Rexburg, Idaho may not have quite the same selection of mountains to climb as other locations, but for those looking for a vertical mass to scale there are other alternatives.
Regional Rock Walls, a center owned by Tyler Martin and his wife Kira, is located inside — though not directly affiliated with — Madison Gymnastic Center at 881 Jet Stream Drive.
The center boasts a wall with courses for all levels of climbers including a bouldering cave recently added for advanced climbers.
Though many Rock Walls volunteers and other regulars are talented, people of all skill levels are invited — even encouraged — to come try out the sport.
“We cater to everyone, if you’re good at climbing and if you have never climbed before,” said Tyler Martin. “If you haven’t, we can teach you. We can get you set up with shoes and harnesses and everything.”
Kimberly Walton, a senior studying elementary education, is relatively new to the scene at Regional Rock Walls and agrees that the gym is meant
for everyone.
“This is just my third time here,” Walton said, “and everyone here is so friendly. They’ll help you when you’re trying to figure out climbs. They’ll show you different holds or a little bit of technique. It’s just not a competitive environment. There are a lot of really talented climbers here that have a lot to teach you so it’s really great to have the opportunity to come here and not feel — as a beginner — under qualified.”
The wall is open Monday through Thursdays from 7 to 11 p.m., Fridays from 6 to 11 p.m. and Saturdays from 4 to 11 p.m. A day pass costs $7.
Thursday night at the wall has been designated as BYU–I Night where students can receive a two-dollar discount.
Date Night, which is held every Friday night, isn’t just for couples. For 50 cents more students can participate in more then just the rock wall. Other activities include jousting, extreme tug of war and sometimes the sumo suits.
The wall also offers discounts for Home Evening groups.
Classes at Regional Rock Walls are also available. A sports balance class is held on Saturdays at 9 a.m. with slack lines, Indo boards and rock climbing.
Besides classes and specialty nights, climbing competitions are also held biannually at the wall. Last December, Regional Rock Walls hosted 40 people for the bigger competition where cash and prizes were given. The upcoming competition in May will be smaller. It is available to anyone wanting to compete, even if for the first time. Anyone can come for fun and to support friends
and family.
 Group rates and monthly passes are also available. For more information on prices and what the center has to offer, check out www.regionalrockwalls.com.