Community Connect: The rock stars of Chennai!
TNN | May 16, 2025, 12.01 PM IST
More than just a sport, rock climbing is emerging as a lifestyle and mental sanctuary for many in the city, attracting climbers from diverse backgrounds, professions, and age groups.
Samuel Vinoth, a rock climbing coach who is part of Chennai Rock Climbers, shares, “While this sport is more popular in the US, awareness about rock climbing in Chennai is still quite low, and many people assume it’s a difficult activity. On the contrary, rock climbing offers an exciting adrenaline rush. Initially, it may seem tough, but once people start climbing, they begin to feel stronger, more confident, and it also helps improve their concentration. Since everyone is different in height, size, and weight, the activity is designed in a way that anyone can take part — it’s a form of problem-solving using your body. I believe everyone should try it at least once to discover their inner strength. What’s special about this activity is that it allows a community to gather and practice within the city during weekends. The most essential equipment for this sport is climbing shoes, and we provide them for those who are interested.”
‘Rock climbing helps individuals overcome fear’
Samuel says, “Our rock climbing community was started in 2016 by Shyamsunder Manoharan. We regularly meet at Pallikaranai and Saidapet during weekends. We have slowly been building a strong community in Chennai. One of the biggest advantages of rock climbing is that it helps individuals overcome fear. Our community is very supportive and encouraging. We have members from all walks of life — advocates, IAS officers, medical students, and IT professionals — who join us to make their weekends active and fun. We’re also seeing a rise in women participants, and we’re planning to host exclusive weekend sessions for women.”
'Each climb is a unique puzzle, providing a fulfilling and stimulating experience'
"Unlike repetitive gym routines, rock climbing offers dynamic challenges that engage both the body and mind," says Shankar Madhavan, product manager at the Chennai branch of a Singapore-based IT company. He adds, "Each climb is a unique puzzle, providing a fulfilling and stimulating experience that traditional workouts often lack. The climbing community is inherently inclusive, welcoming individuals from all walks of life. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, the shared challenges and triumphs foster strong bonds and a sense of belonging."
‘It’s a sport where your profession, background, or gender doesn’t matter — your passion does’
“One of the most beautiful aspects of Chennai’s rock climbing scene is its diversity. You’ll find a software engineer climbing next to an artist, a college student sharing beta with a mother of two. It’s a sport where your profession, background, or gender don’t matter — your passion does. Everyone starts as a beginner here, and that humility binds us. It’s less about competition and more about shared struggle, shared triumph, and shared joy,” informs Jacob Isac, a real estate manager.
Samuel Vinoth, a rock climbing coach who is part of Chennai Rock Climbers, shares, “While this sport is more popular in the US, awareness about rock climbing in Chennai is still quite low, and many people assume it’s a difficult activity. On the contrary, rock climbing offers an exciting adrenaline rush. Initially, it may seem tough, but once people start climbing, they begin to feel stronger, more confident, and it also helps improve their concentration. Since everyone is different in height, size, and weight, the activity is designed in a way that anyone can take part — it’s a form of problem-solving using your body. I believe everyone should try it at least once to discover their inner strength. What’s special about this activity is that it allows a community to gather and practice within the city during weekends. The most essential equipment for this sport is climbing shoes, and we provide them for those who are interested.”
‘Rock climbing helps individuals overcome fear’
Samuel says, “Our rock climbing community was started in 2016 by Shyamsunder Manoharan. We regularly meet at Pallikaranai and Saidapet during weekends. We have slowly been building a strong community in Chennai. One of the biggest advantages of rock climbing is that it helps individuals overcome fear. Our community is very supportive and encouraging. We have members from all walks of life — advocates, IAS officers, medical students, and IT professionals — who join us to make their weekends active and fun. We’re also seeing a rise in women participants, and we’re planning to host exclusive weekend sessions for women.”
'Each climb is a unique puzzle, providing a fulfilling and stimulating experience'
"Unlike repetitive gym routines, rock climbing offers dynamic challenges that engage both the body and mind," says Shankar Madhavan, product manager at the Chennai branch of a Singapore-based IT company. He adds, "Each climb is a unique puzzle, providing a fulfilling and stimulating experience that traditional workouts often lack. The climbing community is inherently inclusive, welcoming individuals from all walks of life. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, the shared challenges and triumphs foster strong bonds and a sense of belonging."
‘It’s a sport where your profession, background, or gender doesn’t matter — your passion does’
“One of the most beautiful aspects of Chennai’s rock climbing scene is its diversity. You’ll find a software engineer climbing next to an artist, a college student sharing beta with a mother of two. It’s a sport where your profession, background, or gender don’t matter — your passion does. Everyone starts as a beginner here, and that humility binds us. It’s less about competition and more about shared struggle, shared triumph, and shared joy,” informs Jacob Isac, a real estate manager.