Finding Your Climbing Community
Talk to any climber about what climbing has brought to their life– chances are, even if they show you their thickest callus and talk about a gnarly past injury, they'll hit you with some pretty impactful things. It's no secret that climbing makes you stronger and improves your coordination. We also know that climbing offers a variety of mental health benefits. But for many, climbing provides a community where folks can experience these things together.
Climbers undeniably can foster many types of bonds through shared interests, routines, and climbing experiences. Still, finding your community is not always easy, especially as a new or solo climber. If you're wondering how to find your community of climbers or engage with a larger community as you build your comfortability in the gym, check out this compilation of people, places, and spaces that will help you build community.
Getting Comfortable In the Gym
Fellow Climbers: Jumping right into introductions or interactions with other climbers can feel mega intimidating in a new space, especially if you are a less experienced climber. It can be helpful to remember that all climbers, at some point or another, were brand new, too! Don't let grumpy gym bros discourage you. At the same time, it's crucial to practice respectful gym etiquette when engaging with others at the gym and be mindful that not all climbers are there to interact—for many climbers, engaging with others about routes and techniques while climbing is a normal part of the process. Groups gather around an area to work on different routes together. Next time you see this and feel able, challenge yourself to take a turn or check out how someone else is approaching a problem.
Gym Staff: If engaging with other folks climbing at your gym isn't your style or not what you feel comfortable with quite yet, remember that gym staff regularly encounter new climbers and are there to help you get started. Plus, they're often bountiful resources! Most gyms' staffs are climbers and instructors who can offer guidance, answer questions, and even demonstrate a thing or two for you if you're unsure where to begin. Through asking questions and learning from staff, you'll build familiarity with terminology, techniques, and essential safety tips, helping to boost your comfortability and capability when climbing or spending time in climbing spaces.
Gym Programming: Many places offer clinics, groups, and events specific to learning or improving certain skills. Some may even be centered on meeting other climbers and fostering community at the gym. Attending these spaces is one way not only to get familiar with the new physical area, but to meet others, introduce yourself in a shared space, and if you're in these spaces with regularity, build to knowing some names and faces! The more you engage with these interactive spaces, the easier engaging outside of those designated spaces will be.
Finding Community Outside of the Gym
Meetup Groups: If your gym isn't offering a group or scheduled climb time for the sort of climbing space you're looking for, you might have to turn to the broader climbing community. First, check out all of the offerings in your area. Then, if you're feeling brave, check out online communities like Facebook or Mountain Project for local meet-ups. If you cannot find a group or chat in your area, consider starting one. Chances are, other climbers in your area are also looking for folks!
Community Aimed Groups: While real-life climbing spaces like gyms and programs can offer a wealth of knowledge and support, these spaces are not always accessible to others. You may search for a community more representative of yourself or a community focused on your specific interest in climbing or outside of climbing! Maybe you're a student looking to climb with other students, a baker, and a climber, and you want to find a group to exchange recipes with after a climb. Mmm, post-climb picnic, anyone? Whatever it is, there may be a group of climbers like you. While it might not be in the same town as you, many groups on social media (both for specific areas and as part of universal climbing communities) share information, events, gear, experiences, and more! These can be valuable spaces for finding folks to climb with and branching out into other climbing groups and communities!
All sorts of folks are out there climbing and enjoying climbing in various ways. Your climbing community is out there, so stay on the search until you come across them. In the meantime, keep on climbing!