There is an inconspicuous building in an industrial park on the border of Peachtree City and Tyrone that houses an impressive indoor rock climbing set-up. What started as a little-known secret last year has blossomed into a business on the verge of expansion less than a year after it opened its doors.

Reality Indoor Rock Climbing, owned and operated by Nicole Colvin, an avid rock climber for the last 13 years, offers climbers of all ages and talent levels a safe space to work out and meet others interested in the sport.

Colvin grew up in Florida and was always climbing something, whether it was a tree or a building. She was introduced to rock climbing at an indoor rock climbing facility in Michigan and from there started climbing outdoors as well. Colvin spent a number of years living in different areas and climbing whenever and wherever she could. Eventually she settled in Fayette County and opened up her own indoor rock climbing facility so that she could introduce others to the sport and get them as excited about climbing as she is.

Reality Climbing started small.

“We had the initial set-up and have expanded it as things have gone along,” Colvin said, adding that many additions have come from requests from customers. She is planning on another expansion, this time a large one, hopefully by the end of the year. The new expansion will offer every kind of surface and angle, as well as slabs and overhangs. There is even talk of a High Adventure Course.

“I really want a little bit of everything here,” said Colvin.

Reality Indoor Climbing currently offers 2,100 square feet of textured terrain that reaches heights of up to 30 feet. There are paths that allow climbers to climb up one wall and upside down to the other side. There is also a 20 foot rappel tower that can be used, as well as an events room for group gatherings.

People interested in climbing don’t need to bring anything but a good attitude and a desire to reach new heights. Climbing shoes are recommended and can be rented. Once a climber is ready to go they are fitted in a harness and attached to a belay device. There are many options for a climber, ranging from a membership to a three climb pass for $15 that includes a harness and belayer. Colvin has seen a number of boy scouts, girls scouts and youth groups enjoy the facility with many of the scouts earning badges and patches through their work there. She has also had a bachelor party and several groups come in looking to do team building.

According to Colvin, many people learn the basics of climbing fairly quickly, but it takes a while to truly master the sport.

“One of the core fundamentals is that climbing is about shifting weight and finding your center of gravity,” Colvin said. “Many people think it’s about having a strong upper body, but it is really more about standing up than pulling up.”
Colvin added that one of the greatest benefits that many climbers find is the amount of focus required to participate in the sport. She has seen several regular climbers with stressful jobs shift their lunches around so that they can come climb each day.

“You aren’t thinking about your bad day or stress when you’re up there,” said Colvin. “All you can think about is finding your way up the rock.”

Colvin has seen the necessity for focus benefit children with attention deficit disorder. Children with a number of disabilities have enjoyed climbing at Reality as well, including children with vision impairment and muscular diseases. Climbers of all ages, ranging from three to 63 years old, have participated in climbs at the facility and Colvin has added a series of outdoor trips for those looking to take their newfound skills into the wild. There is also a rock climbing team, featuring kids ages 7-17, operating out of the facility. The team competes in the USA Climbing program.

Reality also offers a tai-chi class on Wednesday nights and plans on offering yoga in the fall.
Reality Indoor Climbing is located at 125 Depot Ct. in Peachtree City. For more information, phone 770-487-3224 or visit www.gorockclimb.com

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