POCATELLO — As Jessica Ralph pushed herself to climb one of the more difficult routes along the east cliffs at Upper Ross Park, just a few yards to the north, her son, James Ralph, was also testing his own skills on an equally challenging route.

The decision by each to test their individual skills wasn’t the only similarity between the two family members relatively new to the sport of rock climbing. There was also the quiet frustration shown on the face of both as each failed to hit the top of their respective routes on the first try, and the drive to try those routes several times.

“We’re pretty tenacious about things,” Jessica said afterward. “When we go for something, when we like it, we really dive in.”

James, a 12-year-old seventh-grader at Franklin Middle School, said he was pretty new at rock climbing, but still felt he had the grip that should have helped him move up the cliff face.

“I got it, but I couldn’t hold on to it,” he said.

With James a bit frustrated about being unable to move up the fairly difficult route, his father, John Ralph, standing on the ground beneath him, continued to remind his son about the fun in trying, about the good time in just being out there.

That’s why John said he and his family took up rock climbing in July.

“We’re just out here having fun. It’s just great to be outside, it’s a beautiful day,” John said, before elaborating on his son’s intense focus on doing well. “He wants to improve. He’s like all of us, he wants to get better and do his personal best.”

The Ralph family was enjoying the day rock climbing at Lower Ross Park as part of the annual Pocatello Pump, a two-day competitive event organized by Idaho State University’s Outdoor Adventure Center.

“This is its 35th year in existence,” said Justin Dayley, coordinator for the Outdoor Adventure Center. “It’s the longest continuously running rock climbing competition in the country.”

Dayley said that one event started prior to the Pocatello Pump, which had held the position as the longest running rock climbing competition, was recently discontinued.

He said roughly 200 people participated in the Pocatello Pump this year, many coming from throughout the region.

“A lot of folks come from places like Bozeman (Mont.), Salt Lake (City), Boise, all around the region to come participate in this activity,” Dayley said. 

The Pocatello Pump features several skill levels for its competitive events and even has a category for those just wanting to come out and enjoy a day or two of climbing without the pressure of competing.

That’s in keeping with the overall character of the event. While there is a competitive element to the Pocatello Pump, it’s really about the camaraderie.

“It’s more of a climbing festival where we just want to get a bunch of climbers together,” Dayley said.

Those interested in coming out the Pocatello Pump in the future, but have no experience, should at least learn the basics before coming out, Dayley said, as there is no teaching or training being done during the event.

But those wanting to learn can contact the Outdoor Adventure Center at 282-3912, or check out their website, www.isu.edu/outdoor. The group has an open climbing class every Thursday weather permitting.

For John Ralph, getting into rock climbing, was a way to overcome a long-time fear of heights. For Jessica, it was another great way to get out of the house and into the outdoors that the family as a whole enjoys so much.

“We love being outside and doing things,” she said. “We’ve done the coach potato thing and it doesn’t feel nearly as good as coming out and getting a good sweat on. But it’s not just a physical thing, it’s also mentally challenging.”