BUFFALO, N.Y. — ​Climbing isn’t a new sport, but it’s new to the Olympics. This is the first year it makes its debut in the games. Competitive climbers will compete in Bouldering, Lead Climbing and Speed Climbing.

Central Rock Gym Manager Justin Koestler said that there has been a buzz and increased interest in the sport of rock climbing ever since it was added to the Olympics.

“It’s a big deal within the climbing community, as well as outside the climbing community,” he said.

As far as the three climbing events that have been added to the Olympic games this year, Koestler explained that Bouldering involves shorter walls, thicker mats, no ropes, no harness and no partner.

“Bouldering is offering at our gym for people who have never climbed before or never even thought of climbing before, as well as for the most hardcore climbers in our area,” he said. “Some of the basics in terms of getting used to it are using the starting holds and following the same colored holds all the way up the wall until you get to the finish. Then we have climbers down climb the wall safely and slowly and hop off the wall”

He said Lead Climbing is more advanced and more training is required for this event.

“It’s where you have a partner belaying the rope for you and managing the rope to keep you safe while you’re on the wall,” he said.

And last, but not least, Speed Climbing is a race up the wall, as fast as you can go.  

“If you’ve never seen it before, it’s absolutely wild,” he said. “It’s a full body workout. Any climbing is a full body workout, but this definitely involves a lot of cardio. It will get the heart pumping.”

If you’re looking to get involved in climbing or have been thinking of checking it out, he said the easiest way to do that is to just come down to Central Rock Gym.

“Just come to the gym,” Justin said. “No reservations are needed, unless you’re doing a specific class or event. We do have memberships, but people are always welcome to come in and purchase a day pass, which is good for the entire day. You’re even OK to leave and comeback if you wanted to go and grab lunch and do some climbing later and let your hands and body rest. It’s very easy.”

Central Rock Gym is located at 55 Chicago Street in Buffalo, next to Resurgence Brewing Company. For more information, visit Central Park Gym’s website or call (716) 262-0443.