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Announcing: Sender One Playa Vista

Announcing: Sender One Playa Vista

by | Apr 19, 2019 | Announcements, Blog

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Updated June 2021

We are beyond excited to announce that Sender One is growing!  Coming to you in 2021, we will be opening a 7,000+ sq. ft. world-class bouldering facility in Playa Vista, California.  For the past 6 years, Sender One has been devoted to discovering ourselves and connecting with others through climbing.  We cannot wait to expand our community and continue to provide amazing climbing experiences for climbers new and seasoned. 

Speaking of new climbers, if you live in the area, are new to climbing or have been wanting to try climbing, you may be wondering what the heck bouldering even is. Do not worry, we are here to help! Bouldering is a form of climbing where no climbing gear (ropes and harnesses) is required. All you need are some climbing shoes, chalk, and a desire to climb! Indoor bouldering routes involve walls around 12-15 feet and are designed for climbers at every skill level. Climbs may be inclined, or overhung, powerful, or balance focused, or all of the above! The best part is that climbing is a puzzle for your own self-discovery in a supportive and fun environment.

The Facility

This 7,000+ sq. ft. space will offer amazing and diverse bouldering walls, a welcoming climbing community, and offerings for new climbers, families, and more!  As with our Santa Ana and LAX locations, we will be working with Walltopia to provide you with the best terrain for all of your future projects and sends!  This is Sender One’s first bouldering-only location and we are looking forward to bringing everyone a unique variety of bouldering routes, as well as the same world-class experience they receive at our other full-service gyms. Check out the design mock-ups for Sender One Playa Vista here.

The Location

Sender One Playa Vista will be nestled in the Runway Playa Vista Community.  After your sending session, you can catch a movie, grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants (or some Nice Cream, let’s be real), get your grocery shopping done at the next-door Whole Foods, and so much more! 

Map of Los Angeles depicting Playa Vista Location

Opening August 2021

Find more information about our Grand Opening Party and Pre-Opening Membership Sale, visit the Sender One Playa Vista website.

Follow and connect with us on Instagram & Facebook.

Learn More About Sender One Playa Vista

Climbers bouldering at Sender One LAX (Los Angeles location)

What to Look for in a Climbing Partner

What to Look for in a Climbing Partner

by | Apr 12, 2019 | Blog

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Words by Brianne Schaer  (Instagram: @brianneschaer)

Finding a climbing partner can be difficult.  There are so many factors at play that it can seem impossible at times to find a match that’s going to work for you.  After all, you are essentially trusting this person with your life!  But don’t worry! It’s easier than it seems to find a good partner, and Sender One is here to help.

So what exactly should you look for in a climbing partner?  Your partner should be able to offer a good belay, prioritize safety, be reliable, and contribute to the relationship.  It is important to also take a moment to reflect on yourself to make sure you possess these qualities, so you can offer your partner as much as you’re asking of them.

Over time you’ll start to hone in on exactly what you’re looking for in a climbing partner, but for anyone just starting out or looking for their very first partner, here are a few questions to ask.

 

Can they offer a good belay?

This is possibly the most important question you should ask when looking for a new climbing partner.  Make sure your potential partner knows how to use their preferred belay device properly  (If you're top rope climbing at Sender One, you and your partner will need to be comfortable with a gri-gri belay device).  Also note how attentive they are while belaying you.  Safety and minimizing risk should be your main priority here.  Don’t forget to always double checking each other before starting to climb.  It is always a good idea to feel out a person’s belay skills at the gym before heading outside.  This way, you can climb in a relatively controlled environment knowing that your partner has passed the gym’s belay certification test.

 

Do they prioritize safety?

Climbing is inherently dangerous and safety should always be the priority in any belaytionship.  There are a lot of things that could go wrong while climbing, so it is critical to always consider the safety implications at stake.  What started out as fun and games can quickly go south if you or your partner aren’t always working to minimize risk.  Remember to always perform partner checks to ensure the climber is tied in correctly, all equipment is in good shape, and the belayer is using their equipment properly.  If you will be climbing outdoors, it is worth considering taking a self-rescue course so you know what to do in case of an emergency.  Whether climbing inside or outside, never leave the ground if you suspect there may be any issues with your system.

 

Are they reliable?

You can’t form any kind of relationship with someone who doesn’t show up.  If the only thing your partner does consistently is show up late, then they may not be a good option as a reliable climbing partner.  Look for someone who keeps dates and shows up on time. Unless you’re also a bit unpredictable. 😉

 

How to find a partner at Sender One

Now that you know what to look for in a partner, here are some tips on how to find a partner at Sender One.  There are many ways you can find a partner, from attending meetups to joining a Facebook page.  Take advantage of all of them to find more climbing friends!

 

Attend Monday Night Meetups

Our Monday Night Meetup on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 7 PM!  An end of event raffle grants free gear to those who participate and win.  The event is free with a day pass or membership, and is a great opportunity to meet new climbing friends!

 

Join the Facebook Page

Can’t make it to Monday Night Meetup?  Feel free to join the Sender One community Facebook pages!  There is one for LAX and one for SNA.  You’ll find posts requesting partners, offers on upcoming classes (LAX, SNA) and events (LAX, SNA), and, if you’re lucky, beta for the best post-climb meal.

 

Sign up on the belay finder sheet

If you find yourself at the gym without a partner you can always sign the belay finder sheet at the front desk.  Make sure your request is noticed by asking the front desk staff to make a quick announcement that you’re looking for a partner!

 

Recruit a non-climber friend

If you're the only climber in your friend group, you can take advantage of Sender One's member guest passes to introduce a friend to the sport.  Your membership includes several benefits:

  • One guest pass per month for anyone (new to Sender One or not)
  • Member Guest Day: bring a friend to Sender One Climbing on the third Friday of each month (must be new to Sender One)
  • Every Day members can bring two first time rope climbers and sign them up for a free Intro to Climbing Class so they can learn how to properly belay, as well as tie the knots necessary for top rope climbing!

 

Just Come By the Gym!

The Sender One Climbing member community is full of friendly climbers welcome to lend a catch when needed!  You can always meet partners the old fashioned way by simply coming to the gym and bouldering, attending yoga classes, or any gym event!  Whether you're a new climber, or just new to the area, you will have new climbing friends at Sender One Climbing in no time!

 

 

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Climbing After Rain | A Guide to Wet Rock

Climbing After Rain | A Guide to Wet Rock

by | Mar 15, 2019 | Blog

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It has been a pretty wet winter here in Southern California!  While we are headng into Spring, we are sure there are still some rainy days ahead!  With all this wet weather, we thought it would be a good time to revisit the common question: when is it okay to climb in/after the rain? 

The answer to this question really comes down to what type of rock you are hoping to climb, and is super important when it comes to taking care of our local crags, and leaving a minimal impact when we adventure outdoors.  Check it out! 

 

Sedimentary Rocks

Photo of sandstone at Calico Hills in Red Rock, Nevada (from https://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/calico-hills/)

Sandstone

Sandstone is the beautiful, usually reddish in tone, rock found in places like Red Rock, Nevada and Indian Creek, Utah.  Sandstone is a sedimentary rock that absorbs moisture, therefore when it rains (or snows!), a lot of water ends up soaking into the rock.  As the rock's surface gets wet, the cementing agents within the rock are weakened, therefore the rock itself loses a significant amount of strength.  This results in the rock breaking apart while wet, especially when put under the pressure of a hand or foot!  Unfortunately several routes at Red Rock have lost holds due to people climbing them before the rock was dry.  

A good way to tell if the rock is ready climb is to see if the ground is dry on the way to, and at the base of, the climb.  If the ground is still moist (not sandy and dry), then it is good to assume the rock is still wet, even if it seems dry on the surface!  Give it at least a good 24-36 hours (sometimes longer!) after rain before attempting to climb sandstone that has been wet!  If you're ever unsure, don't hesitate to ask local climbers or local climbing coalitions for their suggestions about climbing regarding recent weather.

Photo of conglomerate rock at Maple Canyon in Utah (from Mountain Project)

Conglomerate Rock

Conglomerate rock is a form of sedimentary rock that contains pebble- and cobble-sized clasts embedded within sediment.  This kind of rock is found in Maple Canyon, UT, and locally in Texas Canyon near Santa Clarita, CA.  As it is a sedimentary rock, it absorbs moisture much like sandstone, and should be avoided when wet.  Again, note your surroundings and take stock of the rock and ground conditions.  If the ground is wet, take a rest day! The rock will be there and ready for you to climb once it is dry! 

 

Igneous and Metamorphic Rock

Photo of granite at Joshua Tree National Park in CA(from Mountain Project)

These types of rock include granite, quartz, and volcanic rock.  These rocks are not very absorbent to moisture and are considered okay to climb when wet (though that rubber on your shoe may not stick as well!).  This means climbing wet rock in Joshua Tree National Park, or Holcomb Valley, will not impact the rock any differently than when climbing it while dry.  You may feel more slippery than usual, however, therefore caution should be used to minimize risk of injury. 

 

What do I do if it rains?

Sender One SNA (Santa Ana, CA)

Sender One LAX (Los Angeles, CA)

If your climbing plans have been soured by the rain, then take the opportunity to go for a drive, take a hike, explore someplace new, or come climb at Sender One Climbing, Yoga, and Fitness!  With locations in Santa Ana, and Los Angeles, our door is always open to provide your climbing fix, rain or shine! 

Sender One Climbing | Gym to Crag

Sender One Climbing | Gym to Crag

by | Mar 12, 2019 | Outreach

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At Sender One, one of our core values is to share our passions with others.  Our biggest passion is (you guessed it!) rock climbing!  It is an activity that has impacted each of our lives in different and meaningful ways, and we are psyched every day to share our space and love for climbing with you all! 

new climbers | experienced climbers | excited kids | climbing teams
spectators | yogis | fitness fanatics

When thinking about all of the amazing people we share climbing experiences with, we recognize that we have an awesome opportunity to use our platform to highlight some of the best practices for when anyone takes their passions outdoors.  While hiking to your projects, sending your favorite climbs, photographing your adventures, and more, there are so many ways you can make sure you and your crew are leaving a minimal impact on the areas you visit.  This has always been an important topic, but is increasingly so as more people come to enjoy these outdoor spaces. 

From here on out, we are excited to be making information more accessible to all who walk through our doors, or follow our online platforms.  Here's what we are up to, and what to keep an eye out for:

 

Blogs

 

Keep an eye out for our Gym to Crag Logo on blogs that cover information related to conservation and Leave No Trace principles.  Share these with your friends and family to help spread the word!

 

Partnerships and Crag Cleanups

 

As a member gym of the Access Fund, we are excited to be hosting the Access Fund's Conservation Team, as well as hosting local crag cleanups throughout the year! Keep an eye out for event announcements in our newsletters, and around the gym!

 

Athlete Clinics

 

We have some really exciting clinics in the works!  We'll be bringing in athletes to share tips and guidance on their craft, while also encouraging best practices outdoors! Stay tuned on our events calendar (LAX and SNA) and social media for dates and details!

 

Fundraisers

 

Over the course of the year we have several fundraisers on deck to support organizations such as the Access Fund, and other local climbing conservation groups.

To say we are excited is an understatement!  Many of us are frequent outdoor travelers, and we often see the places we love not being taken care of as best as they could be.  We are excited to help spread awareness regarding outdoor best practices, and can't wait to share our stoke with you throughout the year!

Five Bouldering Games to Spice Up your Next Session

Five Bouldering Games to Spice Up your Next Session

by | Feb 4, 2019 | Blog, Outreach

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Words by Brianne Schaer (Instagram: @brianneschaer)
Images by Crystal Tan (Instagram: @madambackwords)

Bouldering games are a creative way to let loose and have some fun with your friends at the gym.  Games can create a fun and casually competitive environment where you can push yourself beyond just trying to climb at the next v-level.

Sender One has some of the best setters around, and while the bouldering area is full of engaging problems, sometimes you want to shake it up and play by your own rules, so grab some friends and read over this list of our favorite bouldering games to spice up your next session! 

 

Add-On

Number of people: 2+

Rules: This game begins when the first climber selects two start holds and makes a single move.  The next climber must repeat the same move, and add another.  This process continues with each climber adding an extra move to the climb.  If you fall, you're out!  The game ends once everyone has fallen, when someone tops out, or when you run out of wall space. 

Modifications:

  • You can allow climbers to use any foot holds or you can specify which foot holds are on/off. 
  • Extend the length of each game by doing the moves in reverse order/down-climbing.

 

Eliminator

Number of people: 1+

Rules: Pick a route that everyone in your group can easily climb.  The first player climbs the route, skipping one hold.  The skipped hold is now off limits for both hands and feet. The next climber must climb the route, skipping that hold, as well as skipping an additional hold of their choice.  The game continues until there is only one player left standing!

 

Twister

Number of people: 3-5

Rules: Climbers stand in front of a wall section that has four different colored holds.  Just like in the party game of the same name, one person will call our the move (e.g. right hand blue) and the climbers will have to make that move.  You can do this by simply by having one person call out the moves, or if you want to get more technical, you can download a twister spinner app to your phone.  If you fall, you're out!  Play continues until there is only one player left on the wall.

 

Pointer

Number of people: 2+

Rules: Find a portion of the wall with lots of varied holds.  One person (or group of people) stands on the ground and points out the next hold the climber must use.  Use a pointer or if you don't have one, then simply point with your finger and call out the hold name.  See who can stay on the wall the longest as you and your friends call our the moves. 

 

Simon Says

Number of people: 3+

Rules: This classic schoolyard game can also be fun on the climbing wall!  One person stays on the ground while the rest of your group finds a place on the wall.  The person on the ground will call out moves (e.g. Simon Says, right hand on blue).  You are out if you fall, are unable to make a move, or make a move without the 'Simon Says' command. 

Bonus Games!

If you have less time, less wall space, or just a shorter attention span, these easy mini-games can still make your session different and fun! 

 

Dyno:

Have some fun practicing dynos.  Find a spot where you can dyno from one hold to the next.  Then, try to dyno to a higher hold!  See who can make it the furthest from the original holds. Add to the challenge by seeing who in your group can complete the most dynos in the gym.  (Hint: The setters sometimes set a route that has fun dynos in it -- look for 'DYNO' on the route tag!) 

Follow the Leader:

Pick one person to lead your group on a traverse.  Each person must hold the same hols as you move across the wall.  Take turns being the leader as you make up new moves each round.  (Just be mindful of your surroundings and that you aren't climbing underneath anyone or cutting off anyone from starting their project!) 

Race:

Choose two problems that are next to each other and similar in difficulty.  See who can make it up their problem the fastest, then switch problems and race again.  You can also try to beat the clock when you're climbing alone - pick a problem that you can comfortably onsight, and climb it quickly!  Time yourself to see how fast you can send it, and if you can beat your personal best! 

Campusing:

Pick a problem below your usual grade and climb it without using your feet.  Play with a group of friends to see who can make it the furthest, or send the problem first.  If a full campus isn't in your wheelhouse, then you can also play by using only one foot, or one hand!  Get creative! 

These bouldering games can spice up your next gym session by adding variety and excitement.  While some of the games are just for fun, others can work on specific training elements, like stamina, onsight ability, or power!  Of course, while spicing up your bouldering routine, please be aware of your surroundings and respectful of other climbers trying to send their projects around you! 

If you have any bouldering games that you like to play, share them on our facebook community pages (SNA) (LAX)!

 

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