Blog Archives - Sender One Climbing
What Is The Sender One Cares Program?

What Is The Sender One Cares Program?

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Written by Eric Ho | Edited by Alexandra Erdman

 

You might have heard about the Sender One Cares Program, but what does that entail? Well, you’re in luck, we’re going to break it down for you in an easy FAQ.

 

So what is this Cares Program?

It’s Sender One’s social responsibility program! There are two main focuses: Care for the Community and Care for the Crag.

Care for the Crag

In addition to caring for its indoor climbing community, Sender One also believes in keeping our outdoor spaces clean and safe. That’s where Care for the Crag comes in. We have rotating crag cleanups at 3 special local crags: Malibu Creek, Pirate’s Cove, and Stoney Point. Our next one is at Stoney Point this Sunday, April 28, 2024.

 

What’s Care for the Community?

One of Sender One’s Core Values is See From Other People's Perspectives. Care for the Community does just that. Sender One’s staff, members, and guests are all diverse in race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, religion, and socio-economic status. All are welcome, and we hold space for affinity groups that have partnered with us through four initiatives: Send with Color, Send with Pride, Send with Women, and Send Forward.

 

What’s Send with Color?

Sender One LAX and SNA are privileged to host monthly BIPOC meetups to celebrate culture and community in Asian Ascenders (LAX | SNA) and Send with Mi Gente (LAX | SNA), partnering with affinity groups Asian Climbing Collective and Escalemos to provide collaborative meetups. Sender One LAX also has a monthly Black Climbers Union meetup, collaborating with Black Girls Trekkin' biannually.

 

What’s Send with Pride?

All climbers are welcome, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The Send with Pride meetups (LAX | PV | SNA | WW) allow our queer climbers to foster community and climb together.

 

What’s Send with Women?

We empower women and non-binary climbers to come together and climb in a safe and supportive community at our our Ladies Climbing Coalition (LAX) and Send with Women meetups (PV | WW). LCC holds the honor of being Sender One’s longest running affinity group meetup.

 

So what’s Send Forward?

After diversity and inclusion, Sender One focuses its last initiative on equity. We collaborate with organizations to make climbing accessible to low income and underprivileged groups. Past partners include Outdoor Bound, REALM Creative Academy, ASL Climbers, and Hiller Therapy.

 

Wow, that’s so much to offer. How can I contribute?

Attend our crag cleanup this Sunday at Stoney Point, or join one of our many meetups listed above! Additionally, visit and support our partners at the bottom of our Cares Program page!

What To Do With Your Kids This Summer

What To Do With Your Kids This Summer

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Written by Kadisha Aburub | Edited by Alexandra Erdman

 

Summer is right around the corner and if you're still thinking about how to keep your kids busy, then don't worry! We have tons of options across SoCal for you and your family!

Climbing has been shown to build confidence, improve focus, and increase coordination and strength in children. Through active instruction and supervised games, young climbers can learn how to problem solve, work in groups, and gain confidence in their ability to reach new heights.

Has your child never tried climbing before and seems scared to do so? Sender City is the perfect place for them to conquer their fears. Sender City is like the IRL Mario Brothers game. With buildings to climb, towers to jump off of, and if they’re feeling really brave… a giant slide!

If you’ve already checked out Sender City but are looking for something fun for your child during summer break? Sign-up for Rock Climbing Camp! Activities include rope climbing, bouldering, games, king swing, slackline, and Sender City.

If your child shows interest they can join our youth programs! Every child before entering a team must complete Climbing Academy. Climbing Academy is an 8-week introductory course is designed to teach kids the fundamentals of climbing: technique, problem-solving skills, basic knot tying & more!

For more information about booking Sender City and/or Summer Camps at Sender One, you can visit SenderOneClimbing.com, select your desired location and go from there! To make it a little easier, here are some quick links 😉

SNA Sender City, Camps & Drop-In Programs

LAX Sender City, Camps & Drop-In Programs

Playa Vista Drop-In Programs & Camps

Westwood Drop-In Programs

Climb With Care

Climb With Care

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Written by Hailey McFelia & Anneka Peterson | Edited by Alexandra Erdman

 

As we dive into another month of climbing, meetups and events, we reflect on how nature affects us; not only as climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, but also as living things sharing the space with our natural environment. This month we celebrate Keep America Beautiful Month, as April is a constant reminder of change and growth. As a community, we do our best to give back to nature, as it does so much for us!

Interested in how you can get outside and do your part? Join us April 28th (It was the 14th, but we needed to reschedule due to rain) for our Stoney Point Crag Cleanup! Stoney Point is a historic climbing crag. The land itself was inhabited by the Tongva, Chumash, and Tataviam tribes for [an estimated] 8,000 years. It was a trading site known as the Tongva village of Momanga. Climbs began being developed in the 1930’s. Climbing legends like Royal Robbins and Yvon Chouinard would learn to climb at Stoney Point. Let’s do our part to give this historic climbing site with some much needed love! We will have  trash pickers and reusable bags but supplies are limited, so feel free to bring your own if you can. Afterwards, we can enjoy the beauty and climb. Don’t forget to snag a Sender One day pass as a thank you.

If you are interested in getting outside safely and respectfully here are some helpful tips to follow:

 

- Respect Access Rules: Before heading out to any climbing area, be sure to check their regulations/ restrictions. More often than not, you might have to book a spot in advance or obtain a pass. Some areas may also have closures or restrictions due to wildlife, weather, loose rock, or maintenance. 

- Be Mindful of Noise: Many climbing areas are located in natural settings or near residential areas. It is best to keep noise down in order to respect residence and wildlife. This includes speakers and shouting down to your belayer. Some ways to mitigate this are to create a communication plan ahead of time. Otherwise you might be shouting “ WHAT?” “WHAT DiD yOu SAy?!” 80 feet in the air. 

- Communicate With Your Group: Use clear and concise communication with your climbing partners, whether it's discussing beta, or safety checks. Respect others' need for concentration while they climb.

- Leave No Trace: This goes without saying, but please keep the natural environment better than you found it. If you pack it in, pack it out. Helpful Beta: Keep a small trash bag in your climbing bag to pick up trash you might find out there.

- Stay on the Path: Not only could you find yourself getting lost while out on an approach, but you could also end up disturbing or destroying the wildlife and foliage. 

- Minimize Collateral Damage: Place gear and packs away from climbing routes to avoid creating hazards for climbers below. Be cautious of dislodging rocks or debris while climbing or belaying (and be sure to announce it for others to hear). 

-Do Not Climb on Wet Rock: Porous rock is very fragile when wet. Not only is it dangerous to climb on when it’s wet, it’s possibly ruining the climb for generations to come. Holds may come loose and change the climb completely. Even if you traveled far to the crag, you are not the exception to the rule. If the ground around the climb is wet stay off the rock. If you aren’t sure, best to use caution and stay on the ground. 

- Respect Our Fuzzy Friends and Creepy Crawlies: They may be friend-shaped, but they are, indeed, not friend. Although they are cute, curious, and may even seem calm around humans, please do not feed the wildlife. They could become dependent on human interaction and lose their ability to forage and hunt on their own. 

- If You See Something, Say Something: Follow safety protocols such as double-checking knots, anchors, and belay setups. If you notice unsafe practices, kindly offer assistance or advice. 

- Share Routes & Be Kind: Be courteous to other climbers by sharing popular routes. If someone is waiting to climb a route you're on, offer to let them go ahead or coordinate alternating attempts. Sharing is caring, and we don’t gatekeep!

Not able to get outside? That’s okay! We’ll bring the Earth Day celebrations inside to you. Our Playa Vista location will be hosting Rock n’ Regrow: Climbing into Sustainability on Sunday April 21st. The event will focus on education on how we can give back to the outdoors. Take part in activities such as creating seed packets with indigenous wildflower seeds for our local pollinators, learn to upcycle your overloved clothing with a mending clinic, or drop off/swap your gently used clothing and gear during our gear exchange. There will also be outdoor inspired routes from local SoCal crags. Get a taste of what it’s like to climb outside! There’s all that and more during the Rock n; Regrow Sunday Funday event! LAX will be hosting an Earth Day event on Monday, April 22nd. Sender One LAX is partnering with Articles in Common to kickoff our Athletes for Earth campaign to promote secondhand gear in the world of outdoor sports.

If you’re unable to attend these events don’t worry. You can still show your love for the outdoors with our new Joshua Tree Merch.

If you have an interest in getting outside to climb, but are unsure of where to start, ask a Sender One staff member. We are more than happy to share the stoke on how to get outside safely and respectfully. Like the Sender One Cares program states, “Our passion for climbing expands beyond our walls and out into our parks and local climbing crags. Sender One one is committed to sharing our knowledge of outdoor climbing etiquette and doing hands-on work at outdoor climbing areas so that they remain available for years and future generations to come.” We thank you for taking the time to educate yourself and to do your part to leave the outdoors better than you found it.

Celebrate Westwood With Us!

Celebrate Westwood With Us!

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Written by Anneka Peterson | Edited by Alexandra Erdman

 

Sender One Westwood is in full swing! For all of our college students, UCLA medical professionals and Westwood residents, Sender One has a place for you! Whether you want to sharpen your bouldering skills, relax in a yoga class, or destress while lifting weights, we've got you covered. Sender One Westwood has been open for a little over a month, and now it's time to finally celebrate our official Grand Opening!

 On April 6th, we will host our official Grand Opening Parties! Shortly after the Grand Opening, Westwood will begin hosting monthly meetups. At sender one, we aim to create safe spaces for everyone and we hope that you can find friends and like minded peers within our community and meetups.  These include:

  •  Send With Women | 2nd Friday of the month |  6-8pm
  •  Send With Pride | 4th Friday of the month |  6-8pm
  • Monday Night Meetup | 1st & 3rd Monday of the month | 7-9pm

 

For our Grand Opening we will have two parties, a morning party from 10:00 am - 12:30pm, and an afternoon party from 12:30pm - 3:00pm. 

During our morning party, we will have an exclusive yoga offer where you can sign up for a 20 minute flow session with our amazing yoga instructor Samantha! Spots are limited, so make sure you make your way up to the yoga studio and put your name down on our sign up sheet! Expect some relaxing flow sessions, perfect for warming up and cooling down from climbing. 

At 12:30pm, we will hold an official ribbon cutting ceremony!  

Both parties will include a bingo card full of fun challenges, climbing related raffle prizes, a vender village with an amazing array of small business and outdoor company demos and a DJ!! 

For our grand opening, we will also have some exclusive Westwood merch, including t-shirts and sweatshirts with vintage 3D glasses designed to honor the cinematic history of our location. 

Sender one has partnered with several local food spots with discounted prices. Be sure to show your bingo card to one of our listed restaurants to get some great deals!

Finally, we know parking can be a hassle around these parts, so we have done our best to help out where we can! We have set up a special Lyft discount for the first 100 people. Use code SOWWGOPARTY to utilize the discount! We also have street parking - 2 hour parking, meters, unlimited on Ohio Ave, and 2 hours free in the Broxton garage. 

Due to expected high traffic the day of, we highly recommend RSVP-ing for your preferred party time in advance! Reserve your spot here!

Not to brag, but it's going to be pretty awesome! See you there!

Lakewood: Meet The Team

Lakewood: Meet The Team

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Written by Kadisha Aburub | Edited by Alexandra Erdman

 

The moment you all have been waiting for… the next full service gym is opening very very very very very VERY soon :O & if you couldn’t tell, we are psyched.

The team who will be leading Lakewood has been assembled and we’d like to take the opportunity to introduce them to you! While they are all familiar faces across Sender One, they are now, officially, the first of the Sender One Lakewood staff.

***drum roll please***

Art Garcia Alvear (he/him)

Gym Manager

Melissa Garcia (she/her)

Customer Experience Manager

Mac, (he/they)

Programs Manager

Devan Gutierrez, (he/him)

Head Routesetter

How long have you been climbing + working at Sender One?

I have been climbing for nearly 10 years! I started out climbing and working at a different gym. I became part of the Sender One team in November 2017.

Art

My first time climbing ropes indoors was at Sender One LAX in 2017. I started climbing more often in college as I worked for my school's gym and I had roommates who also climbed. My journey at Sender One first started in 2021 shortly after the gyms reopened. From 2021-2022, I held roles in the Youth Programs, Customer Experience, and Marketing departments until I transferred to SNA as the Customer Experience Manager in the Fall of 2022. I joined the Lakewood team as the Customer Experience Manager in the Summer of 2023!
Melissa

I've been climbing for 7 years + working at Sender One for 3 years.

Mac

I have been climbing since 2011, routesetting since 2012, and working at Sender One since 2016.

Devan

How did you get into climbing? 

My brother took me for my first time and I fell in love with it instantly. On my next visit I bought an annual membership to that gym, and then a month later I started working there. It has evolved from a hobby, to a passion, and now to a lifestyle for me.

Art

My sister and her husband first introduced me! My sister took me to another gym to boulder once but when she started working at Sender One I was able to come in with her and learn to belay and rope climb with them. I would say I really "got into" climbing when I started working at Sender One. Jed, now one of LAX's Routesetters, was my first friend at work and we climbed together at least twice a week 🙂
Melissa

I went bouldering with a few friends in high school, and got hooked as soon as I sent my first climb 🙂

Mac

Pretty classic situation - a friend brought me into the gym and from then on out, climbing and routesetting has been my obsession.

Devan

What are you most excited about with the new gym opening?

Getting to cultivate a community from scratch! I love being a part of people's climbing journeys and helping them discover the same love and excitement that I have for this sport. I also really look forward to getting to climb with this new community and enjoying some great new problems and routes!

Art

Since I've worked at both existing full-service gyms, I know each community pretty well. I'm excited to see new faces mix with our existing community and to share climbing with the Lakewood area!
Melissa

I'm excited to connect with climbers in my home community!

Mac

I'm most excited about the opportunity to help create a brand new culture within the Lakewood community. One of the major ways I, and my team will do this, is by creating fun, thought provoking boulders and routes that spark a sense of adventure, flow, problem solving, and maybe a little bit of head tilting.

Devan

What you like to do outside of work?

I love playing games, whether that be board games, sports, or video games. I have so many favorites and love to talk about all of them! I also like talking about my cat, anime, and hanging out with my friends and family.

Art

I love going to the beach and being in the ocean! Outside of that, I enjoy baking, going to concerts, and trivia nights with friends 🙂
Melissa

Playing with my dogs, climbing outside, watching movies, and activities on the bluff!

Mac

When I'm not working I'm likely spending time with my wife, Andi. We enjoy riding horses, taking our dogs out for adventures, riding mountain bikes, and watching some questionably "good" shows. I also enjoy Skiing, backpacking, and making my own coffee.

Devan

When LAX was under construction, the opening leadership team took a photo together in the open space. To commemorate the opening of our third full-service gym, we've done the same!

 

Here's what LAX looked like back in 2016! ⬆⬆⬆
Sender One Lakewood is expected to open in Summer 2024.

We are currently hiring for more Lakewood positions! If you are interested in joining the team, you can apply online at Sender.One/Careers

Send With Women

Send With Women

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Written by Hailey McFelia | Edited by Alexandra Erdman

 

Here, at Sender One, we find it very important to celebrate women in climbing. Our very own CEO is a woman, Alice Kao. Alice has just been presented with the Golden Crown Award from the Global Federation of Chinese Business Women. Congratulations Alice! Since about half of our entire community is women, it would only make sense that we would use Women’s Appreciation Month as an excuse to celebrate women in climbing.

Playa Vista showed us that taking time to climb with your “girl gang” is the way to go! We hosted a screening of the documentary Girls Gone Hueco and served refreshments from a women-owned brewery (Three Weavers). The documentary follows 5 women adventuring out in Hueco Tanks and these women boulder their hearts out while still working a day job! Before the screening Playa hosted a special Send with Women event which gave the community a chance to (literally) stop and smell the roses with a make your own bouquet station. Some climbers took the opportunity to throw some flowers in their hair and send some routes, while others found it to be a fun activity to do while they tuned into different documentaries featuring women climbers such as Nina Williams and Sasha Digiulian. During the event vendors came in to interact with guests and show their crafts (all vendors were woman owned groups and companies). All and all the event was a great way for the ladies of our community to come together and enjoy not just the safe space that sender one has created.

Sender One LAX also put on a fantastic event empowering women! The event was sponsored by  women-lead company, Wondery Outdoors. Wondery Outdoors put together an awesome women-owned vendor village, bouldering competition, and an amazing raffle! Proceeds for the event went toward Black Girls Climb. We also hosted three clinics led by Sender One staff members! Laurel showed us the ways of the speed wall, Stella brought all the powerful shorties to the yard for a Short Beta clinic, and Kadisha showed us the ropes with an Intro to Climbing class. Wondery Outdoors gave away over 100 Isabell pants to guests and we had about 300 attendees in total! Wondery pants were everywhere along with smiles and sends.

If you’re located closer to SNA, we have another fun women-focused event on March 18th! Ascend Together is an event put on with The Cairn Project to highlight Anna Hazelnutt’s film ‘To Bolt or Not To Be’ followed by a discussion with Anna about gender inclusivity in the world of climbing. If you haven’t had a chance to familiarize yourself with this delightful human check out and fun interview we had with her https://www.senderoneclimbing.com/send-with-women-anna-hazelnutt/. You can also scope out her fun climbing content on her Youtube channel. 10/10 highly recommended. 

The Cairn Project which supports outdoor learning & leadership for girls+ around the US. To raise funds for the Cairn Project there will be a raffle before the screening so make sure you arrive before the screening to support! The raffle is at 7pm and the screening is at 7:30pm. The screening will be followed by a conversation on gender inclusivity in outdoor spaces.

Sender One is proud to provide a safe space for women and non binary climbers, but what does that really mean? I think it means a fun space where you feel you can be yourself fully. No shame or worries. So if you’d like to join us just as you are, join us for our Send With Women initiative meetups! 

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