Youngsters (and anyone, for that matter) in need of something fun and healthy to do over the summer can check out the challenging sport of rock climbing during a class being offered at Vertical World Tacoma.

Every Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m., “Introduction to Bouldering” is held in the climbing gym, allowing participants to learn basic climbing and spotting techniques. Bouldering is basically climbing without a rope, according to Vertical World Tacoma manager Brian Doyle. “It’s really what clearly defines bouldering from other types of climbing, that it’s un-roped.” He said climbers do not go too far off the ground, and that pretty much anyone 6 years or older could participate.

The class also covers the grading system (easy to difficult) used in climbing, including the Vertical World Circuit System and what it means. And best of all, no special skills or equipment are necessary. “That’s the beautiful thing about this facility, it requires no previous training. We’ve made it very safe in here,” Doyle said. Everything you need to know in “Introduction to Bouldering” is taught in the one-hour class, and participants are always invited to enjoy the rest of what Vertical World Tacoma has to offer.

For classes, all equipment is provided including climbing shoes, although any shoe with a good grip to the sole will work. Socks or bare feet are not allowed. Shoes are available for rent at $5 a pair for those not enrolled in classes.

In addition to being a physically challenging sport, Doyle said children can learn much from rock climbing. “A lot of kids tend to become more self-reliant and more confident because it’s a confidence building sport. The more you do it, the more comfortable you become. It’s also a very individualistic pursuit, and that tends to up a person’s confidence level.” He said rock climbing provides a workout for the mind, too. “I’ve seen some really hyper kids come in here and get hyper-focused on climbing. It really builds a person’s concentration level.”

In addition to its Tacoma location at 102 S. 24th St., Vertical World gyms are also located in Everett, Redmond, Bremerton and Seattle. In fact, Vertical World opened the very first rock climbing gym in America in 1987 on Elliott Avenue in Seattle. Vertical World can accommodate a variety of custom group climbing needs including birthday parties, school and church groups, corporate events, private parties and youth camps. To learn more, visit www.verticalworld.com. A minimum sign-up of two participants is needed for a class to occur. To sign up for the Tuesday night Bouldering Class, call (253) 683-4791.