“Know before you go” is a pretty good rule of thumb before you head into the great outdoors to try a new activity. So, why not check out one of these Atlanta destinations to prep for everything from your summer fly-fishing trip to a bike ride through the Smokies?
CLIMB THE WALLS
Lesson Learned: Atlanta Rocks! Indoor Climbing Gym offers a novice climb for all ages and experience levels, which is a good opportunity to try the sport— under the guidance of trained staff. This option is popular for group gatherings such as bachelorette parties and teambuilding outings. To participate, call and make a reservation. There is also an intro class for those 12 and older that covers safety concerns and includes climbing time after, which ranges from about one hour during the week to several on the weekends. (Equipment for the class is provided.) The intro class is offered at 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 1 p.m. on weekends.
Atlanta Rocks! Indoor Climbing Gym
1019-A Collier Road
Atlanta 30318
404.351.3009
atlantarocks.com
DIVE DEEP
Lesson Learned: Beginner classes are offered on a monthly basis. For Open Water certification, students can choose traditional classroom learning or online training to learn fundamental dive skills and safety. This is followed by pool practice with an instructor and certification with fun manatee dives in Florida’s Crystal River or in a tropical destination of the student’s choosing.
Divers@Sea
2297 Peachtree Road
Atlanta 30309
404.350.8510
diversatsea.com
GO FISH
Lesson Learned: Orvis offers free Fly Fishing 101 and 201 classes from May to July. The first class is conducted in the store and teaches the basics of fly fishing, including understanding the use of the fly rod and reel, tying some basic knots, and learning how to cast a fly rod. The second is taught on a local pond and provides an opportunity to put the skills you learned in the 101 class to good use.
Orvis
3275 Peachtree Road
Atlanta 30305
404.841.0093
orvis.com
RIDE ON
Lesson Learned: For those who are completely new to cycling, Peachtree Bikes offers one-on-one sessions with a seasoned cyclist. The shop also hosts a 24-mile Sunday group ride that leaves from the Buckhead location at 9 a.m. “Here at Peachtree Bikes, we are passionate about the sport and love sharing our expertise and enthusiasm with new cyclists,” adds Ryan Hobbs, lead mechanic and certified bike body geometry fit specialist.
Peachtree Bikes
3098 Roswell Road N.W.
Atlanta 30305
404.262.9853
peachtreebikes.com
