Oak Hill, Rock and Repel. By Amanda Nelson-Duac
Staring out over the New River Valley Gorge, adrenaline pumping through my system and rain soaking everything I should have been miserable or scared. Strangely, I was neither. That’s saying something for someone that’s as terrified of heights as I am. Sitting there, looking out at such an incredibly beautiful view, I felt such an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
Climbing is incredibly personal; when you’re pressed against the rock, searching for that next hand or foot hold you have to trust yourself, and your judgment. You also have to trust your body to respond when you’re ready to make the next move. Sometimes it’s hard, especially when you’ve got an especially comfortable hold and are unwilling to move to a less steady perch. It is undoubtedly a whole-body experience and it is fun.
Climbing with ACE Adventure Center, based out of Oak Hill, West Virginia, was undoubtedly one of the best experiences of my life, so far. There’s nothing that beats the thrill of overcoming a life-long fear – and the guides at ACE are not only fully qualified to lead climbers of all experience levels over a variety of climbs, but are also great at helping first-time climbers like myself make the most out of their experience. The guides are quick to emphasize safety, and instruct every person in the group on how to safely execute a climb, and how to belay a fellow climber. By involving all climbers in each climb they insure that down time is minimal- unless of course you want a break, which, given the infectious energy of the average guide is a viable possibility. From the multitude of pep talks, to the strategic climbing advice they facilitate an outrageously fun experience.
However, even though my rock climbing experience was great, it couldn’t compare to my first time rappelling. I’ve only got one word to describe what rappelling is -- sensational. Dropping backwards off of a giant rock (or cliff) can’t be beat. I was in control of my descent and so I never had to descend faster than was comfortable for me. Honestly, the first time I rappelled I went slower than a tortoise. But by the end of the day I was dropping off the cliff so fast I burned new grooves in the rappelling gloves, and had decided that rappelling was officially one of my favorite activities in the world. Of course, it didn’t hurt that both the guides on my rappelling excursion kept everyone’s confidence up with wisecracks and playful teasing, keeping everyone smiling (and on their toes.)
One of the greatest things about both rock climbing and rappelling with ACE Adventure Center (other than the superb staff) is the wide range of climbing and rappelling spots available in the immediate area, assuring even the most gung-ho climber of a vacation full of climbing and rappelling challenges.
Just the details. More than 1500 charted rock climbs can be found within the 70,000 acres of New River Gorge National River making the 15-mile escarpment one of the most popular climbing destinations in the country. The climbing season at New River extends from April through November. The sandstone cliffs at New River Gorge range from 30 to 120 feet in height with an abundance of cracks and crevices providing interesting face routes.
Named for the challenging personalities, climbing routes range in difficulty from 5.4 novice level to 5.12 reserved for experts. Favorites named by locals and enjoyed by visitors include: "Afternoon Delight" (5.5), "Monkey See" (5.5), "Where Real Men Dare" (5.7), and "Leave It to Jesus" (5.11).
ACE Adventure Center. The 1400-acre complex has the area's only on-premise climbing school and area's most complete and challenging Alpine Tower and Ropes Course surrounded by the 70,000-acre New River Gorge National River. You'll also find cabins, chalets, campground, outfitter's store, dining lodge and the Lost Paddle Lounge on site. P.O. Box 1168 Oak Hill WV, 25901. 1-888-223-7238, 1(304) 469-2651, ace@aceraft.com or www.aceraft.com
Notes from the editor. ACE Adventure Center makes creating a terrific family adventure vacation easy. It is by design one stop and for parents with active teenagers it is nirvana. No one will be bored. While we were there during August of 2005, I interviewed about a dozen parents and spoke both guides and several teens on adventures without parents. No complaints from the teens because they enjoyed new found vacation freedom. Bonus points: An obvious concern for parents of teens is the safety factor. No need to appear over protective, the staff at ACE makes safety a priority without making teens feel like children.
For many of the adults it was are return trip and most agreed it would be an ideal reunion or retreat spot. The place is comfortable, like staying with old friends. The meals in the lodge restaurant are exceptional by both adult and child standards. The key factor in making the spot work is the variety of adventures available and the ease with which to do any or all of them. Within the grounds kids can roam in relative safety and parents do not need to feel compelled to make things happen. For teens, the giant inflatable toys in the lake facilitate meeting other teens and of course fun.
Remarkable in many ways, it is the positive energy provided by the staff that makes the place exceptional. It is truly a joy to see smiling faces and hear laughter, from guests as well as staff. They go the extra mile. The skills clinics offered can't be matched for attention to details and sensitivity to participants. Bonus points: Amazing to me that after each rafting excursion videotographers are able to assemble one-of-a-kind videos and CDs of the trip within about an hour. But not everything is serious or skills oriented, at the center of the complex, enticing all ages to chill out and be silly, giant yellow inflated lake toys. It's all for fun.
During our first visit to check in for rafting the New River, I noticed a remarkable amount of positive energy not only from the guests but from the staff. The complex emits good vibes making it a truly pleasant place to spend vacation time. From the sales staff in the store and the dinning and kitchen staff to the guides and housekeeping staff, everyone seemed happy. They have assembled a team of more 200 dedicated people, each determined to meet the highest standard of customer attention. They do that very well, meaning that take care of everything from start to finish: reservations, guides, food service, lodging, transportation. Bonus Points: Because everything is right there on the grounds we were able to arrange our own kayak school, go caving, mountain biking and rock climbing and horseback riding. They offer families the highest quality vacation adventures. They love what they do and it shows.
Amanda Nelson-Duac is a student at George Washington University in Washington DC and a frequent contributor to FamilyTravelFiles.com 1.25.2005
