The App State Climbing Club is setting its sights beyond the campus climbing wall this year, with plans for increased outdoor excursions and competitive opportunities designed to elevate students' climbing skills and foster a strong sense of community. Brendan Doty, a third-year Mathematics student, is serving his first year as club president after a term as vice president. Doty joined the club with limited connections to other climbers, having previously climbed for seven years in Charlotte. He found it to be an ideal way to meet like-minded individuals, emphasizing that the club provided "the ability to connect with people through shared interests," which was a primary motivator for his deep involvement and making numerous friends.
The club has scheduled four outdoor excursions throughout the semester, offering members practical experience and the chance to develop new skills. These trips also aim to educate climbers on the critical responsibilities associated with practicing the sport in natural environments. Boone and the surrounding High Country region provide ample climbing opportunities, with many accessible locations found along U.S. Route 221 in Blowing Rock and on Grandfather Mountain. However, a significant number of climbing areas in the vicinity are privately owned, a fact Doty noted the local climbing community diligently works to protect access to. The club plays a vital role in instructing new climbers on how to respect the terrain and avoid actions that could jeopardize future access to these sensitive areas. Doty stated the club's aim is not only to utilize these natural areas but also to inform its members about the inherent risks and responsibilities involved.
Beyond outdoor adventures, the club provides avenues for members to test their abilities through organized competitions. Two such events are hosted annually by the club. Southern Comfort, known as SOCO, takes place at Center 45, while the Bootlegger Bouldering Competition is held each spring at the Appalachian Bouldering Center. Organizing SOCO has become a significant achievement for the club, drawing climbers from across North Carolina and beyond to Boone. The competition features several preliminary rounds, culminating in the top six men and top six women advancing to the finals. Finalists then compete in a "flash" format, where they see the climbing routes for the very first time as they begin their attempt.
The club is also working to implement a new program designed to help cover competition costs for members who might otherwise face financial barriers to participation. For the club's more experienced climbers, there are further opportunities to compete through the USA Climbing division, potentially advancing to national-level competitions.
Despite these advanced competitive pathways, the majority of the club's members are either beginners or intermediate climbers. The App State Climbing Club typically convenes on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 8 to 10 p.m. Members gather in Room 202 of the Student Recreation Center before moving to the campus climbing wall. Due to the climbing wall's capacity of 14 people, larger groups are often divided and rotate through different activities, ensuring all members have the chance to climb. The campus climbing wall provides equipment free of charge for club use, and the club itself supplies some necessary gear for its outdoor excursions.
For Doty, while the availability of equipment and the thrill of competitions are important, they are only part of what keeps members engaged and returning. He underscored the club's value, particularly for experienced climbers, as a means to connect with individuals who share their passion and to simply enjoy the sport together.
