“There are so many aspects of climbing that intrigue me: the physicality, the mentality, and the community. I primarily boulder, which is the most gymnastic and dynamic type of climbing. To be good at it, it takes dedication to developing strength and power. Mentally, climbing is challenging in conquering the fear of heights and falling, but it also involves a lot of problem-solving. Figuring out “beta” for how to complete a particular climb is huge–which body position, how to grab a hold in a specific way, move the hips, place a toe, do the move statically or dynamically, etc. Lastly, the climbing community is an eclectic group that shares a commonality in a passion for climbing. Any given day in the climbing gym, there can be middle school and high school-aged climbers projecting a climb with 40+ year-old men and women. It is church-like in this aspect.  People from a wide variety of backgrounds and personalities coming together at a meeting place to pursue a passion.  Several of my closest friends were made through climbing at the gym and going on climbing trips together. Scrapyard Climbing Collective is the best place in West Michigan to do this,” Instructor Daniel Blake said.