Vertical Adventures

Proof that age is just a number, here’s to Karl who is still crushing it on his 80th birthday! We sat down with Karl to ask him a few questions about his climbing journey.

Q: How did you first get into climbing?

A: Well I started out backpacking. And then, once you start getting into the mountains, it seemed like a natural outgrowth from that, and from there I got involved with The Ohio State Mountaineers as well.

Q:How long have you been a member of the gym?

A:Well, since the old gym opened. (1994)

Q:What keeps you coming back?

A: I enjoy the mental aspect of it, and staying fit. Equal with that is the people, the friendships and the community.

Q: What is one piece of advice you’d give to younger folks or newer climbers?

A: Balance. Don’t put everything in one basket. You know the other day, my wife and I went down to hocking hills to see the wild orchids that are always blooming on my birthday, and we’ve been doing that for 25 years. And listen to your body. When you need rest take a rest, when you’re feeling good go hard.

Every route on this wall started with someone standing in front of blank holds asking: what's going to challenge you? What's going to surprise you? What's going to make you come back?

Our team sets, coaches, checks, resets — not because it's a job, but because they've felt what it's like to work a problem and finally send it.

That feeling you get on the wall? It was built for you.

Come climb what they made.

Vertical Adventures is closed today as we honor Memorial Day and the men and women who served. 🇺🇸

Adventure starts with freedom. We're grateful. See you Tuesday.

Watching our youth athletes grow is one of the best parts of Vertical Adventures. 💥

The focus. The grit. The look on their face when a hard move finally clicks. These kids aren't just learning to climb — they're learning to solve problems and believe in themselves.

Youth programs enrolling now — 5.life/va/

School's out. Your kid's next adventure starts here.

Summer is wide open — and so is the wall. Whether they're climbing for the first time or chasing their first send, Vertical Adventures youth programs give them the challenge, the community, and the confidence to keep going up.

Youth programs. Family memberships. Real fun that builds real grit.

VA heads up — we're closed this Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.

Take the long weekend to get outside, touch some real rock, and remember what this sport is all about. We'll be back Tuesday.

Take your lead climbing to the next level with our Develop Anchor Cleaning class at Vertical Adventures. Learn fundamental skills for cleaning, climbing anchors, and rappelling with confidence. This is a great class to learn an important skill for climbing outside!

Sign up online or at the desk!!

Now here is another member, or should we say members, who deserve a huge shout out! The Pargeon family has been part of 5.life community for well over a decade, and we have enjoyed every moment they've been in the gyms!

You can usually run into them during the week at all three of our locations in Columbus, and you can bet that they'll be crushing it! They embody everything it means to be a climbing family and they've contributed so much to the community over the years!

May at Vertical Adventures is the perfect time to bring the family. 🧗‍♀️🧗‍♂️

Whether it's your kid's first time on the wall or your weekly Sunday tradition — we're open and ready for you. Every age, every level.

Family memberships and day passes — 5.life/va/