From bouldering to biathlon, curious students at Seven Summits Centre for Learning seek to unbind themselves from the mundane.
In addition, options to participate in sports that are rarely offered in school pique their interest in trying something new. Here are two of the most recent gems, both available in our little mountain town: bouldering and biathlon.
Bouldering is a form of free climbing taught by the professionals at Flux Climbing in the Miner’s Hall in downtown Rossland. Climbing the variety of routes determined by the different coloured artificial rock formations, students can challenge themselves at different levels of difficulty.
Anyone with a few simple safety tips can enjoy this whole body workout from novice to expert. Bouldering is not just an upper-body workout. Instead, larger muscle groups in the legs, back, and core are equally if not more important to make it to the top.
Students found themselves taking the challenge to climb vertically or horizontally depending on the route. Climbing shoes and chalk were provided for better grip.
Bouldering was created as a method for roped climbers and mountaineers to practice specific moves in a safe, controlled environment. Students from Seven Summits Centre for Learning discovered how fun it was to explore this sport, breaking out of the traditional exercise options.
Another option 7S students recently took advantage of was learning the sport of biathlon. As seen in the winter Olympics, biathlon combines Nordic skiing with rifle shooting.
Speed and accuracy in shooting combine to determine the winner. Historically, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the biathlon originated in Scandinavia, where the Norse god Ullr was revered as both a ski and hunting god. This developed into military training for Norwegian soldiers called skiskyting: literally ski shooting.
Students at 7S were introduced to the sport by coaches from the BlackJack Nordic Ski Club. This experience was exhilarating and engaging for each student. Many had never held a rifle before, and shooting was a skill they were keen to learn.
Safety is always a critical component, and students were very respectful of the mentors’ instruction and equipment.
Taking an aim at a good time, students are daring to be different and unique by trying something new.
Read: Procrastination leads to early graduation
Read: Rossland writer releases podcast on Michigan murderer
sports@trailtimes.ca
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter