MCHS climbers
Kiara Lizarraga uses the autobelay while climbing at Session (Photo: Emerson Parker, The Puma Prensa
By Emerson Parker, news editor
A homey atmosphere, hard climbs, and the rancid smell of rock climbing shoes. When Session, Santa Rosa’s newest rock climbing gym, opened in June, it quickly drew the attention of Maria Carrillo High School students.
Session was started by Kevin Jorgesen, a MCHS alumni, and Mike Schaffer, a Santa Rosa Junior College English teacher. Jorgeson was one of the first climbers to successfully climb the Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite, a route that was previously thought to be impossible. Their achievement was documented in the critically acclaimed film “The Dawn Wall.” Session aims to “[bring] world class climbing to the heart of Sonoma County,” as well as expand access to climbing for all people. Just by visiting the gym, it’s apparent that Session has succeeded at its goal. People of all ages boulder (climbing at low heights without ropes) and rope climb.
Qipei Zhong balances precariously on a volume while climbing a V4 boulder (Photo: Emerson Parker, The Puma Prensa)
Beyond climbing, Session offers yoga classes, a gym, and a lounge area. Kiara Lizarraga, MCHS senior, started going to Session for its yoga classes, but she “met someone in the yoga class that introduced [her] to climbing.” Lizarraga has been climbing ever since. She said she prefers rope climbing because “it’s more endurance based– sometimes I’m really tired and I look up and I’m only halfway up the route.” Erik Dahlhaus, another student who climbs at Session, also studies in the lounge. “Although there’s a lot of distractions, Session is good for people who need an extra place to study outside of their house. You can use the lounge as a coffee shop [in the mornings],” he said. Lizarraga also studies at Session and “takes breaks to climb.”
However, Session’s real stand-out feature is its community. “Everyone there is nice and willing to give tips on climbing technique,” said Lizarraga. “Everyone is kind–climbing seems to be one of the few sports where you can make that generalization,” said Dahlhaus.
Junior Brayden Kamler also climbs at Session as part of their competition team. “With climbing, there’s always something challenging, someone better than you, and better competition,” said Kamler. He also plans to start a climbing club at MCHS.
Kamler’s advice to people wanting to start climbing is: “Don’t be afraid to start and try hard. There’s lots of brand new people, so don’t be intimidated. Try everything, talk to people, be friendly, be nice.”