This Almost 40 Mom Repelled Off a Wall

One of new year’s goals was to do more things alone with my oldest daughter on the weekends.  She loves being active and is up for anything so when I  saw the Groupon come in for a one hour session of indoor rock climbing at Sender One Climbing in their Funtopia climbing space I snatched it up.

Now after our experience at Sender One, I had to do a post on the new Orange County indoor rock climbing for kids space because it was so flipping fun I was on an adrenaline high for the entire afternoon.

Funtopia is not just for kids, it’s for adults and kids weighing more than 40+ lbs, so not only was Emma going to go rock climbing, mama was too.

Then I remembered I am sort of a scaredy cat, and adrenaline rushes are really not my thing. I had visions of me strapped into my harness crying to the staff member about my fear of heights a la The Bachelor.

But I am a changed woman lately, so I was going to go for it.

Here’s what’s happening this year – I am turning 40. 

Yes, the big 4-0 is immenient, but instead of being all depressed about getting old, something crazy has switched on inside of me and I am obsessed with trying new things this year.

Thus, the two hour trapeze lesson I bought on Living Social. Oh, and the ballroom dancing lessons. A special thank you to the daily deal sites for feeding my midlife psychosis. This can’t be normal.

So Emma and I went to Sender One on Saturday ready for an adventure. They offer climbing for all levels, including this beautiful (and insane) area with 18-foot high walls for serious climbers.

Orange County indoor rock climbing for kids

Funtopia is a separate area perfect for kids. And almost 40-year-old moms.

Once we were checked in, they got us into our harnesses and sent us in to climb and play. The employees helped us learn how to clip ourselves in and then we were told to just go for it. Up we went on the first wall.

My heart started beating faster and faster the higher I went. Don’t look down, don’t look down, don’t look down.

When I got the top I was full of adrenaline, because once at the top, you are supposed to push yourself off and repel down the wall. My daughter flew off without a second thought. The girl has no fear, she lives for this kind of stuff.

I yelled down to the employee below, “I’m scared!” I honestly didn’t know if I could do it, but that seemed like the most fun part.

She yells up, “Just commit to it, the first moment is the scariest, and then it’s fine.

So I committed and took the plunge.

Just like an episode of The Bachelor, but no hunky guy waiting at the end to tell me how proud he was of me. But even minus the hunky guy, IT WAS AWESOME!!!

Total rush.

I just wanted to go again and again.  We explored the entire area which included cool pillars to climb, various climbing walls, even a structure with a high platform on top in which you can jump off to a trapeze swing or a swinging punching bag thing.

Yes, I did the trapeze. Just a taste of what’s to come.

It was one of those experiences I will always remember and Emma loved every minute. It was really cool to get to do something like this with her. Except on the way home she told me she now wants to go zip lining. Lord help me if another deal for zip lining comes into my inbox.

Tips on Visiting Sender One with Kids 

~ Funtopia is for adults and kids weighing 40+ pounds
~ Funtopia is open Monday – Friday from 2-8p, Sat/Sun 10 -6p
~ All kids under 11 must be accompanied by an adult
~ Sessions start on the hour; walk-ins OK if there is space, but online reservations recommended
~ Wear workout clothes or clothes that are able to be moved in. Definitely yoga or workout pants for moms.
~ It’s a workout, you will sweat, dress cool.
~ Wear closed toe shoes (no black soles)
~ Base price $17/hour pp; +$5 for drop slide and jump and catch
~ Fill out waiver online before going
~ Arrive 15 – 20 minutes early to get instructions
~ Bring your camera!!!

SenderOneClimbing.com