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Reach for the Top

By Vancouver Magazine /

Bouldering athlete Tiffany Melius’s most daunting challenges haven’t come from the cliffs of Rodellar, Spain, or the Rocklands of South Africa—they’ve been internal hurdles. Of course, physical strength is key — the sport hinges on short climbs (unlike the broader category of rock-climbing, it allows only four to 12 tight moves) — but it requires even tougher mental tenacity. By 25, “I had a lot of self-doubt about my ability,” says the Brisbane native, despite an eighth-place finish at the 2004 Asian Extreme Games in Kuala Lumpur. A move to Vancouver got her back on track, and she finished first at the B.C. Bouldering Championships in February. “Climbing is holistic — it challenges both your body and mind, and you can reach a meditative, trancelike state.”

The Burn 300 calories burned by someone weighing 155 pounds

WHERE TO GO

Bring Grandma  Pick up technique in a controlled indoor environment. The Hive Bouldering Gym has a two-hour intro course ($55), while The Edge has a five-week beginner class ($185). Hiveclimbing.com; Edgeclimbing.com

Bring Friends  When you’re ready to tackle greater heights, head to Cliffhanger for a two-day Rock Master course held in Squamish ($250). Cliffhangerclimbing.com

Bring a Defibrillator  “Bouldering is a great way to get comfortable climbing; some of the best is underneath the Chief’s Grand Wall at Squamish,” says Melius—that’s where you’ll find her this summer