I was making my inaugural climb.

Thanks to Ben Bonnett, who is part of the trained staff at the Stonehenge Indoor Climbing Gym, I was properly fastened and ready to begin that ascent up the indoor rock-climbing wall, which is an artificial structure consisting of climbing holds of various shapes and sizes, and situated randomly or in specific routes.

Bonnett provided instructions on threading the rope through the harness. Included was the figure-8 follow-through knot attached to my climbing partner – in this case, Thomas Coyle, 18, of Tracy – who was anchored down on the ground and responsible for my safety while wearing the belaying device.

He, too, was given a crash course on the proper technique on belaying. Thomas’ job was to control the tension on the rope on the ascent and to safely release the rope to help guide down the climber.

Located in downtown Modesto, Stonehenge offers 4,000 square feet of rock climbing, 40 feet top rope wall, 50 feet walls to lead climb, and a cave and climbing shop.

Cost for first-timers is $20, with instructions provided. Participants are required to sign a waiver.

Before beginning my climb, I turned to Thomas and said rather sheepishly, “On belay.”

In other words, I was saying “climb ready” or “climbing.”

Thomas, in response, uttered “belay on” or “climb on.”

At first, I had a sense of fear and maybe nervousness. But I also thought it was natural to feel that way since I happened to be doing something out of my comfort zone.

Derren Beland, who is the owner and operator of Stonehenge, offered some advice. “Use your legs to pull yourself up,” he said.

And so I hoisted myself upward, grabbing the climbing holds and, taking Beland’s advice, using leg-strength to gain leverage. For a second, I took a peek downward only to momentarily lose my focus. I re-grouped and kept looking up while grabbing the nearest climbing hold.

I think I got about a foot from the top of the wall before signally “belay off.”

With that, I was able to rappel down safely. Once on the ground, I was satisfied with my initial climb. I even recalled getting an adrenalin rush.

We switched positions. In the role of the belayer, I quickly found out how much attention was necessary in assuring the safety of the climber. It’s important here to learn the proper technique of handling the climbing rope.

I made a half dozen more climbs later that evening, trying different climbing courses while managing to reach the top of the wall each time.

I’m saving the bigger walls for the next time.

Stonehenge Indoor Climbing Gym & Portable Wall is located at 500 Ninth St., STE L2, Modesto.

For more information, call (209) 521-3644 or email climbstonehenge@aol.com.