It sounds cliché, but living up to the stereotype, everyone at the gym is so friendly. It’s about building up everyone around us and personally developing at the same time. There’s something really special about helping one another achieve our goals, push ourselves, and make friends at the same time.
Zach McArdle
Member Spotlight
How long have you been a member at Rock Out and when did you begin climbing?
I had no prior experience in rock climbing before becoming a member at Rock Out in August 2017 but have always had an interest in doing it (too bad it wasn't here 15 years ago)
What is your favorite thing about your climbing community?
I enjoy the inclusiveness that comes from everyone sharing a common goal. Even though we all climb at different levels it's always great to see people cheering for someone who is trying their hardest at their climb.
What is the biggest climbing challenge you’ve had to overcome?
Recognizing that my body doesn't recover like it used to and figuring out how to push it enough to see progress but avoid injury at the same time.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining Rock Out?
For them to at least come and try it out with a day pass. It is a fun way to get a workout in while also using your brain to solve the problem you are climbing. As someone who practically collects hobbies this is one of the more affordable ones and it's nice that it's not weather dependent with it being indoors.
Photo by: Summer Allen
How long have you been a member at Rock Out and when did you begin climbing?
1) We joined Rock Out in January of 2018, shortly after we moved to Destin. It quickly became a highlight of our new home! Before then, we had both been climbing very sporadically since around 2010.
What is your favorite thing about your climbing community?
2) We both love the friendly and family-oriented atmosphere. We've made a lot of friends at Rock Out, and we find there's so much mutual encouragement between us and the other members. We have also loved that Rock Out has been so welcoming to our daughter. We have been through many stages of bringing her in a car seat, stroller, and setting up a pack-n-play. Now, at 18 months, Maren loves hanging out with all her Rock Out friends and sending a few routes herself.
What is the biggest climbing challenge you’ve had to overcome?
3) Ethan: My biggest challenge has been staying consistent enough to keep building my skills. I find that when we don't make it to the gym for a few days it takes extra work to get back to where I was.
Lindsay: I fell in a weird way last spring and injured my arm. I healed pretty quickly, but I still fight a bit of a mental barrier when I'm struggling at the top of a route.
We've both improved significantly since we started climbing at Rock Out though. Despite these challenges, we're both able to climb routes 2 or more ratings higher than when we started!
What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining Rock Out?
4) Go for it! Especially if you're lacking in climbing experience, this is the perfect place to learn. You will also love the community! Our Rock Out family has been has been extremely helpful and encouraging to us. We love you guys!
Finding fun and creative ways to team build is a crucial part of any successful company team. Team building helps with bonding, morale, and can improve overall job performance. Rock climbing is a great tool for company team building - it’s adventurous, encourages rapport, and requires creative problem solving. Below is a list of why your company should plan your next team building at Rock Out Climbing Gym.
Fosters a Good Support System and Communication
Rock climbing requires team members to rely on each other for help while solving problems through body movement the course. This can help create kinship and trust among employees. It also helps the team learn how to effectively communicate with each other as they problem solve. Co-workers will work towards a unified goal and accomplish challenges together during this these activities.
Strengthen Problem Solving Skills
Getting up a route course is no easy task (they’re called problems for a reason). Climbers must skillfully navigate the terrain in order to reach the top. Your team will learn invaluable problem solving skills here as they work their way through the activities course.
Helps Find Creative Solutions
Since the courses challenges are difficult, team members will be encouraged to thinking creatively in order to find solutions. This creative thought process will translate into their jobs. Environments where people are forced to access the creative parts of their brain allows them to come up with creative solutions easier in everyday life.
Improve Morale
Since rock climbing is naturally super fun, this activity will help boost morale. Teammates will exercise together, fall together, and laugh together. Most importantly, they will succeed and fail together. The teamwork combined with adventurous climbing is a sure way to bring morale to an all-time high.
Individually Tailored
No two teams are the same, and Rock Out Climbing Gym handles each team building activity differently based on the needs and make-up of the team. The team lead will be presented with a survey before the event and Rock Out Climbing Gym will determine the type and number of exercises to meet the team goals and facilitate learning. Rock Out Climbing Gym almost always creates new exercises specifically tailored to a scenario the team may face during normal work activity to ensure transference of learning.
Rock Out Climbing Gym is an indoor bouldering gym with levels from beginner to pro. All skill levels can enjoy bouldering here, which makes it the perfect place to bring a company team for team building!
Each team building session includes a pre-brief, execution of all modules, and a debrief all led by Rock Out Climbing Gym instructors. Additionally, the Rock Out Climbing Gym conference room is available for use after the event has concluded for a team specific debrief.
Kenneth Sheyka – Owner
Climbing Wall Instructor, National Outdoor Leadership School Outdoor Educator, Leave No Trace Master Instructor, Air Force Flying Instructor with over 2,000 hours of instruction and 10+ years of instruction.
Joshua Appleman – Manager, lead Climbing Instructor
17 years climbing, 10+ years of climbing instruction, route setting, and coaching. Head route setter, head coach, manager.
