Bouldering excursion teaches teamwork
First O-Rec excursion of its type tested physical, mental abilities
Courtney Stein
Issue date: 11/20/09 Section: Scene
Sunday morning, eight students set off for Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for Outdoor Recreation's (O-Rec) first-ever bouldering excursion. Amidst cacti clusters, faded green shrubbery and sprawling, low-rise trees, participants scaled challenging yet novice-friendly rocks at this Fredericksburg getaway.
"I feel like we have a bunch of different levels of expertise in this, and yet everyone has been helping each other out through the entire thing," said sophomore Hannah Schweitzer, a first-time climber. "Even if you don't succeed, you still got people supporting you through it."
First Year Andre Boudreaux also felt the sense of communal support. While not a first-time climber, Boudreaux was still able to claim a new experience. He had never bouldered without a harness before.
"I didn't know what I was getting into at first, but it's been fun," Boudreaux said. "I've enjoyed meeting a lot of new people."
Boudreaux and his rock-climbing peers tested both their physical and mental abilities, using their arms and legs to hang onto the boulders while plotting where to place their hands and feet next. Inconspicuous handholds and footholds often made strategizing difficult and trial-and-error mandatory.
Crash pads and constant peer-on-peer spotting ensured that no climber walked away from the experience injured. Trained in wilderness first-aid, Sophomore Jessa Hutchins and her co-leader, Senior Oliver Brady, were well prepared for any emergency.
After a full day in the sun, the climbers arrived back on campus around 7:20 p.m. to claim their free O-Rec T-shirts. Upon their leaving the O-Rec office, Brady proposed another bouldering trip for next year - an idea met with much fervor all around.
"I think we can all agree that it was one of the most magical and beautiful days of our entire lives," Brady said. "We climbed some very geologic rocks."
On November 25, O-Rec will hit the trails of Palo Duro Canyon State Park for four days of backpacking in the panhandle. The cost is $135. Those interested may sign up between now and Tuesday by calling (210) 999-8236 or stopping by the Intramural Office in room 303 of the Bell Athletic Center.
"I feel like we have a bunch of different levels of expertise in this, and yet everyone has been helping each other out through the entire thing," said sophomore Hannah Schweitzer, a first-time climber. "Even if you don't succeed, you still got people supporting you through it."
First Year Andre Boudreaux also felt the sense of communal support. While not a first-time climber, Boudreaux was still able to claim a new experience. He had never bouldered without a harness before.
"I didn't know what I was getting into at first, but it's been fun," Boudreaux said. "I've enjoyed meeting a lot of new people."
Boudreaux and his rock-climbing peers tested both their physical and mental abilities, using their arms and legs to hang onto the boulders while plotting where to place their hands and feet next. Inconspicuous handholds and footholds often made strategizing difficult and trial-and-error mandatory.
Crash pads and constant peer-on-peer spotting ensured that no climber walked away from the experience injured. Trained in wilderness first-aid, Sophomore Jessa Hutchins and her co-leader, Senior Oliver Brady, were well prepared for any emergency.
After a full day in the sun, the climbers arrived back on campus around 7:20 p.m. to claim their free O-Rec T-shirts. Upon their leaving the O-Rec office, Brady proposed another bouldering trip for next year - an idea met with much fervor all around.
"I think we can all agree that it was one of the most magical and beautiful days of our entire lives," Brady said. "We climbed some very geologic rocks."
On November 25, O-Rec will hit the trails of Palo Duro Canyon State Park for four days of backpacking in the panhandle. The cost is $135. Those interested may sign up between now and Tuesday by calling (210) 999-8236 or stopping by the Intramural Office in room 303 of the Bell Athletic Center.
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posted 11/26/09 @ 8:21 PM CST
It is very interesting article!
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posted 12/03/09 @ 12:16 AM CST
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for Outdoor Recreation's first-ever bouldering excursion was very interesting.
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