Blog - Sender One Climbing - Page 5
Sender One Aliso Viejo

Sender One Aliso Viejo

the content

Well hello, Sender One Aliso Viejo!

Y'all ready for this?! We are thrilled to share the exciting news of our newest addition, Sender One Aliso Viejo! This marks our 7th gym and 4th full-service location, situated in the heart of South Orange County. We look forward to growing our community and serving the folks in and around Aliso Viejo!

The Location

Sender One Aliso Viejo will be conveniently located in The Commons Shopping Center at 26507 Aliso Creek Road, just off Route 73 and a mere 3 miles south of the 5 freeway. The Commons is currently undergoing a complete remodel of the former Lowes store with some of its first tenants set to open their doors in early 2024. Joining us in this vibrant neighborhood are esteemed establishments such as Trader Joe's, Tesla, 99 Ranch Market, and Daiso, along with several other restaurants and family entertainment operators currently in lease negotiations with the owner of the property, ValueRock Realty.

Enjoy a quick bite to eat and/or grocery shopping before or after your climbing session!

The Space

Spanning 24,000 square feet, Sender One Aliso Viejo will provide ample room for climbers of all experience levels. To put it into perspective, this space is comparable to the floor area of LAX's 30,000-square-foot facility and our main gym in SNA, which is also 24,000 square feet. Rest assured, Aliso Viejo will deliver the same exceptional Sender One and Sender City experiences that you have come to love and expect!

Exterior rendering of Sender One Aliso Viejo (does not show raised roof!)

The Climbing

While we are still in the early stages of design, we are excited to share a glimpse of what awaits you. Get ready to reach new heights as we raise the roof for sport climbing and Sender City. This summer, we will be collaborating with Walltopia to finalize the design and create an extraordinary climbing experience for all.

Exterior renderings of The Commons, revamped (real-life space may have differences)

The Timing - When will this space open?!

We will be working closely with ValueRock Realty and the city of Aliso Viejo this summer to obtain a conditional use permit. We are grateful for the unwavering support we have received from both our landlord and the city of Aliso Viejo thus far. With their support, we are optimistic about acquiring the necessary permits, commencing construction in 2024, and aiming to open our doors for business by the end of 2024 or early 2025.

Stay tuned for more updates as we progress on this venture.

In the meantime...

Here are some updates on our Westwood and Lakewood locations:

Westwood: Walls are taking shape! Walltopia has arrived on-site this week (the last week of June), and the climbing walls will be going up in July.

Lakewood: If you've recently driven by our Lakewood location, you may have noticed some remarkable changes. The roof has been removed, and the parking lot is now filled with gigantic steel beams. Big things are happening at Lakewood, and we can't wait to share the finished result with you!

Be sure to visit our careers page for exciting job opportunities across all of our gyms.

Lastly, we wanted to express gratitude to our members and this community! You continue to inspire and motivate us to provide unique climbing experiences for everybody. We can't wait to climb together at all our new locations!

Pride in Climbing

Pride in Climbing

the content

Written by Kadisha Aburub & Eric Ho, Edited by Crystal Tan

It’s PRIDE month. 

Everywhere you turn, you will likely see a rainbow somewhere. Although it's exciting to see the world embrace our community, navigating the relationship with where we stand within that community and outside of it may not always feel like rainbows. Let's dive into some terminology.

progress pride flag

What do the letters in LGBTQIA+ mean?

Lesbian: a woman who is physically, emotionally, or romantically attracted to other women.

Gay: a person who is physically, emotionally, or romantically attracted to people of the same gender.

Bisexual: a person who is physically, emotionally, or romantically attracted to people within more than one sex, gender, or gender identity.

Transgender: a person whose gender identity or expression is different from the sex assigned at birth. Transgender should be used as an adjective — not as a noun or a verb. 

Queer: an adjective used by some people whose sexual orientation is not exclusively heterosexual or straight. It’s an umbrella term that includes people who have non-binary or gender-fluid identities. Non-binary describes a person whose gender identity falls outside of strictly male or strictly female. 

    • Gender fluid describes a person whose gender identity or expression changes over time. 
    • Genderqueer describes a person who does not follow static categories of gender, embracing a fluidity of gender identity and, oftentimes, sexual orientations. 
    • Gender non-conforming describes a person who does not abide by traditional or cultural expectations — in regards to appearance or behavior — of their gender. 
    • In a 2018 Human Rights Campaign (HRC) survey, over 12% of LGBTQ youth identified as non-binary, and 9% identified as genderqueer or gender non-conforming. 
    • Questioning: When “Q” comes at the end of LGBTQ, it can also mean questioning. Questioning is a term used to describe a person who is exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Intersex: a term used to describe a person who is born with differences in their sex traits or reproductive anatomy that don’t fit typical definitions of female or male.

Asexual: a term used to describe a person who lacks sexual attraction or desire for other people

“+” stands for plus: a symbol that represents members of the community who identify with a sexual orientation or gender identity that isn’t included within the LGBTQIA acronym. It’s an inclusive way of representing gender and sexual identities that letters and words cannot yet fully describe.

Explanation of the Progress Pride Flag: Red = Life, Orange = Healing, Yellow = New Ideas, Green = Prosperity, Blue = Serenity, Violet = Spirit, Black/Brown = People of Color, White/Light Blue/Pink = Trans Community

Gender identity and gender expression are also different!

Resources & Support

We climb to maintain our physical and possibly social capital. Climbing has also been shown to help improve our mental health! However, those of us in marginalized groups suffer disproportionately when it comes to mental health, especially those of us in intersectional communities (e.g. QPOC).

We’ve collected a few mental health resources to connect with or keep in your back pocket when needed.

The Trans Lifeline - Dial in crisis (877) 565-8860

Trans Defense Fund Los Angeles - Free self-defense kits to trans-POC in LA

Trevor Project - Leading suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ young people

Articles - "Being There for LGBTQ Young People with Disabilities"

Orange County LGBTQ CenterAffirming therapy

Coming out can be a lifelong process and very different for each person. Navigating coming out or rather, "stepping in” can feel both liberating and constant. Here are some resources that may help guide the process.

Coming Out: Living Authentically as LGBTQ Latinx Americans

Coming Out: Living Authentically as LGBTQ Asian and Pacific Islander Americans

Coming Out: Living Authentically as Black LGBTQ People

More coming out stories and resources from the Human Rights Campaign

All are welcome at our affinity group meet-ups, including our Send With Pride meetups. Even allies! Our Send with Pride meet-ups center LGBTQIA+ folx in the community, creating a safe space for all to connect.

What is a safe space, you ask? A space is only truly safe if it’s safe for the most vulnerable of us, especially those of us with intersectional identities. We want our meet-up attendees to feel free from discrimination, criticism, harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm.

Here are some tips on how to be an "ally":

What does it mean to be an "ally"?
Being an ally is a verb". Being an ally is NOT just checking a box

Examples of active allyship:

  • Knowing when to speak up and offering space 
  • Learn, listen, and read from folx in the community 
  • Find opportunities to talk openly with your straight and/or cisgender friends about your LGBTQ+ friends and family and the issues they face
  • Get involved with pro-LGBTQ+ groups and campaigns and contact your elected officials to stand with and support LGBTQ+ rights
  • Reflect on ways you can be an advocate for the community in your everyday life

    Examples of checking a box:

    • Wearing a rainbow shirt
    • Slapping a rainbow sticker on your water bottle
    • Attending PRIDE events

    Climbing for the first time can be intimidating. Joining your first gym meet-up can also be scary. The climbing community, fortunately, has many welcoming groups and safe spaces, indoors and outdoors!

    Looking for queer climbing guides/meet-up spaces?

    You’ve probably seen the Queer Crush logo on our Send With Pride flyers. What is Queer Crush, you ask? They’re a nonprofit whose mission is to host meetups that create and maintain safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Check them out at queercrush.org and @queercrushclimbing on IG!

    Honoring the Significance of Juneteenth

    Honoring the Significance of Juneteenth

    the content

    Written by Kadisha Aburub, Edited by Crystal Tan

    Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Cel-Liberation Day, is an American holiday celebrated annually on June 19th. It commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger recited federal orders announcing that all previously enslaved people in Texas were free.

    So if you’re thinking, but WAIT…I thought the Emancipation Proclamation did this on January 1, 1863?!

    Well, not entirely. Plantation masters decided when and how news was delivered (as news then, did not travel as quickly), so this news of the Emancipation Proclamation was delayed for very obvious reasons.

    While many Black folks use this as a day to celebrate with friends, family, and community members, it can also be seen as a way for non-Black individuals to reflect on the impact it has had on our nation.

    For example, let’s think about how we, as climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, have the privilege to explore and enjoy our State and National Parks. When the National Park Service was founded in 1916, Jim Crow laws had already been implemented. Did you know that the parks were not officially desegregated until 1945? However, local ordinances continued to prohibit Black people from entering many parks, despite desegregation. In 1952, only 12 out of 180 state parks in southern states allowed Black people to enter.

    While it may be tempting to think, “That was a long time ago." In reality, it wasn't too long ago, and the legacy of institutional racism remains and continues to impact Black communities.

    Let’s not forget the first all-Black team to summit Everest was in 2022. Only one year ago.

    The good news is there are groups and organizations actively working to improve experiences for Black people outdoors.

    Here are a couple of organizations to check out and support:

    Black Girls Trekkin - Located locally in California, their mission is to "provide experiences that inspire Black women to pursue outdoors adventures with confidence, establish connections with one another, recreate on the land with care, and rekindle a deep-rooted cultural relationship with nature."

    Blk Out Fest - A climbing festival held in Chattanooga, TN that centers and celebrates Black climbers.

    We encourage you all to explore and connect with organizations and local Black climbers; to step outside what you know or think you know, and to listen, without judgment.

    So if Juneteenth is a celebration for you, we hope that you celebrate in whichever way feels right. Be it rest, spending time with friends climbing outdoors, or taking the day off.

    As for us here at Sender One, we will be featuring a Black vendor on the day of Juneteenth, Royal Gourmet Cookies! We are always looking for more Black vendors to support throughout the year, so if you or someone you know would like to be represented in our gym space to sell your art, jewelry, or goodies, please reach out to us!

    Join our 2023 Juneteenth Celebration @ Sender One LAX!
    Monday 6/19/2023, 7 PM – 9 PM

    Presented by S1's Black Climbers Union and Black Girls Trekkin’, this meetup is a safe place that gives Black climbers the opportunity to unite and amplify each other’s voices in the climbing community. This meetup strives to encourage positivity, individuality, and acceptance amongst Black climbers from any background. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Minors must come with supervising adults.
    $20 day passes when you RSVP in advance! Free for members to join.
    Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month

    Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month

    the content

    Written by Eric Ho, Edited by Katherine Ku

     

    What Does AAPI Mean?

    Why are there so many letters? Well, being Asian American and Pacific Islander are two different things. Asian Americans include East Asians, South Asians, and Southeast Asians. Pacific Islanders include native Hawaiian, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.

    Our Asian Ascenders Meetups at Sender One LAX and Sender One SNA serve as a place for members and guests alike to climb together, and to discover themselves and connect with one another via culture and climbing. Some yummy Asian treats don’t hurt! Asian Ascenders meet monthly (every 2nd Tuesday at SNA, every 3rd Wednesday at LAX).

    Sender One also employs many AAPI staff members in various departments, from route setting all the way to our CEO, Alice Kao (check out this Q&A with her). Let’s get to know our community leaders who lead the Asian Ascenders at LAX (every 2nd Wednesday of the month) as well as some of our staff from our Los Angeles Region!

    Meet the Community Leaders

    Ashley: LAX Asian Ascenders Meetup Leader

    • I have been climbing for 4 years and a friend who wanted to start a new hobby got me into it.
    • Other interests: Outside of climbing my passions are watching movies and reviewing books.
    • Go-to crag snacks: Almonds and Fairlife protein shakes.
    • Advice to new climbers: Don’t stress about what grade you’re climbing. Everyone is on their own journey and climbers are some of the most encouraging people I’ve met. Don’t be afraid to do climbs way out of your comfort zone. It’s a great way to improve and you might surprise yourself.
    • Why climb at Sender One? Sender One is a great place to climb with a strong sense of community. I’ve made so many friends here and am constantly surrounded by people that are always there to support me.

    Brittany: LAX Asian Ascenders Meetup Leader

    • When I'm not climbing there is a very high chance that I'm reading a book, singing, or working out. I'm very passionate about those things as well.
    • Go-to crag snacks: Definitely almonds, dried mangos, and coconut chips. Simple and tasty.
    • Advice to new climbers: Don't compare yourself to climbers around you! No one is judging where you are in your climbing journey, so work on perfecting that V0 and don't be afraid to try climbs that you might not be able to send right away. You'll learn so much more that way!
    • What does it mean to host the monthly Asian Ascenders/AC2 meetups? I was lucky enough to get to guest host a few Asian Ascenders meetings after a wonderful, supportive family had already been established. It was empowering to be able to step in and lead an event dedicated to creating a safe space for people in my community to feel supported.

    Meet the Staff!

    Eric: LAX Brand Supervisor

    • I’ve been climbing for about 10 years. I got into it because I was looking for a social group and found a climbing group on Meetup.com that climbed at Hangar 18 South Bay. I ended up excelling at the sport because I was very light and skinny; also, because I started climbing 3 times a week.
    • Favorite crag: Red Rocks. The beautiful sand is very soft and gentle on my tips.
    • Go-to crag snacks: cucumber and hummus are very tasty on the lips
    • I started Asian Ascenders after my event, Mid-Autumn Festival was a resounding success. I had already started Send With Pride, so AA just made logical sense. I’m so proud to see the Asian Ascenders and my other meetups grow with new leaders stepping up to take the reigns.

    Michelle: LAX Head Coach

    • I’ve been climbing for about 10 years! My husband went to Hangar 18 with a family friend, loved it, and then took me and some other friends to try it out.
    • Favorite Crag: My top three crags are Black Mountain, Bishop, and Squamish. I like all three for the same reason - although they’re popular destinations, I can still climb fun boulders with my friends in relatively isolated locations.
    • Other interests: Outside of climbing, I love running and strength training! Outside of physical activities, I enjoy interior design, fashion, and architecture.
    • Go-to crag snacks: GoMacro bars and peach rings
    • Advice to New Climbers: Have fun, and be patient! It’s tempting to climb 5 or more times a week because climbing is so fun, but that’s an easy way to get injured. Rest and recovery are key to a long and healthy climbing career.
    • Fun fact: I’m a first generation Filipino-American. I’ve never been to the Philippines, but I still have family there and I hope to visit sometime in the future!

    Von: Westwood Gym Manager

    • I've been climbing since 2006 as a cheaper substitute for skydiving, a childhood dream of mine.  But when I finally ended up skydiving years later I realized why climbing is more exhilarating!
    • Favorite crag: Red Rocks. Climb gorgeous mountains that's easy on your skin during the day and eat fancy dinners and win a lot of money in Vegas at night.
    • Other interests: Being a fashion Icon. 
    • Go-to crag snacks: I like oranges and grapefruits. I really should eat more fruits but the only time I eat fruit is at the crag.
    • Advice to new climbers: The best day of climbing indoors is 1% the fun of the worst day of climbing outdoors.  Go outside ASAP.
    • Fun fact: I'm the 2007/2008 Yugioh Northwest Regional Champion.

    Moe: Playa Vista Customer Experience Specialist

    • I started climbing with a friend during my sophomore year of college, so about five years ago. At first, my friend was very interested and just wanted a buddy, but once we got started, it ended up that I was the one who kept climbing after the semester! I started to make friends with some of the staff, invited my friends to come and climb with me, and enjoyed so much of the people at the gym and so much of the culture involving the types of people that climbing attracted.
    • Go-to crag snack: I love dried mango. I also love trail mix, but last year I just didn’t stop eating it, and so trail mix and I decided to give each other some time and space. Who knows, maybe we’ll start to enjoy each other’s company again soon...
    • Other interests: Outside of climbing, I am an artist. I weave, embroider, sew, knit, and also practice photography. I make some functional textiles like scarves, socks, hats, gloves, mittens, shawls, etc., and dysfunctional ones that are meant to go on a wall. I also love to sing! I've done classical piano and classical flute for a long time, but now I am taking jazz vocal lessons. It’s wonderful learning to sing. Plus, how great is it when you can sing your problems away?
    • Advice to new climbers: Enjoy it! Let yourself be proud of sending a v0. Acknowledge that you did something that made you feel accomplished. You have to let yourself be enormously proud of achieving things no matter how big or small. I know that the moment I start to criticize myself, I stop enjoying it. It becomes more frustrating than fun. It’ll feel like a chore and work. You’re getting a massive workout from it, yes, but if you can enjoy doing it, you’ll want to do it more, and that’s really how you get better at climbing.
    • Fun fact: I did karate for eight years and am a second-degree black belt.

    Shuto: LAX Customer Experience Shift Lead

    • I have been climbing on and off for roughly 9 years. My brother invited me to try this "new" sport he had found when he was in college.
    • Favorite crag: There's nothing better than climbing great granite in the woods at Black Mountain. 
    • Go-to crag snacks: Nothing like a PB&J to amp you up for your next climb.
    • Advice to new climbers: Climb, climb, climb (don't forget to rest your fingers though). 
    • Fun fact: When I was ten, I had to have a tooth removed from my hard palate (the roof of my mouth). 
    • Being able to lead the AA meetups is an honor, as it is a place where we could share our passions of Asian culture and share our experiences with the culture. 
    Introducing Sender One’s 2023 Spring Line

    Introducing Sender One’s 2023 Spring Line

    the content

    Written by Devan Roper, Photos by Katherine Ku & Devan Roper

    Hey Sender One Fam!

     Our new Spring Line is now LIVE. If you have been to the gym recently, you might have seen our *literally* cool new merch…

    Make your OOTD cooler than the temps this spring with our brand new perspectives tank top, chalk bag, hat, and zip-up. The graphic shows volumes being reflected off mountains to encourage seeing not only climbing from different angles, but those around us.

    The design was inspired by our theme of the quarter, “Seeing from Others Perspectives,” which also is one of our core values at Sender One. 

    Have a little one who you want to rock Sender One swag? Snag one of our perspective youth hoodies and share the message of seeing from others perspectives with the next generation. 

    In case you missed it, we recently launched a Cotopaxi line which includes coolers, backpacks, fanny packs, chalk bags, gear totes, and duffle bags.

    Keep your drinks and snacks chilled while at the crag with either our 12L or 24L Cotopaxi coolers. These items are a great conversation starter with their unique look. If you're interested in buying any of these items, see your local Sender One today! 

    We can't wait to see you all sporting the new merch!

    P.S. If you are a new member, you get a one time 20% off discount on any item in the shop!

    Staff Highlight: Sending with Dom Barry

    Staff Highlight: Sending with Dom Barry

    the content

    Written by Khristina Rhead, Edited by Hailey McFelia and Katherine Ku

    Dominique Barry – you may have seen him coaching youth climbers at Sender One Playa Vista, making his way up the Torch at LAX, or sport climbing at popular outdoor crag, Malibu Creek. Currently, Dom is not just the Youth Programs Supervisor at Playa Vista, but is also a professional climber supported by well-known brands such as Arc’Teryx, La Sportiva North America, Organic Climbing, Sierra Nevada, and Field Station. 

    Born and raised in Southern California, Dom grew up succeeding at multiple sports– surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding, and originally only began climbing out of his involvement with snowboarding when he realized he needed to learn rope systems in order to get into more serious snow terrain. This is when he first went into a climbing gym and tried out bouldering.

    Photo Credit: Eric Fallecker

    Back in 2018, while living in Lake Tahoe, Dom decided to visit Sender One for the first time; he wanted to visit “Chris Sharma’s gym”, a hero of Dom’s, and a professional climber that invested in Sender One in its early days. A while later, Dom found himself without a home base after leaving Tahoe. 

    As luck would have it, Sender One was hiring, and Dom began working as a recreational team coach at the Santa Ana (SNA) location, the first Sender One gym to open in 2013. While at SNA, he transitioned to working in the climbing teams department, first leading the Youth Training Team and then coaching Sender One’s Youth Competition Team. Eventually, Dom transferred to Sender One LAX and led the youth program there as head coach. 

    When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Dom continued with Sender One as a member of the Crisis Management Team, but eventually, he decided to switch gears, opting to take some time off to travel again. This is when he found himself applying for a life changing experience, HBO’s The Climb, an adventure competition show that “represents the foundations of rock climbing and exploration of the human spirit.” 

    As one of the contestants on the show, which is hosted by Chris Sharma and actor/climber Jason Momoa, Dom traveled to Spain and Jordan where he competed against 9 other climbers in bouldering, sport, trad, and speed climbing. Although he ultimately came in 2nd place, he values the time spent on the show. He also said that members of Sender’s leadership team, like Wes Shih, Alice Kao, and Corey Cosby, have been incredibly supportive of him splitting his time between Sender and other professional climbing pursuits. 

    "[Climbing has] gone from escape to my method for expressing myself, to now how I pay my bills. It’s a fun way to connect my body to the world around me."

    When asked what climbing means to him, he said, “Climbing has had many roles over the years. It’s gone from escape to my method for expressing myself, to now how I pay my bills. It’s a fun way to connect my body to the world around me.” Dom enjoys all types of climbing – sport, bouldering, and trad – but the thing loves most is “try hard climbing”, when it’s all or nothing and he can see what he’s made of. His favorite places to climb are Bishop, CA for bouldering, Rifle, CO or Catalonia, Spain for sport climbing, and Lake Tahoe, CA for trad climbing. 

    As someone that’s been climbing, especially at a professional level for a number of years, Dom believes that the climbing industry is amid a shift from the status quo to a new vision. This new vision allows athletes to say “I’m going my way,” and has started to reshape the relationship between brands and their athletes. Companies are increasingly encouraging their athletes to work with them to design pro shoe models based on their own needs and aspirations, similar to what Michael Jordan did with the Air Jordan. Additionally, they are more focused on empowering athletes from marginalized communities than ever before. This all gets him really psyched for the future of the sport, and he’s happy that rock climbing is giving a voice to others that have been silenced in the past. 

    Photo Credit: Maria Contreras Coll

    However, he does still see issues within the industry. He believes that despite initiatives to bring awareness and exposure to less privileged rock climbers, the price of entry is still “way too high… Unfortunately, there is a race to put up as many gyms as possible without first addressing hey, who can actually access this.”

    "Diversity shows others what is possible. Oftentimes, if you don’t see yourself in a certain space, you believe you’re not supposed to be there, which couldn’t be further from the truth. "

    Pro Climber, Maureen Beck, belays another climber during Global Climbing Day.

    Photo credit: Eric Fallecker

    In the same vein, when asked why diversity in climbing is important, Dom said he never saw anyone that looked like him actually participating in the sport as an athlete, but rather only in other roles, mentioning legendary action sport commentator Selema Masekela. “Diversity shows others what is possible. Oftentimes, if you don’t see yourself in a certain space, you believe you’re not supposed to be there, which couldn’t be further from the truth. In some cases it can be seen as life or death if someone doesn’t have [a sport as an] outlet, and all they have is exposure to something that’s detrimental to their well-being.” 

    Thank you, Dom, for being willing to be interviewed! You’re a great coach, fellow employee, and member of the Sender One community overall. We’re lucky to have you! We can’t wait to see what you accomplish in the future both within and outside of the climbing community. 

    To see what Dom is up to currently, follow him on Instagram @the_dommylama

    Pin It on Pinterest