Rock climbing is reaching new heights in Bellingham, not only as a physical outlet, but as a strong social engagement tool and hidden gem for mental well-being. With Vital’s rope gym on the way at 315 W. Holly St., the expansion of the local climbing scene is on the horizon, offering climbers a new space to grow their skills.
For many, climbing offers a duality of physical exertion and social connection. Western student Alexis Talbert discovered climbing two years ago. She was an avid weightlifter during her first two years at Western before discovering a more engaging community on the rock climbing wall.
“You can meet so many new people,” Talbert said. “And I’ve never met a bad person here, honestly.”
Beyond shared encouragement, climbing offers significant individual mental benefits.
Ethan Gilbert, a Vital employee and avid climber, said that 90% of climbing is a mental game, and when someone struggles with a climb, it’s often caused by fear or doubt.
“[Rock climbing] keeps me calm,” Gilbert said. “When I have to think so hard about my physical movements and be so precise, it makes my mind kind of clear up.”
Lydia Swets, who has been climbing since she was 8, shared a similar sentiment of overcoming and facing mental challenges in the sport.
“I feel like mentally climbing, you’re always trying to push your limit, so it’s a lot of failure,” Swets said. “But I feel like once you kind of get out of your head and realize that it doesn’t matter, then I feel like it’s really awesome.”
Swets found success when it came to overcoming physical challenges as well.
“It’s great just getting stronger, and I also feel like doing those routes you physically feel like you can’t do, like working on the stuff you’re bad at. It's rewarding in the end,” Swets said.
This supportive environment is a core value at Vital. While there are inherent social aspects of outdoor climbing — especially when a belayer or spotter is essential — Vital actively encourages diverse social outlets like book clubs, queer climb nights, BIPOC climb nights, and competitions.
Swets attests to this strong community engagement.“I’ve definitely met more people climbing, or like, the people that I do climb with, I get really close to,” she said.
The excitement towards the opening of Vital’s new rope gym is set to significantly expand Bellingham’s climbing landscape. While details on the exact opening date remain unknown, the anticipation is circulating throughout the community.
Gilbert, who claims to be one of the top five most excited people for this gym, said its central location and expanded amenities will allow for greater community engagement.
“Our competitive team would be able to train in bouldering and sport climbing, which would offer them so many more opportunities in the competitive climbing world,” Gilbert said.
With Vital’s expansion, there will be more space for newcomers and members to merge and create a larger community.
“Community and inclusivity is a pillar in climbing at Vital,” Gilbert said. “It’s so important.”
Bridgette Jennings (she/her) is a senior at Western Washington University finishing her bachelor's degree in communication studies. She is a news editor/reporter with a strong interest in reporting on local events and businesses. You can reach her at bridgettejennings.thefront@gmail.com.
