GRESHAM, Ore. — If you’re looking for a fun way to stay fit, avoid the rainy weather and maybe challenge yourself a bit — have you considered indoor rock climbing?
Jen Zelen, co-founder of Rock Haven Bouldering Gym in Gresham, opened the gym two years ago to make climbing more accessible to the local community. It’s been a hit, especially as the wet season sets in.
“This time of year, a lot of people come in to do an indoor sport,” said Zelen. “And kids and youth are definitely a great candidate to be involved in this sport.”
At Rock Haven, climbing isn’t just about reaching new heights — it’s about building skills. The gym offers camps and classes for all ages and experience levels, led by head climbing coach Ben McMullen. With 13 years of climbing under his belt, McMullen has a passion for teaching. He’s especially focused on guiding young climbers to grow beyond the sport.
“I just love coaching kids and working with families and communities,” McMullen said, “seeing them grow, not just as climbers but as human beings.”
Rock Haven’s weekly youth classes start with a warm-up before the climbers hit the wall. Some kids arrive eager to climb, while others feel nervous. But it’s not just about physical strength.
“A lot of people think brute strength gets you up the wall,” Zelen said. “But it’s really a lot more about balance and technique.”
In the most recent class, McMullen encouraged the kids to focus on breathing designed to help them focus during climbs.
Rock Haven’s programs go beyond physical fitness: Climbing helps kids learn problem-solving and work through the fear of falling.
“You have to be comfortable with falling and failing because you fall a lot more than you finish a climb,” said McMullen.
The gym also offers weekly climb nights for women, nonbinary individuals, and even sessions for climbers who are deaf or hard of hearing. They aim to create a welcoming space for all who want to give climbing a try.
For those new to climbing, Zelen has some words of encouragement: “Look up your local climbing gym — there are a lot of great gyms in the metro area and across Oregon. Most are offering similar programs, so I’d say just go out and give it a try.”