REVIEW: The Edge, Clifton Park [PHOTOS]

As I’ve mentioned in other blog posts, I’ve been trying to get more active.

I’m open to any and all new ways to challenge myself physically and I think I have found my new favorite place to be- The Edge (1544 Route 9, Halfmoon, New York 12065) . Rock climbing has always had a special place in my heart and I can’t get enough. I took a rock climbing class in college but when I came home and kind of forgot about my favorite hobby until I found a Groupon for The Edge. I saw a month membership for half the price and I couldn’t buy it fast enough.

It was like riding a bike. You start with a quick lesson on how to belay the person you’re with and I remembered it like it was yesterday! The Edge is off of Route 9 and may be a little difficult to find but make sure you look for the sign (on the left, coming from Albany) of the rock climber. The first thing you have to do is sign a waiver on a computer pretty much saying that your life is in your own hands. There are two options- bouldering and climbing with a harness. A day pass to utilize both is $12 for adults or just bouldering is $10.  You also need shoes ($4), harness ($4) and belay device ($2) all of which you could purchase on a monthly basis.

The difference between bouldering and climbing with a harness is height. With bouldering, you’re on a separate rock with separate holds and don’t climb high enough where you could seriously hurt yourself falling. I find that bouldering takes a lot more upper body strength. The Edge labels the path with numbers and colors (higher numbers being the hardest) and you’re on your own, without the help of a harness holding you up. It’s incredible for grip strength as well as upper body strength.

The whole building is larger than you would expect. You walk in and the crevasse in front of you is easiest and gets harder the further you move left. The staff is incredibly helpful and can answer any questions. In my experience, the best way to get better is to try a harder path than you’re used to. The worst thing that could happen is you let go and you’re held up with a harness, anyway.

The most difficult to me was the belay system that you can use by yourself.

It catches you with the height you gain and to get down, you let go, free fall for a second and walk your way down slowly. That took some getting used to.

Instead of going to the gym after work, try rock climbing, it’s a blast! I haven’t been able to go as much since my monthly membership expired but I’ll hopefully be back soon.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday……………………………… 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday……………………………………… 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday…………………………………………………………. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday……………………………………………………………. 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Member’s Only Mornings, Monday-Friday…………….. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.