About
Our Story
Arkansas Rock Climbing
At Arkansas Rock Climbing, our ethos revolves around more than just scaling cliffs; it’s about fostering connections, building confidence, and cultivating a deep respect for the environment. Our team comprises experienced climbers, instructors, and outdoor enthusiasts who are committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all who walk through our doors.
Located amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Arkansas, our facility serves as a gateway to exploration and adventure. From towering limestone bluffs to rugged bouldering routes, our diverse terrain offers challenges and experiences for every skill level and interest.
Our Team
Pedro Somarriba
Introduced to climbing at a bouldering gym while an undergraduate student at the University of Florida, Pedro has been climbing whenever he can since 2009. Pedro moved to Arkansas in 2018 with his wife and three daughters to work for Walmart, where he works today. Previously, he lived in Okinawa, Japan; Mexico City, Mexico; Campinas, Brazil; Miami, Florida; and Durham and Fayetteville, North Carolina. A Duke MBA, Pedro is a serial entrepreneur and owner of an Airbnb holding/management company, and a rock climbing equipment manufacturer called Lacaida. From 2010 to 2016 Pedro was an Army Special Forces soldier, colloquially known as a ‘Green Beret’.
Favorite climb, climbing area, or climbing experience: “taking folks climbing outside for the first time. With thoughtful, patient guidance, everyone can have a great time and once that light turns on and they realize what their bodies are capable of, it’s a beautiful thing.”
Olivia Vitaterna
Olivia grew up in Illinois, began climbing in 2013, and moved to Fayetteville AR the following year for college. They started climbing outdoors, and worked at the university climbing wall, and dove headfirst into AR rock climbing. They began leading outdoor trips, hosting women’s and LGBTQ+ camping/climbing weekends, and volunteering at the annual 24HHH competition. After graduating, Olivia moved to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch to continue full-time guiding and educating. For three years, they lived in Jasper, AR teaching beginner climbers thoughtful and comfortable ways to climb. In that time, Olivia became a certified Single Pitch Instructor through the American Mountain Guide Association, learned rebolting and development practices, and in 2021 joined the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Climbers Coalition.
In 2022, Olivia returned to Fayetteville and deepened their involvement in volunteer efforts for both 24HHH and the ARCC – moving to the Secretary position and attending dozens of ARCC meet-ups and events. Olivia loves being the boots on the ground supporting large social events, connecting people to climbing on an individual level, and being out of cell service on a rock somewhere.
Favorite Climb – In The Crack or On Your Back
Favorite Climbing Experience – North Ridge of the Spearhead (only cried 3 times)
Sam Warren
This section will be about Sam, soon.
Jason Groves
Jason grew up in River Valley of Arkansas playing the traditional stick-and-ball sports, and then went to college (even graduated!) at the University of Central Arkansas. He started climbing at a little hole in the wall bouldering gym in Springdale, AR in the early Spring of 2013 with his now wife, Bridgette, when he would visit on weekends. Shortly thereafter Jason would move to NWA whence he and Bridgette found themselves at the bouldering gym several times a week after falling absolutely in love with the sport. In the Fall of that year the gym had been closed and subsequently reopened by a group of 8 people, themselves included. Over a decade later and now the sole owners of Ozark Climbing Gym in Springdale, Stratus Climbing in Norman, OK and The Silos in OKC, OK, Bridgette and Jason never looked back.
Jason oversees the operations of the 3 gyms, and routesets and coaches Youth Teams at Ozark Climbing Gym. “Sharing climbing with other people is my absolute favorite thing that I get to do at work. Even if I don’t get to personally climb as much as I used to, I’m still super psyched to connect with people through climbing or introduce new people to the sport!”
Jason and his wife have two sons, a dog, and a turtle. He is pro pineapple-on-pizza, anti beach vacations (the sand gets everywhere!), a trivia nerd, and thinks slopers are the true S-tier hold type (or just has really weak fingies).
