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Rock On

By: Tommy Sneider <[email protected]>

When did you begin rock climbing?
I started when I was 10.

How did you get interested in it?
The Galyan’s wall looked really fun, and I decided to try it. I kept on trying it because it was fun, and so I decided to go to a climbing gym.

What is rock climbing like?
It’s really fun when you’re up heights, well, if you like heights. I don’t know. It’s exciting when you’re at the top of the wall and you make it to the top.

Where’s the most exciting place you’ve rock climbed?
Probably Mexico City for a climbing competition. That was two years ago. It was the continental championship and I had to go to all of the different competitions.

Why do you rock climb?
I climb because it’s a great way to stay in shape and it’s a unique sport that not a lot of people do.

How do you train yourself?
I have to go into the climbing gym about four times a week and climb for two hours straight. It’s at Climb Time Towers on 96th Street and Michigan (Avenue).

If you could rock climb anywhere, what would you climb and where?
I would probably climb in Australia because I’ve heard it’s really beautiful there and have also heard it’s a really nice place to climb.

Have you ever fallen?
Yes, I’ve taken a 15-foot fall, but I’m on a rope the whole time, which keeps me safe. No injuries at all.

Do you have any routines that you go through before a big climb?
I have to warm up really well and stretch, then visualize climbing the route.

What’s the most important thing to do before a climb?
Probably warm up because you’re the strongest when you’re already sweating. If you’re not warmed up, you won’t do very well.

What can someone do to get started?
They can go to Climb Time Towers and get a day-pass and see how (they) like it.

Where have you competed?
I’ve competed all over the United States. There are a lot of different competitions all around the States, and I’ve been to most of them.

Do you plan to rock climb in the future?
Yeah, it depends where I go to college. If I’m near an outdoor or indoor climbing spot, I’ll definitely keep on climbing.

What’s your overall goal for the future in rock climbing?
My goal is to place first at Nationals, which will be this summer. I think they will be in California. There are different age groups, with 11 and under, then 12, 13 and so on. I’ve been training for it for a long time, so hopefully I’ll do well.

Is it hard to switch from climbing walls to the real thing?
It’s a really big difference. Indoors it’s a lot easier to score for the competitions, but outdoors it’s a lot more fun.

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