Triangle Rock Club offers more than just superior rock climbing walls
story by MARIO BOUCHER | photos courtesy of TRIANGLE ROCK CLUB
Some days, you just feel like climbing a wall to deal with stress or improve your health—setting personal goals
while having fun.
Triangle Rock Club was founded by Andrew Kratz and Luis Jaugegui, two former Force Recon Marines. They discovered their love of mountaineering while in the military. Climbing tall mountains all over the world led to a vision: Why not bring that sense of adventure to the Triangle and share their love of climbing?
In 2007, the dream became a reality when the first TRC facility opened in Morrisville. Almost 20 years later, the marine duo has added five more locations: two in Raleigh and one each in Durham, Fayetteville and Richmond, Virginia.
For climbing enthusiasts, TRC offers more than 20,000 square feet of climbing walls, more than 40 lanes of lead and top rope climbing, up to 7,000 square feet of world-class bouldering terrain, a freestanding 30-foot-tall climbing wall with top rope and lead
climbing terrain, and a separate 18-foot-tall program wall area for families, parties and youth programs.
“We offer all types of climbing at TRC—bouldering, top rope (including auto-belays) and lead climbing,” says Kendall Coleman, marketing manager at TRC. “Every location also features a full lineup of yoga and fitness classes, plus cardio equipment, weightlifting racks and more.”
At all locations, you can find two group exercise studios, cardio machines, a 24-foot-long Rogue rack, and yoga and Pilates classes within 8,000+ square feet of functional fitness space. “While each facility has its own unique features, the core offerings are
consistent across the board. At our Richmond and Salvage Yard locations, you’ll also find saunas and cold plunges available for use,” Coleman says.
There is something for everyone at TRC. “For adults, we offer climbing classes and clinics, climbing training programs, meet-ups and community events, special member events (my personal favorite) and more,” she adds. There are also programs tailored for youths, including after-school programs, and track-out, holiday and summer camps.
“We have a rec and competitive climbing team, and various youth events for kids to climb with other kids.”
As a former Division I athlete, Coleman has found climbing to be a complete and engaging experience. “What I love most is that it’s totally customizable. You can make it as easy or as tough as you want, just by choosing different grades. It’s never boring either. Our route setters are constantly resetting problems and routes, so there’s always something fresh to try and climb.”
Bouldering terrain, climbing walls, yoga and Pilates classes, and cardio and weightlifting equipment await fitness enthusiasts at Triangle Rock Club’s six locations in North Carolina and Virginia.
Seniors also enjoy the vertical challenge because it keeps them physically strong, mentally sharp and socially connected. “I climb with my mom, who’s almost 60, and she’s even better than me!” Coleman quips.
For those who want to dip their toes into the activity, the club offers a discounted day pass for an initial visit, which can be applied toward a two-week trial pass with unlimited access to climbing, fitness and yoga.
“For beginners, I would always suggest to come in and try out TRC on that first-time visitor discounted day pass,” she adds. “It’s a great way to try out all TRC has to offer before committing to a monthly membership.” Monthly memberships are available for
individuals and families.
To learn more about TRC and its locations, visit trianglerockclub.com.