Rock climbing is a sport long reputed to be the province of extreme outdoorsmen, thrill-seekers, and serious mountaineers, but the sport has changed drastically over the past years, and is now has more participants, and is safer and less expensive that it's ever been. One major change that has come about recently is the sudden rise of the indoor climbing gym.

An indoor climbing gym provides a more controlled environment for practicing the sport, especially for beginners. Ropes anchored securely at the top of the wall (called "top-roping") help prevent falls, and mats spread on the floor help cushion them. Indoor climbs are also free of natural hazards, such as inclement weather, dangerous wildlife, and falling rock, making them an ideal place to learn the sport.

Another important advantage of indoor gyms is that the course can be varied. To seek a variety of challenges in outdoor climbing requires visits to a variety of locations, but in an indoor gym, the holds can be taken from the wall and rearranged, providing a near infinite variety of fun, healthy challenges. Indoor rock climbing can also be beneficial to children, since many children who do not enjoy traditional competitive sports can find the challenge and personal improvement afforded by rock climbing both helpful and enjoyable.

Also, of course, travel distances are much shorter. Rather than having to drive to a natural rock feature, climbers at an indoor gym need only drive to the nearest such facility, such as the Virginia Beach Rock Gym. A trip to this rock climbing gym can also add variety to a trip to see the ocean at Virginia Beach.