On belay. Belay on. Climbing. Climb on.

Rock climbers haven't been able to hear or say those words for a while. The current state of our nation has shut the doors of rock climbing gyms and closed outdoor climbing areas to the public. When we showed up to these facilities with our friends, with gear in hand or slung over our shoulders, to meet strangers who share the same interest we cultivated a community. We relied on these people, learned from these people, and grew because of these people. An entire part of our lives has been modified for the betterment of the larger population, not just us rock climbers.

Unsurprisingly, rock climbers have found ways to adapt and stay connected. We've climbed our kitchen cabinets and wedged our shoes in between the bricks of our fireplaces. We've put up hangboards and modified our regular workouts to maintain some of our strength. We're reading books about climbing and watched all the documentaries we can find. We're buying and picking up new gear to support our local gyms and small business. Climbers are maintaining their passions in any way they can think of.

Being around each other in a virtual sense has provided a feeling of support that goes beyond climbing. Watching our favorite professional rock climbers show their at-home training has kept us all sane and motivated. While we're wishfully planning our next climbing trip and looking back on old photos it reminds us exactly what the sport represents. Yes, it's different holds and sending routes and learning knots and obsessively buying gear, but even more so, it's a community.

While we aren't gripping on to holds, we're still holding on to the hope that the hard times will pass and we'll get back to doing what we love with who we love soon.