The rock gym on campus entrusted to students with a passion for climbing and teaching is stepping up its game with new equipment, fresh workers, and fun upcoming events.

According to Josh Conlon, a supervisor at the wall, old ropes have been exchanged for  new 10.1mm Mammut gym static climbing ropes. “It’s been sweet, way cooler to see people climbing and falling on those ropes, than the old crappy tattered ropes that we used to have. I think it’s a lot safer,” said Conlon.

Along with new ropes came new Evolv climbing shoes that range in size from 9 to 13, a good addition to the old worn shoes of the past.

Other new equipment that will be arriving is permanent draws used for lead climbing, along with hopefully some sort of ventilation system, as it can get rather stuffy.

To be sure that all workers are up to date and on the same page for the rules and safety regulations, all workers gathered in the gym for a safety meeting run by Brad Moskowitz an outdoor education professor here at Johnson.

Jess Simon, one of the supervisors at the rock gym as well as the Outing Club president, expressed his desire to help new comers to the sport. “I did it because it was fun…I learned about climbing through that place, and now I really like climbing and I want other people to have that similar experience,” said Simon. “I want to greet people and make sure they feel comfortable and happy to climb.”

The agenda for this year at the wall includes ladies’ nights, bouldering competitions, and possibly bouldering and climbing clinics.