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THE INSIDER

And you are?
Aimee Tetreault, DRG staff and instructor

Years in operation:
2.5

Nearest crags:
Hi, we’re in . . . Delaware. We survive on day trips to Haycock Mountain, PA; Birdsboro, PA; and the Gunks, NY.

What’s in it:
In addition to being members of the Climbing Wall Association, we offer 11,300 square feet of featured climbing walls up to 44 feet tall, including 54 fi xed TR stations, a 15-foot New River Gorge-esque lead roof, an extensive bouldering area that maxes out at 15 feet, dedicated group areas, a pro shop, free WiFi, member specials, campus and hang boards, and a regulation arm wrestling table. We also offer Intro to Climbing classes two times a week, Intro to Sport Climbing once a month, free yoga on Wednesday nights, and special discount passes for students.

Standout feature:
We’re always psyched on the bouldering area, steep, technical lead lines, and the lead roof. And since we have a couple of different setters, we offer a wide range of climbing styles.

Any comps?
We currently host the DRG Over The Top Comp every November, and we’re looking to host more in the future.

Do you have a youth team?
Not yet. But we have youth. And they’re fierce.

Anything else?
Let’s face it, we live in Delaware — we live vicariously through other people’s rocks. We have one “crag” in the state, and it’s nothing to write home about. For a state that barely knew what rock climbing was 2.5 years ago, we’ve built one helluva community. Also, Matt McCorquodale, owner and operator, put everything he had into making his dream a reality. He spent three years getting laws passed and building something we’re all incredibly proud of. Without him, his vision, and his drive to create the facility, this community wouldn’t exist. We’re all friends, partners, and family. Isn’t that warm and fuzzy?

Contact info:
derockgym.com
facebook.com
520 Carson Drive Bear, DE 19701
(302) 838-5850
Mon.-Fri. 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

THE LOCAL

Name: Jason Temple

Age: 23

Employment: Autobody and upholstery work

Years climbing: 1

Years climbing at the DRG: 1

Favorite feature of the gym:
The super- steep boulder cave, hands down.

When are the best sessions?
Monday and Wednesdays, for the crowd and the energy. Saturdays for the quiet sessions.

Who’s your favorite setter there?
Vasya Vorotnikov, for his power moves and crazy ideas. Dustin Briggs for his technical details and consistent dedication to amazing routes.

Inside game:
We may not have a decent rock in the state, but we have a community like no other. The energy, passion and respect people display here makes everyone want to be a member. We all work together to stay psyched.

One word to describe the DRG:
“Chillaxed”