Gravity Vault Officially Opens in Chatham

Hardcore rock climbing enthusiasts and climbing novices alike should be excited about the opening of the Gravity Vault on Watchung Avenue here in Chatham. 

The facility is the largest of its kind in New Jersey. With state of the art climbing walls and equipment and well-trained staff, the gym is bringing indoor rock climbing to the Chathams and Morris County in a big way.

C0-owners Tim Walsh and Lucas Kovalcik, both 33, opened their first Gravity Vault in Upper Saddle River a couple of years ago, but always knew there wouldn't be just one gym. 

Why Chatham? "We felt there was a void in indoor climbing in this area of New Jersey," Walsh said. Chatham was purely a good business decision as neither owner has any other connection with the town. Walsh and Kovalcik both grew up in and continue to live in Bergen County.

"Morris County is a great location," said Walsh. "We did have problems finding properties that would work for us." It took a year to find the facility on Watchung Avenue, which was formerly a warehousing space for Suburban Wholesale Florists next door. 

Walsh explained that each Gravity Vault needs a space that is high (the Chatham site is 40 feet tall at the center) with no internal structures and that they need a footprint for the climbing area of 10,000 sf minimum. 

The Chatham facility also includes another 2,300 square feet for bathrooms, a retail store, a reception area and a party room. 

Walsh himself began climbing when he was 16 and loved climbing the Shawangunks (commonly known as the 'Gunks) near New Paltz in New York, as do many local rock rock climbers.

"I fell in love with climbing," he said. "I love that it's an individual sport and you're only competing against yourself. There's a lot of team work involved, but when you're the guy who's lead, you're the one making the decisions."

Don't be intimidated by Walsh's climbing credentials. There is something for everyone at Gravity Vault. Walsh explained that the Vault hosts parties for children ages five and up and also hosts town recreation groups. Conversely, Gravity Vault has had climbers up to 75 years of age. 

And for serious climbers, there are 13 different subcategories of Level 5 climbing at the gym, plus a bouldering area in the back where climbers work without ropes and are virtually climbing upside down.

Walsh explained why he thinks climbing is great for kids.

"It builds strength, it's healthy, it builds self esteem and confidence," he said. Plus, "it's the best alternative for kids who like to play video games.

"I do see some hesitation in the younger kids. But they stay at it and I see their confidence build as they get higher and higher."

But what about safety?

"Statistically, climbing is safer than just about any sport—cheerleading, gymnastics, any contact sports," Walsh said. "We have almost zero injuries. Sometimes there is a bumped elbow."

Children climb with a harness, ropes and adult assistance. The floor is also covered with 3 1/2 inches of open cell foam beneath a soft carpet.

Walsh said that the Gravity Vault's reception in Chatham has been "tremendous."

"The community has embraced us," he said, adding that Chatham is full of parents of young children who are active. Plus, "town leadership has been unbelievable."

Mayor [Nelson] Vaughn was on hand yesterday for an official ribbon-cutting, although the gym opened "soft" on Black Friday last year.

The gym is open seven days a week. Membership, day passes, party rental and summer camp information is available online at Gravity Vault's Web site.