Driving east from Oranjestad is a voyage to the wilder side of Aruba. The landscape begins to transform from serene, placid beaches to a more rugged terrain. Wild cacti silhouetted by the sun grow like thorny forests in the tangerine colored soil that spans out along the roadside. It is on the eastern shore of Aruba that the waves rise majestically, crashing on deserted beaches, while the constant trade winds form shimmering white sand dunes. Not far from the water's edge rise the cliffs of the Fontein Coast—a longtime haunt for avid rock climbers.

Commonly known as Grapefield, named for the grapevines that used to grow there, it is the perfect vertical playground for both expert and first-time climbers. Formed from volcanic rock and prehistoric coral reef, it is a true marriage of land and sea that brings together the most impressive elements of the island. Years of erosion have softened the surface of the cliffs, making it user-friendly for both the precocious climber and the novice, offering challenging routes alongside easier-to-manage avenues.

Aruba’s reputation as a relatively flat island has been recently dismissed in rock climbing circles. Since 1996, world-class climbers have crawled their way up and rappelled their way down the island’s cliffs. Luckily, climbing pioneers Igor and Tristan Monzon of Club Active Aruba developed the area, along with the help of other climbing enthusiasts, making it easier to use in an effort to draw more interest to the sport.

Climbing Aruba's cliffs has, however, remained somewhat of a secret. Being surrounded by the sea, most visitors to the island are drawn to the well-marketed and highly-visible water sports. Unfortunately, they miss out on many of the land activities the island has to offer.

For those wanting to reach new heights, rock climbing instruction is just a jeep ride away from the hotel area. Instructor Neils Blanksma, who has taken over the maintenance of the area when the Monzon brothers left the island, is one of the instructors who oversees preparations, equipment, and instruction. On any given day you are likely to find Neils in the company of advanced rock climbers, as well as teaching those out for their first time.

Although the venue may seem daunting to first-timers, Neils assures that with proper instruction and equipment, climbers can advance. The real challenge for most is overcoming fear and having trust in your belay partner.

The belay partnership is essential to climbing with safety and success. One climber strives for the sky, seeming to risk life and limb, while another is below making sure that nothing happens by holding the lead rope firmly. If the climber were to lose their grip, they would briefly dangle safely until they found their next hand or foothold.

Once climbers reach the top of their chosen route and begin descent, they can either scale their way back down or rappel. Rappelling—pushing off the face of the cliff with the feet and swinging out with the body—is the exhilarating reward at the end of a challenging ascent for most climbers.

This sport does require basic agility and a spirit for adventure, but, as Aruba’s regular climbers assure, the payoff in rock climbing is like no other sport. Beginners and tourists to the island are also assured that with even one lesson they will enjoy the experience and progress quickly enough to feel the rush, if only for a day.

  
Photography by Steve Keith 

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