Blog - Sender One Climbing - Page 2
Global Climbing Day 2022

Global Climbing Day 2022

the content

As many climbers will tell you, rock climbing is not just a sport - it is also a lifestyle that places a strong emphasis on community-building and inclusivity. To celebrate the diverse individuals who make up the climbing community, The North Face has partnered with dozens of gyms all over the world, including Sender One, to host Global Climbing Day on 8/20/22. Each of our gym locations will be celebrating Global Climbing Day with $18 guest passes and unlimited guest passes for members. 

Global Climbing Day is part of a broader, longer-term campaign by The North Face called "Walls Are Meant for Climbing." In spite of the negative connotations of "walls" today, this campaign reframes walls as a means of creating connection and collaboration, rather than a means of division. As rock climbing continues to expand in terms of accessibility and diversity, Global Climbing Day is an opportunity to bring together all kinds of climbers, regardless of experience level, or any other factors. 

We're excited to climb with you!

For more events related to Global Climbing Day...

Global Climbing Day Sufferfest (SNA)

Sender One SNA | Saturday, August 20th | 10AM - 4PM

As part of our Global Climbing Day celebration, join us at SNA for this stamina and endurance-based rope climbing challenge! Teams of two will climb together and compete for a 1-month membership and rope for each teammate. 

For more information and to sign up, click here!

Keep Climbing Climb Initiative

At Sender One, our purpose is to discover ourselves and connect with others through climbing. Our commitment to justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity is not limited to Global Climbing Day. Instead, we seek to constantly embody these ideas. 

To join us in representing and upholding these values, sign the Keep Climbing Pledge here! We believe through small acts in the collectiveness of the community that big changes are able to occur.

Regarding Roe v. Wade, from our CEO

Regarding Roe v. Wade, from our CEO

the content

Dear Sender One Community,

 

When I look at what Sender One has become over the last few years, I am extremely proud of how many women I see in positions of leadership.  While I may be the most visible and most vocal, anyone that comes to a Sender One will see shift leads, supervisors, routesetters, and gym managers... all women.

Among our senior leadership, we have more women than men.  I am proud of the fact that we created a place that supported these women.  We gave them the financial and professional support that allowed them to start families, take as much time as they needed to be with their children, and then return to work.  This has been a challenge to our business, but our core values wouldn't let us do anything less.

This would not have been possible without the foundational right of reproductive freedom.  We are shocked by the recent decision by SCOTUS to eliminate this right for millions of women across the US.  At the same time, we feel extremely lucky and fortunate that we are a California-based company where a woman's fundamental right to choose is not only protected and safeguarded, but is being expanded to benefit those not as lucky as we are to live in California.

We will continue to do what we are able to support the women in our community.  While we cannot change this decision alone, we can and will stand in solidarity with efforts to reinstate our rights, and to make climbing an inclusive sport which respects the self-determination of every climber.

 

With love and gratitude,

Alice Kao
Co-Founder,CEO

Pride Tank 2022

Pride Tank 2022

the content

The Shoes!

On this year's Pride merch, you'll see a lot of colorful climbing shoes. Many folks will recognize the rainbow ones right off, but some of the others might just seem like colorful options.

Well, what if we told you each one of those little shoes was chosen to represent a different pride flag? That's right, the shoes mean things!

This year, we wanted to celebrate the many identities within the LGBTQIA+ community with our design. All of these individual flags rejoin the six-color rainbow flag of yore, reflecting the integrity and necessity of each in the broader movement while simultaneously celebrating the uniqueness of each identity.

Wow, that got art school! Let's talk about a few of the flags on the tank that also show up in our mini sticker collection!

Asexual Pride Flag

Hey, it's the A from the acronym!

Often colloquially referred as the "Ace" community, Asexual people are often subject to a lot of misunderstanding from non-Ace people. The identity is wide, and being Ace doesn't imply a lack of love or romance in life.

Bisexual Pride Flag

Here's the B!

Bisexual folks might fall for men or women, regardless of their own gender. Many may also identify as Pansexual (also on the tank!), a distinct but related identity describing people who fall for others without regard to binary gender.

Lesbian Pride Flag

We know you didn't see it coming but. . . It's the L!

Lesbians are women who love other women. As a community, they often struggle against a particular mix of anti-gay discrimination and patriarchal norms in society. Lesbian leaders have been at the forefront of the LGBTQIA+ struggle, and modern scholars have begun showing their rich contributions to history in all domains.

Non-binary Pride Flag

No alphabet this time! If you've ever heard the word "enby" and wondered what that is, it's Non-binary! Non-binary folks' gender doesn't typically conform to "man" or "woman," and how this is expressed is extremely diverse. Non-binary people may use gender-neutral pronouns, and may seek forms of "androgyny," but may also do neither.

Trans Pride Flag

T time!

This may sound familiar, but Transgender is a wide term. It can include non-binary people, people whose identity transitions across the "binary" of men and women, or folks who identify as a third gender. Trans folks have been at the vanguard of the LGBTQIA+ rights struggle since its inception, taking great risks to tend to and fight for their communities in the face of rampant prejudice.

All the Rest!

Panromantic or Pansexual? You might notice your flags on the tank too! There's a lot more we haven't even discussed. But even this tank couldn't hold every flag from the LGBTQIA+ community.

Those outside the community might wonder: why so many flags? Well, there are many flags because there are many ways that orientation, gender, and relationships overlap. Even while facing discrimination, the LGBTQIA+ community has developed a rich language for discussing these experiences. If you're just starting out on learning what a lot of this even means, well congrats! You're learning! Be open minded, kind, and willing to learn and you'll find many people happy to share about themselves.

Happy Pride

Pride is a time of celebration, and also a time to reflect on how we as a community can support each other. We want to celebrate each and every identity, whether its on the tank or not, and to hear the needs of that community. While some aspects of society have become better for LGBTQIA+ people, many struggles remain.

As we're celebrating this year, let's all remember also to care for each other and build community. Take some time to learn about LGBTQIA+ history and voices at the LA Library, or attend a pride march in celebration or solidarity. Learn from your fellow LGBTQIA+ community members how you can support their struggles.

Take some time for joy too, and hey. . . maybe even check out the many Pride events at Sender One!

Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month

Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month

the content

Started in 1978 as Asian Pacific American Heritage Week, and later given the full month of May, Asian American and Pacific Island Heritage Month celebrates the myriad achievements, influences, and contributions of the AAPI community to our world.

Each May, we take the time to celebrate the talented and incredible people of the AAPI community. Join Sender One in learning a bit more and finding new ways to celebrate today!

 

AAPI Heritage in Climbing

While climbing has developed a modern reputation for being dominated by a white base of climbers, this hasn't always been the case. It is important to remember that this reputation is extremely modern and belies a rich history of indigenous climbing traditions that long predate V-grades, gyms, and popular knowledge in America.

While most of us know climbing as a sport, nowadays, many communities around the world have climbed from necessity and as a part of their culture for millennia. From the Miao in China to the Nepalese Sherpas, climbing has been an integral part of many AAPI cultures. Many climbers know that we "climb by instinct," but it's easy to forget how old the practice is. Whether climbing to bring to their final resting place those who've passed, or for the joy of seeing the world from on high, the history of climbing in the AAPI community is rich and ancient.

AAPI Climbing Follows

There's also a ton of AAPI Climbers out there right now changing the game and bringing the joys of the outdoors to a wider community. While we've only got space to highlight a few, you'll be pleasantly surprised if you follow along that many, many more people are advancing the cause of representation and spreading the joy of climbing!

 

Outdoor Asian isn't just about climbing--they celebrate the AAPI community in all manner of outdoor activities. With an Instagram full of great highlights, an absolute banger of a logo, and plenty of ways to get involved, Outdoor Asian is a magnificent group to keep eyes on!

Asian Bouldering Crew runs a lovely Instagram highlighting AAPI climbers, with short profiles and amazing photography that will get anyone pumped to go out to the crag today. ABC isn't afraid of necessary conversations or excellent bursts of inspiration. If you're out to find climbers who make you say "wow," their backlog is extremely worth your time to explore!

AAPI Heritage Month Events

Events in Los Angeles

LAPL is hosting a series of events celebrating AAPI Heritage & History, with plentiful readings and a great reading list!

Discover Los Angeles has an even longer list, with some events carrying through to the end of the year. From films to exhibitions, they've got your celebrations covered for May and beyond!

Events in Orange County

South Coast Plaza is celebrating with art you can appreciate from home, and history that can take you deeper!

Down in Irvine you'll find several celebrations, with the one occurring today focusing in on the Chinese American community!

We hope all of our community enjoys the celebrations and finds a new sense of appreciation for the beauty and strength brought to climbing and the world by the diversity of our community. Happy AAPI Heritage month!

Mother’s Day 2022

Mother’s Day 2022

the content

This Sunday is Mother's Day, and we at Sender One want to take a moment out to celebrate all the moms who make our lives shine!

Many of us our moms were there not only for our first steps but our first sends! Whether teaching us to appreciate the beauty of nature, wrangling us to get to school on time, or being the support we need in hard times, moms truly make the world go 'round.

This year, we're offering you a few last-minute ideas for the perfect outing. We're also celebrating the moms of the Sender One Team (some of them who're part of the Sender One Team!) with stories of how they got us started on our journey to loving this world!

 

Outing Ideas

Crystal Cove

Crystal Cove is a true gem, tucked right into the middle of Orange County between Newport and Laguna. From tide pools to adorable beach town streets, the shores are beyond breathtaking. Guaranteed Instagram posts and framed family photos abound. If you're more into hiking, the trails in the park are among the prettiest and most accessible coastal sage scrub in Southern California. Truly, there's something for bring a smile to every mom here!

Find out more about the park!

Children play in the sands at Crystal Cove

Griffith Park

For Angelenos, Griffith Park is iconic--and it's obvious why. Trains? Got it. Zoo? Got it. Stars? Got 'em. Caves, hikes, trees? You bet ya. The hardest part of visiting Griffith park is deciding exactly what to do. If choosing is hard, the Fern Dell path is highly recommended and will make you forget about the roaring city in a heartbeat!

Plan your day here!

Malibu Creek

Home to our recent Crag Cleanup, Malibu Creek Sate Park feels like stepping into another world from Los Angeles.  With 15 miles of creek-side trails, beautiful natural pools, and some pretty fun climbing spots, Malibu Creek is a real get away even on the busiest day. Trust us, it's worth the little bit of extra drive to see it all!

Check it out here!

Moms of the Sender One Team!

Sheri & her daughters in Zion National Park, Utah

Sheri (Nicole P's mom)

"My mom, Sheri, has always been adventurous and outdoors focused. One time my sister, my friends, and I were climbing at Pine Mountain and didn't have service. My mom and my friends' mom decided to drive up there to try to find us (which is not too easy if you're not a climber). They found us and tried bouldering outside for the first time. My mom even got to the top of some boulders! We relaxed after by drinking the bottle of tequila they brought up. It was amazing for her to go out of her way to share my passion for climbing (and tequila) with her."

- Nicole P.

Laura & Bryce in Yosemite National Park

Laura (Soph and Bryce's Mom)

Not only is Laura a double-mom to two members of the Sender One team, she's also a Yoga instructor at SNA! Laura passed on a life-long love of adventure and the outdoors to both of her children, with frequent trips to Yosemite, morning surfing expeditions, and of course introducing both Bryce and Soph to Sender One.

Soph will always remember the trip Laura took them on to Catalina, where they camped out in the hills and Laura read them "The Little Prince" (they now have a tattoo with a passage from the fox chapter). Bryce, meanwhile, will never forget the when, at only 11, he got pancreatitis in the middle of Yosemite and had to be hauled out through six miles of trail. Suffice to say, he was a little heavier than the average day pack. Thankfully, Laura is one of the strongest and most determined people out there!

Melody & Crystal with the utterly cute Penny.

Melody (Crystal's Mom)

"Growing up, we weren’t outdoorsy, but we visited Taiwan and a number of other countries as much as we could afford. My mom put a lot of effort into maintaining our Chinese and Taiwanese background since she only moved to the United States a couple of years before I was born. We were fortunate to be immersed in different cultures. One memory of my mom was when she came to my elementary school and taught my class how to make dumplings and how to write their favorite word in Chinese calligraphy. As a kid, this was just normal for me, but as I got older, I realized just how much effort it takes to hold on to your family’s culture especially going to American schools, dating white guys, and being within the minority. Now, I find myself looking for Chinese recipes to try that I can cook for my mom and reaching for the savory and sweet items at the Asian market that remind me of my childhood. Beyond keeping our culture alive, my mom is ultra-supportive, hilarious, and just the absolute best!"

Whether you're heading out for a hike, or staying in for a well-deserved morning in bed, Sender One wishes all the moms out there a Happy Mother's Day!

Facilities Upgrades at SNA (Santa Ana)!

Facilities Upgrades at SNA (Santa Ana)!

the content

So it begins! The renovation project we have all been waiting for has arrived. We’re adding laundry & towel service to our main gym in Santa Ana, as well as two gender neutral and family restrooms (with a shower in one of them)!

These upgrades mean better service from start to finish. Laundry facilities ensure we can leave as clean as we came in (no more damp towels in your backpack). Gender neutral and family restrooms ensure all climbers feel welcome and safe to come off a hard climb sparkling clean.

Whether you’re climbing on your lunch, with your kids, or seeking a gym that’s as inclusive as its routes are rad, these upgrades will mean a better visit for you.

This long awaited project begins on May 2nd and will last until end of July. Yes, there will be some hurdles to overcome, but when all is said and done, everyone will have something new to appreciate!

During construction, our main gym restrooms will be closed. To ensure everyone is able to climb comfortably, we’re providing additional service and restocking at the restrooms and showers of the Yoga & Fitness studio next door, which will remain open. Additionally, on-site mobile restrooms will be available. The nice ones, don't worry 😉!

Check out the timeline of the project and learn more below.

 

Timeline of closure

May 2nd

🚽 Main Gym bathrooms will close on both sides. Portable toilets arrive for Sender City and parties!

🎉 Hallway to Party Room will close

🧘 Yoga & Fitness Annex bathrooms will remain available

May 4th

⚒️ Demolition begins and the project gets underway!

🗓 No construction will occur on weekends

🚪 Parties will enter through Sender City side door to party room (instead of down the hallway)

May 27th

🎊 Estimated opening of the two gender neutral / family bathrooms on Sender City side!

June 6th

⚒️ Estimated date we'll begin the mezzanine stair demolition

🧑‍🏫 Intro classes will be held on the "shorty wall," directly across from the current intro class area

🧗 The "Top Out" boulder will not be able to be topped out during this time. Setters will modify it to allow down climbing from this section during construction

There is a possibility we will get started on the mezzanine sooner, and we'll (happily) notify everyone should that occur!

July 27th

🥳 Estimated completion date for mezzanine stairs and reopening of all facilities.

Bathroom Upgrades

Our bathroom upgrades provide facilities for all sorts of people. Folks visiting with little ones will have a dedicated space separate from the main facilities. Those not served by the facilities up front will also find a safe space for their needs, without having to sacrifice the joy of a hot shower after a long session! If you're looking for where to go before these facilities open, this little map should help you out!

map of alternative restrooms

Upgrading the Mezzanine

Our new mezzanine will add more than a new set of stairs. With the new layout, we will have more space to host our intro classes, making first-time climbers feel more comfortable and welcome. Frequent members will appreciate the added space's improvements to the flow of foot traffic too - especially in those busy hours! Also, it will look nice!

Mezanine Render

Laundry Area & Towel Service

Anyone who's ever worked out knows how beautiful a clean towel really is. Bringing in towel service to Santa Ana is one of the top requests from members, and we are overjoyed to see its premiere on the horizon.

Mezanine Render

Why now?

As some may know, these upgrades were originally slated for January. However, as you’ve probably experienced outside the gym, supply chain issues have interrupted plans in every aspect of life this year. When we found out we were able to jump on the opportunity to get the upgrades rolling, we knew not to miss the window. Our members deserve these upgrades, and the sooner the better!

It's a lot of work, but these changes will help us better meet the needs of our community and ensure Sender One SNA remains the best place to climb in Orange County. When you visit the gym, you'll notice plentiful signs to help you navigate and staff will be on hand to help.

Once it's all done we'll all wipe the sweat off our brows, toss the towels in the new laundry machines, and look back on this as an amazing investment in our gym's future.

Thank you all for coming along with us as we project these upgrades together!

Pin It on Pinterest