Nestled off Highway 160 (732 Co Rd 233) near Mercy Hospital is one of Durango’s newest and fastest growing recreation destinations – Gravity Lab. I recently had the pleasure of meeting with the co-owner, Sebastiaan Zuidweg, and the Gravity Lab Competition Team coach, Charlie Malone.
Upon entering Gravity Lab, I was greeted by “Scout”, the gym’s adorable therapy dog/mascot. After Scout had evaluated and approved me for entry, I met Zuidweg and Malone. Once inside the Lab, I was immediately struck by the pure beauty of the facility. It looks less like a gym and more like a work of art. And the climbers on the beautifully painted walls moved with such ease that they appeared to be defying gravity.
Zuidweg and his wife, Gravity Lab co-owner Laura Chase, are both experienced rock climbers and health care professionals. “A lot of people value the space as a safe environment for kids,”Sebastiaan proudly exclaimed.
In addition to the safety features throughout the Lab, it is an added bonus that Sebastiaan and Laura are both accomplished healthcare professionals who have climbed for most of their lives. Sebastiaan, a trained therapist and, before opening Gravity Lab, worked in Wilderness Therapy. Laura is a nurse anesthetist at San Juan Regional Medical Center.
They opened Gravity Lab approximately two and one half years ago, and it is quickly becoming an important part of the Durango community. When I asked about youth programs, Sebastiaan explained that the climbers in the lab are as young as four years old. During our interview, the Competition Team coach Charlie Malone stressed “the physical, emotional, and mental benefits of climbing.” When I asked Coach Malone to elaborate he explained, “Climbing is uniquely individual in the sense that it is the climber and the climb, yet inherently communal in that people work on routes and problems together, unlock moves for each other and cheer each other on.” And although Malone obviously understands the physical benefits a youth receives from climbing, he stressed that it was building self-discipline and team work that was most important to him.
“Rock climbing helps young people grow in powerful ways—physically, mentally, and emotionally. As they climb, kids build strength, coordination, and endurance, all while having fun and staying active,” Malone continued, “But the real benefits go even deeper. Climbing is a personal journey and teaches focus, mindfulness, problem-solving, and perseverance, helping youth develop confidence as they work through challenges one hold at a time. Each success—big or small—builds a sense of self-reliance, pride and resilience that carries into school, relationships, and everyday life.”
I asked Coach Malone to compare the experience of “team climbing to traditional youth team sports.” Malone’s response was illuminating. “Traditional youth team sports, like football, soccer, or baseball, focus on group performance, where success is conditional on how the team works together in competition. Players often have assigned positions, practice structured plays, and compete against other teams. These sports teach valuable lessons in teamwork, shared responsibility and communication, and while climbing hones in on these qualities as well, it also offers something unique. In contrast, youth climbing teams blend individual challenge with community support. Each climber works toward personal goals—like mastering a new route or improving technique and strength—while being encouraged by teammates and coaches. There’s no bench and no fixed position; everyone participates fully while focusing on self-improvement, problem-solving, and resilience, rather than comparison or competition.”
Zuidweg agreed. “Rock climbing teams still build strong social bonds, but they also nurture self-confidence, independence, and intrinsic motivation. Kids learn to trust themselves, support others, and celebrate both personal and team progress. Failure is a part of the path to success as you fall and fail before you piece together a difficult route. As a result, one of the most valuable lessons learned is to tolerate failure, learn from it and grow physically, emotionally and mentally”.
The Gravity Lab Competition Team has a very impressive story. Made up entirely of Durango youth (ages 10-18), they regularly compete against climbing teams from much larger communities- Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Gunnison, and the Front Range to name but a few. “On a Gravity Lab climbing team, kids learn to encourage one another, communicate, and trust their teammates. They gain a sense of belonging in a positive, goal-driven community where everyone supports each other’s growth. Rock climbing isn’t just a sport—it’s a pathway to stronger bodies, sharper minds, and more confident kids.” Sebastiaan explained.
“A pathway to stronger bodies, sharper minds, and more confident kids.” With benefits like those, it is easy to imagine the Gravity Lab defying gravity in Durango for many years to come.
by Phil Brown
