The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Facility offers rock climbing with a twist
In the facility, there will be a number of active rock walls; some portable, some belay, and bouldering.
A collaborative effort is helping On the Rocks rock climbing facility in Elyria to get ready for its opening later this year.
The Huffman family of Amherst is not only working to share their interests with others, but working with local artists and their talents to make it more possible.
The Huffmans say they have experienced a life of health, wellness and adventure.
Kevin “K” Huffman, 34, CEO of On the Rocks, used his online business health food store, AmBari Nutrition, short for American Bariatrics, to share the interests of himself and his family on rock climbing.
Huffman’s sister Heidi Huffman, 31, his mother Beth Wagner, 61, and brothers Drew Huffman, 36, and Dustin Huffman, 32, all work together at the AmBari Nutrition Warehouse, 8701 Leavitt Road in Elyria.
Kevin Huffman’s family is inviting people to the adventurous life of rock climbing, health and wellness through On the Rocks, Heidi Huffman said.
Heidi Huffman is chief operating officer and Drew Huffman is the chief financial officer of On the Rocks.
On the Rocks will be a new addition to the warehouse.
It is welcoming three local artists to paint murals that signify the interests of the Huffman family and Kevin Huffman.
Artists Jared Mitchell of Elyria, and Keri Sparenga, a North Ridgeville native, now of Brunswick, are bringing the vision of adventure to life at the future facility.
Kevin Huffman said the use of art can share a bit of who the Huffmans are, but also makes their love of rock climbing more exciting.
In the facility, there will be a number of active rock walls; some portable, some belay, bouldering and one that will be the largest in northern Ohio around 45 feet, Heidi Huffman said.
The average is about 35 feet, she said.
The rock walls at On the Rocks will create more exciting challenges that will be safe for all ages starting at 2 years old, Heidi Huffman said.
Many of the murals will be incorporated into the rock walls, Kevin Huffman said.
Mitchell and Sparenga said they have worked on murals before.
But the murals at the facility are the largest they’ve ever done.
Mitchell said he was first inspired by the building itself.
After being invited, he said he was excited to work for great people on a “great” canvas.
The Huffmans said that rock climbing is a hobby they want to make fun.
None of them are professionals, but they will be trained as certified rock climbers along with hired employees.
“Our number one priority is safety,” Heidi Huffman said.
Other features to come at On the Rocks are an AmBari Nutrition snack station that shares some of the healthy weight loss foods, including a smoothie and juice bar.
The facility also has a yoga studio that is open.
Heidi Huffman and a friend of hers friend are yoga instructors.
She said the On the Rocks team is looking to do more with the facility like becoming more active in the community with schools and invite guests for events.
“We want people to come hangout and have fun,” Heidi Huffman said.
Rock climbing is something the family loves to do together and they wanted to do it closer to home, she said.
“We want to give this experience to the community so we can empower healthier and active lives,” Heidi Huffman said.
Wagner and Heidi Huffman are nurses and they said they see people who are not active
“Getting people involved and active, it’s a rewarding thing,” Wagner said.