Stephen F. Austin Rock Climbing Club’s First Outdoor Climb

On Saturday, November 15th, we collaborated with nine members from the SFA climbing club and set off at 6 am to drive to Lake Mineral Wells State Park for their first-ever outdoor climbing experience! Our ambassadors, Ava Emerson and Maddie Sweeten, had loaded everything up the night before so that we could get on the road as soon as possible. After a long drive (with lots of bumps in the road and sleepy participants), we finally made it to the park. We quickly got out our sandwich food and ate a yummy parking lot lunch. 

Now it was time to do what we’d all been waiting for… CLIMB!! We made our way down to the crag and went over basic safety before beginning. Participants also had the opportunity to learn how to repel and then put it to use after being taught by Ava and Maddie! For many, it was nerve-racking, but it was so fun to see them conquer their fears!

The hours from 12- 5 were all spent climbing! Some participants had climbed outdoors before, but for many, this was their first time. We climbed many routes, most of them multiple times in a row, and took advantage of opportunities to try hard things we didn’t think we could do. 

After an awesome day of climbing, we went to our site to set up camp and make a yummy dinner! We had some cheesy pasta with chicken and hot dogs. After an action-packed day, climbers were ready for some fuel in their bodies. We ended our night with smores and chatting around the fire. 

The next morning, we made pancakes and bacon for breakfast, with hot choffee (hot chocolate mixed with coffee), and orange juice. We then loaded up camp, and made the 4-hour drive back to SFASU! This was definitely a trip to remember!