I’ve always been fascinated by those who can step out of their comfort zone and push themselves to a level of personal greatness.
One such individual is Thunder Bay’s Will Gregorash. At the age of 7, Will would watch his father ice climb, and it motivated him to take an interest in climbing.
At 21 years of age, he was introduced to the Alpine Club – a community of local climbing enthusiasts.
“There is no better feeling than hanging off of a cliff face with nothing but void beneath your feet. As attractive as this may all sound, it is virtually nothing without good friends. Having a good friend to scale a cliff with is probably the single thing I love most about climbing. You learn a lot about each other very quickly, and how you face obstacles together,” shares Will.
Today, at 26 Will is a devout climber who steals away whenever he can to some of the most challenging climbing locations. “My climbing adventures have taken me down south into places such as Colorado and Yosemite, California. I have also climbed in the rocky mountains in western Canada. In Thunder Bay we have some of the best climbing in Canada. We don’t have large mountains, but for what we lack in size we make up in quality. The dense diabase cliffs offer some of the best rock climbing you could ever find. Thunder Bay is quickly becoming a climbing hot spot, with many different destinations within a hour radius to the city,” said Will.
How does someone with an interest in climbing get started? “In my opinion it’s best to either go out with a mentor or join a club. Thunder Bay’s local Alpine Club enjoys taking people out for the first time. For $60.00 a year you could take advantage of all the climbing events they have to offer, and because you pay for the membership on the Alpine Club of Canada website, you are free to join any section in Canada. Well-seasoned climbers often take time out to teach new climbers interested in getting into the sport. Gear is provided to new climbers, harness’s, helmets, ropes, and the climbs will be set up for you when you arrive. If you are serious about getting into climbing. I recommend watching how the experienced climbers set up the climbs at the top of the cliffs”, says Will.
As far as his future goals, the sky is the limit for Gregorash. “Climbing is what drives my life, and I love the idea of travelling for climbing, it definitely gives my vacations more of a purpose. Rather than laying in the sun with a mojito, I could be climbing a cool cliff somewhere taking in the most spectacular view. However, when lazier minds prevail, there is nothing wrong with some rum in the sun, we all enjoy those days!”, laughs Will.
When you compare other sports to climbing, there are some differences says Gregorash. “Climbing is slow and methodical, every movement is thought through and played out in your mind beforehand. Whereas with whitewater kayaking and downhill skiing everything is quick and chaotic at times. In one moment you can be in control and in another you could be in a bad situation at the snap of a finger. Climbing forces you to think and be patient, to take in your surroundings with a calm demeanor. It teaches you to breathe slowly and be in control of your body at all times,” shares Will.
And what advice does Will have for new climbers? “We need to respect the land, by not littering or being too loud, we are extremely lucky to be able to climb in some of these incredible locations, so it is important that we don’t jeopardize
our access. Most importantly, always make sure you are having fun!,” says Will.
Good advice indeed.
