I got my belay on for the first time at the Outing Centre’s indoor rock climbing trip to Vertical Endeavors last Thursday.

When we arrived at Vertical Endeavors, located in Warrenville, the Outing Centre’s trip leaders advised me to keep my harness tight around my thighs and waist. Though this seemed slightly uncomfortable at first, it was good advice, since the main items holding me up were the belay rope and harness. The snug climbing shoes also took some getting used to, though as I was told by our trip leader, senior physical education major Josh Franklin, the shoes made climbing easier and safer.

All participants and trip leaders were trained on the auto-belays, which are the automatic ropes that attach to your harness and the ceiling. Since I am a beginner and have only climbed once back in sixth grade, I decided to try the auto-belays first.

At first, I was nervous about how to descend from the wall. Eventually, I learned how to guide myself down the wall without spinning or swinging the rope, hitting other people or hurting myself.

While climbing, I could feel my arm, hand and leg muscles growing stronger. After about four hours of climbing, I felt I had accomplished a lot and got a great workout.

Throughout the night, I used the auto-belays and also decided to try the other side of the gym, which required someone to do the belaying for me, using a device attached to their harness. All three of the Outing Centre’s trip leaders were helpful and taught me how to tie a figure-eight knot and a fisherman’s knot on the rope, which connects to your harness.

Meggie Olson, a sophomore art education major and trip leader, said the figure-eight knot is the most important since it secures you to your harness. Tim Crichton, a senior finance major and student manager at the Outing Centre, also taught me the proper commands used in climbing.

The trip was a lot of fun, and I was surprised at how far I pushed myself to continue climbing the walls for the entire time.