Climbing Higher

From the synthetic holds in city centers to natural limestone in state parks, rock climbing is finding its roots across the United States and abroad. As rock climbing steps into the spotlight with theatrical documentaries, such as Free Solo and Dawn Wall, local climbers touch on why the sport matters why it’s community is growing in Appalachia.

The Climbing Higher page is an interactive multimedia piece that follows the Ohio University’s Rec 1080 - Intro to Rock Climbing class on their first three outdoor climbs. Click on the “Witches Hill” picture to begin, then follow the story along.

Witches Hill - Pausing the Adrenaline

Lake Vesuvius - Strapping In

Hocking Hills - Vertical Growth in Appalachia

Header photos from a restored Polaroid SX-70, the company’s first edition of the instant camera.

“You learn way more from failure.”

- Ted Welser

Of all the strange things to keep your attic, a climbing gym has to be one of the most interesting. Ted Welser, of Athens, Ohio, initially renovated the space above his garage as a place for his children to learn to climb. Now he opens it up to the climbing community in Athens through Climb Athens, a community organization dedicated to growth of the sport. Welser touches on the climbing culture in Athens and it’s values below.