Mission Valley volunteers help break down barriers and build an adaptive climbing community

Abdul Rahman Ibn Asadullah stood at the base of a towering wall at the Mesa Rim Climbing Center, considering different routes to the top.

The walls of the Mission Valley climbing gym are filled with colorful rubber “grips” that look like clumps of modeling clay. Some have generous handles to grab onto, others are ribbed and textured, and the most challenging ones have only a tiny lip to grab onto.

Rock climbing basically involves solving a vertical puzzle while hanging 30, 50 or more feet above the ground. It’s a daunting challenge in itself. But Ibn Asadullah faced an additional obstacle: he would have to solve the puzzle using only one hand.

“I had an amputation last year,” he said. “I was in an ATV accident with an off-road vehicle, basically flipping the ATV over and landing on my arm.”

Ibn Asadullah was rushed to hospital. His doctors saved his left elbow and part of his forearm, although his wrist and hand were damaged beyond repair. But that hasn’t stopped Ibn Asadullah from practicing adapted versions of archery, basketball and volleyball.

Rock climbing, a sport that typically demands a strong pair of hands, might be your most challenging project yet. Fortunately, there is a group of expert climbers (many of them with disabilities) who provide you with support, guidance and community along the way.

ParaCliffHangers is a national nonprofit that connects experienced volunteer climbers with beginners in the sport of adaptive climbing. The San Diego chapter launched about a year ago at the Mesa Rim Climbing Center and meets every Wednesday evening.

“We have people who are deaf, paraplegic, missing limbs (legs, arms), blind,” said Jillian Shea, a ParaCliffHangers volunteer. “All disabilities are welcome.”

Shea was born without a left hand. She has been climbing for over three years and began volunteering with ParaCliffHangers to help others fall in love with the sport.

“ParaCliffHangers is a place for anyone who can adapt to feel comfortable in a space and try something new,” she said.

Shea and Ibn Asadullah met up at a recent Wednesday night meeting. It was his second time climbing since losing his hand in the accident.

“When I came in here, my first thought was, ‘I don’t belong here,’” Ibn Asadullah said with a laugh. “I see everyone climbing and all that, and they’re all super skinny and fit and climbing these walls.”

But after meeting the people behind ParaCliffHangers, she added, “that quickly faded.”

Shea taught Ibn Asadullah the ropes, knots, carabiners and harnesses used to safely ascend the wall. He also taught him how to use his amputated arm to hook onto certain footholds and the importance of using his legs while climbing to minimize fatigue.

Ibn Asadullah said that it is invaluable to learn from someone who personally understands the obstacles you face.

“They know, they’ve been through this and they’re trying to explain to you what worked for them,” she said. “It helps me feel like I can trust this person.”

Jono Lewis, who started the San Diego ParaCliffHangers chapter, said that’s one of the main goals of the program.

“Having volunteers who have disabilities is a big deal,” said Lewis, who serves as the adaptive program supervisor at Mesa Rim. “Because representation is a big part of what draws people in and why they want to come back.”

And as an experienced adaptive climber, Lewis understands how skills developed through rock climbing often transcend the sport.

“What I see in many climbers is an increase not only in their physical performance, but also in their confidence off the wall,” he said. “People’s ability to feel comfortable trying new things and solving problems outside of climbing increases.”

Over time, the roles of volunteer and participant begin to merge. As newcomers gain more experience, they offer tips and advice to others who join in. Many participants also learn how to “belay”—that is, manipulate the rope from the ground and catch a climber if he or she falls.

Brian Ibrahim, a visually impaired adaptive climber, recalled feeling terrified when he first attempted to climb Mesa Rim.

After about nine months with ParaCliffHangers, “I can conquer anything that comes my way,” he said.

On a Wednesday night, Ibrahim scaled one of the gym’s tallest walls. Volunteers on the ground shouted out the coordinates for his next move — “left hand at 11 o’clock,” “you have another hold at 12:30” — as his hands and feet ran up and down the wall.

Ibrahim later secured one of the volunteers as they climbed onto the wall.

He offered words of encouragement to anyone who wants to try rock climbing.

“Take what you have and push it to the limit,” he said. “And those limits won’t matter anymore.”