Rock climbing wall coming to SJAFB fitness center

Alan McEvoy tests the durability of the newly installed rock wall, Dec. 16, 2015, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. The rock wall has an automatic belay system, so each climber can lock themselves in and, using the counter-weight, safely climb the wall. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Ashley Williamson)

Rock climbing wall coming to SJAFB fitness center

Published Dec. 14, 2015
By Staff Sgt. Chuck Broadway and Airman 1st Class Ashley Williamson
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Fitness Center is getting a new addition, a 16 foot- tall, 12 foot-wide rock climbing wall, scheduled to open Dec. 18.

The rock wall will be available to DoD ID card holders during manned hours at the fitness center.

According to Kevin Davalos, 4th Force Support Squadron Fitness Center director, final training for fitness center staff is still taking place, but the climbers will be able to scale the wall without assistance.

"It's going to be a self-belayed apparatus, which means that they won't have to have somebody there," Davalos said. "This system is an automatic belay. So you just lock yourself in and there is a counter-weight, and then you'll climb the wall."

Davalos added the wall will be something different to do than your traditional treadmill or lifting weights routine.

"It's going to be challenging," Davalos said. "It's a great tool not only for individual enjoyment, but for improving fitness. It's going to work a lot of upper body strength."

The wall was purchased in response to customer requests in an effort to expand on activities available at the fitness center. Several months ago, the request for a rock climbing wall was brought to 4th Fighter Wing leaders, who weighed the options and ultimately made the purchase.

"We're making it better for our customers," said Master Sgt. Sharonda Marcy, 4th FSS fitness and sports section chief. "You asked for it and we're bringing it in so come take advantage of it."

Marcy said the fitness center was adding new activities in an effort to increase customer usage and save them from having to pay fees at an off-base facility.

While anticipation and excitement for the grand opening builds, final preparations are still being decided for proper age limits, customer use training and in the future, fitness competitions.