Conquering the height of a challenge

VietNamNet Bridge – Recreational climbing, a popular sport worldwide, is loved by passionate adventurers and now it is also a safe, healthy and fun activity for families, groups of friends, companies, schools and universities and individuals to keep fit, build communication and teamwork skills and defeat a fear of height. The sport is suitable for anyone older than three. Anyone interested in indoor activities can visit X-rock Climbing Club at Phan Dinh Phung Indoor Stadium in HCMC’s District 3 to conquer a manmade mountain.

Everyday, the club is busy with “amateur athletes”, both foreigners and locals. Applause is awarded to everyone who conquers the mountain quickly and gracefully.

Kenneth Bruce Fudge, a businessman from Canada, established the X-rock Climbing Company and built a 22-meter concrete wall at Binh Trung Supermarket in HCMC’s District 7 some years ago. The wall enticed a lot of foreigners in the city but did not gain much attention from locals.

This trend has changed. Indoor rock climbing seems to excite more and more Vietnamese thanks to its attraction and usefulness as climbing builds strength, flexibility, balance and control, said Fudge. He said the sport especially gave climbers the experience of conquering a challenge and a fear.

To meet the increasing demand for the activity, the Phan Dinh Phung Indoor Stadium will open a new facility with a 16 meter high climbing wall and ropes.

Climbing commands a total focus on the task at hand and toes. Each move drives away distractions and provides a release from the stresses of the daily grind. This method of learning increases self-esteem, confidence, leadership and decision making skills. To maximize these benefits, the club often hosts camps or birthday parties for children to make them more active.

The challenges are infinite but the climber has so much fun that he forgets it’s also a rigorous workout from head to toe.

For further information about costs and equipment, contact X-rock Climbing Company at Phan Dinh Phung Indoor Stadium, 75 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Ward 6, District 3, HCMC.

VietNamNet/SGT