By Andrew Georgy
Considered by many as one of the most physically and mentally challenging sports in the world, rock climbing is no doubt a difficult hobby. For some people (even in younger generations), climbing 10-15 feet above the ground is an endeavor on its own, but these hurdles never stopped FVHS biology teacher Katrina Brighton from taking up the challenge when she started rock climbing in 2018.
“I think [I started rock climbing] in 2018. My husband’s friends wanted to try a new thing called bouldering, and it was new for us. We went to a climbing gym in Mission Viejo, and that’s where we got started,” Brighton said.
Brighton took a while to get adjusted to the environment of rock climbing; after all, the sport is known for traumatic injuries, especially for newcomers who are quite literally still learning the ropes.
“[One of the hardest things about rock climbing] is getting over the fear of falling and injuries. For example, you shouldn’t put your arms out before you fall so that you don’t break your arm,” Brighton said. “One time, we watched a different climber at the gym fall from the wall and break his arm. So after seeing stuff like that, you get a feeling that you’re not young anymore and that [it’s hard to recover] from a broken arm. ”
Yet, despite the possible dangers, Brighton continued to progressively get better and better at rock climbing. At first, she started only going with her husband when their friends would go out to rock climb. After that, it became a habit to go every week; a year passed, and Brighton eventually bought her own shoes and would go twice a week.
There’s no point in continuing a sport if you’re not enjoying it, and although rock climbing comes with its own set of difficulties, Brighton came to appreciate the little things. For example, meeting new people who also enjoy the sport provides new friendships. Watching more experienced climbers is also an enriching experience.
“The coolest thing is that you meet new people who are really into the sport. Then, it gets really cool watching the more experienced climbers climb because you can see how methodical they are with climbing. Another thing I found exciting was they added climbing to the Olympics, and we were able to get tickets to the men’s and women’s bouldering final,” Brighton said.
As for those who are looking to get into bouldering or rock climbing, Brighton recommends absorbing the experience, don’t worry, and try to save some money!
“Go on one of the days where it’s free to climb here at the Fountain Valley Movement, and bring a friend or buddy along. And don’t be too hard on yourself if it turns out to be really hard!” Brighton said.
