A wild afternoon of climbing in Lévis

After more than 12 years without touching a hold, it happened this summer! I went back to a sport I practised in my youth: indoor climbing. At Délire Escalade Lévis, you don’t have to wait for wet weather to get started!

Clear instructions

Suffice to say that after so much time, my reflexes and talent were no longer up to scratch. So, as long as I wanted to get back to basics, I brought along my friends Jonathan (a beginner like me) and Jimmy (an experienced climber) to learn bouldering together and have some fun. Come on, let’s flex our muscles!

We set off with Vincent to show us around the facilities and give us safety instructions. A climbing enthusiast who’s been practicing for some 20 years, he explains how Délire Escalade works: the boulders range from levels 1 to 8, the start and finish points are indicated by a small arrow, and each boulder is marked by its color. You can’t go wrong! There are even variations for younger children, and everything is superbly laid out: a parent who’s already initiated can practice right next to his or her child, who’s testing out a youth course. Easy and so practical for family outings! What’s more, climbing shoes are provided! No need to bring your own.

Start with the base

On Vincent’s advice, let’s go for a basic run to get our feet wet. After all, we’re here to learn! Jonathan is the first to set off. The climbing isn’t very difficult for this first run, but it’s just as necessary! We learn about the importance of visualizing the route and apprehending the holds, as well as the best way to fall (because yes, you have to do it properly if you want to have fun without getting hurt!) Feet, buttocks, back! Feet, buttocks, back! The mantra is imprinted in our heads like the famous “Keys, wallet, cell phone” when we leave the house.

The first course was a great success. Good for the ego!

"Climb the difficulty levels

We move on to the next call with a level 1 that’s not too shabby. And I’ve got to tell you, the difference can still be felt. Let’s go for the orange block! With its big holds, it looks like a very easy one, but that’s without taking into account the angle of the wall just before the last two holds. I push on my legs and… my hand slips as I reach the penultimate hold. Too bad, the intention was there! Of course, I try again, because that’s the beauty of climbing: persevering, trusting yourself and being proud of yourself, even if the result isn’t always there. The main thing is to have fun!

After a few more or less successful attempts and routes, but without ever running out of fun, we make way for the pro. Jimmy, who practices 3 times a week, gives us a demonstration on a level 6 course. Success on the first try! Wow! This is what it’s like to be a regular? It makes you want to come back again and again, and take advantage of the membership pass that gives you access to the 4 Délire branches in Quebec City and Lévis. What’s more, the block sequences change every 6 weeks. Never a dull moment!

After an hour and a half of climbing on different levels, you start to get tired. But that’s without counting the determination of Jonathan, who tackles a slightly more technical boulder. After a not too sure glance at Jimmy, who is still having the time of his life on the neighbouring boulder like a spider on his favourite wall, he sets off. The start goes pretty well, but the going gets tougher as we reach the last hold. After a short break and a few helpful hints from an ever-helpful member of staff, Jonathan sets off in a last-ditch effort and reaches the end of the route.

Well done Jo, we’re proud of you! The pain in your arms tomorrow will be worth it, I promise!

End the session with a refreshing drink

All in all, the afternoon was a lot of fun, pushing our limits and exploring an activity that’s much more accessible than you might think! The truth is, it’s so inspiring and instructive to see so many different levels of practice on the same surface. It helps us help each other and challenge each other to keep progressing.

And why not finish it all off with a little frette with friends? A great selection of local beverages (beers from La Contrebande microbrewery, ciders from Cidrerie Le Somnambule and others) are on sale on site, as well as a few nibbles and sweet and savoury snacks. After the effort, the comfort!

Photos: Délire Escalade, Jonathan Regnière and Ophélie Gonthier