Destin has a lot to offer, and although its beaches are world-famous and its seafood delicious, there are hundreds of hidden treasures in the surrounding area of Northwest Florida that yield for fun adventures, day trips and weekend getaways. This column which will be featured on Wednesdays, will follow the wanderings of reporter, Savannah Vasquez, and explore the many opportunities in Destin’s surrounding area. I invite you to explore with me Beyond Destin.
The perfect indoor adventure has been found. On those rainy weekends when you just want to be active, look no further than Weatherford’s Outback in Pensacola, the experience is sure to satisfy even the most daring adventurer as the facility offers several skill levels of indoor, and outdoor rock climbing courses.
Now, let it be said that Cristian and I are by no means avid rock climbers. In fact, this experience took us a way beyond our comfort zone as it involves heights, tangible risk and relying fully on each other for survival. I know, it sounds a bit dramatic, but let me explain. As first-time climbers, I did not expect to be given full responsibility for setting up the equipment and ensuring the safety of both the climber and the anchor person (known in climbing as the belayer). In my limited experience, the person in charge of safety has always been an expert or seasoned climber. However, before I scare you away from trying it out, know that the staff is indeed experienced and watchful, and will give a complete rundown on safety and how to use the climbing equipment before you will ever touch the wall.
After gearing up with shoes and harnesses, our guide taught us how to correctly tie a knot into the rope for climbing, how to secure ourselves as the belayer to the ground, and most importantly how to double check each other to ensure everything was right before ascending. This weekend, I also learned that rock climbers have a language all their own, with climbing gear such as the “grigri” and the “carabiner,” I was sure I was learning a foreign tongue as I scaled the rock walls.
When it finally came time to climb I was nervous, so like any polite adventurer I allowed my climbing partner to go first. I quickly discovered, however, that it is also quite a responsibility to be the belayer, because if anything went wrong with the rope it would be my fault! Of course I had nothing to fear, as the staff were keeping a watchful eye on us, and as long as I continued to take care of the ropes, Cristian was safe and sound.
Next came my turn. I began my ascent, and got halfway up the wall before I was at a loss for grips. My legs got tired and my arms got weak, but then I remembered what our guide had said before the climb; “The most important thing to remember while climbing is simply to breathe.”
A strange phenomenon will happen if you forget to breathe while climbing; you will experience what climbers call the “Elvis leg,” an uncontrollable tremor similar to the King’s infamous dance. Yes, I did that very dance, but as I breathed I was able to overcome the tremor and “climb-on” as you say in rock climbing lingo. I made it to the top of that course, and went on to conquer three other courses before the day was through.
When Cristian and I left the rock wall two hours later we were tired but felt accomplished. We had met a fear of heights and climbed further and higher than we thought we could. So if you want a new challenge, or are just looking for adventure on a rainy day, check out the Weatherford’s rock walls; Just remember to breathe.
WANNA GO?
Weatherford’s Outback is located at