Eight UCA students got to enjoy a 70-degree Feb. 26 with an evening chalk-full of rock climbing education in the Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area.

The trip was coordinated by UCA Campus Outdoors and taught by Blane McClellan and Walker Bedell of Frontier Climbing Company.

During the class, students learned how to tie in using a figure 8 knot, proper belay technique, climbing safety and lead climbing technique.

Students were able to rent helmets, climbing shoes and harnesses from Frontier Climbing Company or bring their own equipment.

Josh Nunley, a senior international studies major and Campus Outdoors employee said, “Coming out of it, I thought it was super great for those who had little to no prior climbing experience. Blane and Walker were great teachers of not only climbing basics but also general outdoor etiquette.” 

“Even as a more experienced climber, I still had a great time talking with them about climbing in Arkansas and learning from their expertise. If I had the opportunity, I would definitely climb with them again,” Nunley said.

Ashley Chaplinski, an occupational therapy grad student said, “I had a great time learning how to rock climb with [Campus Outdoors]! Everyone was so welcoming, and they did a great job organizing this program to provide students with a way to try a fun new experience and the opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of our state. I learned so much and can’t wait to climb again!”

Reagan Barriere, a sophomore anthropology major and Campus Outdoors employee said Wednesday was their second time climbing. 

“I was ecstatic because I’ve been waiting to go rock climbing again for a couple of months. I would think about rock-climbing multiple times a week thinking about when I’d go again. It was incredible, I was the first and last person to climb which was a bit nerve-racking but also really fun because everyone was cheering me on,” Barriere said.

“Overall, I would say it was an incredible experience and I would absolutely recommend to everyone who can, to go rock climbing at least once, especially with Frontier Climbing Company and [Campus Outdoors].

Wednesday marked Frontier Climbing Company’s first group class since McClellan and Bedell started their business in Little Rock in 2024.

McClellan said, “I think this first class was a success because everyone got to do all the things they wanted to accomplish. Sometimes that’s hard to do in a short three-hour session with nine climbers.”

 “Everyone got to climb multiple routes. We covered a lot of information and even got to do some mock lead climbing. I’m excited for this group to come out again so we can continue building on the skills. The goal is for everyone to feel comfortable and confident they can get out to a local crag and climb anything they want, safely.”

According to the business website, McClellan and Bedell met one another while working to get their Single Pitch Instructor certifications through the American Mountain Guide Association.

“During that time spent together, they realized they had the same dream and would make an awesome team. With over 22 years of rock climbing experience between the two of them, many years of practical business experience, and a passion to get more people climbing outdoors in Central Arkansas, Blane and Walker launched Frontier Climbing Company, the first and only certified guided climbing and climber education provider based in Little Rock,” the website said.

McClellan said, “Part of the reason we started FCC was because there wasn’t a formal way to get hands-on climbing education here in Central Arkansas.” 

“As we open climbing access to more areas and more people are finding rock climbing, we felt this was important to make sure everyone is doing things safely, the right way. This protects all of us and ensures that we as a climbing community continue to keep access to these beautiful places.”

For more information on Frontier Climbing Company, visit its website frontierclimbingcompany.com or its Instagram @frontier_climbing_company.

Campus Outdoors’ upcoming events include “Intro to Fishing” on March 12 and “River School” on April 9. 

To register, scan the QR code.