready!  Noah H, Privett ‘19