Global Climbing Day is back and climbing gyms around the country are getting involved!

 

‘Walls are meant for climbing’, that’s the catchphrase The North Face use to promote the phenomenon they created – Global Climbing Day – a worldwide celebration of the climbing community.

But what that catchphrase doesn’t show is just how welcoming the event has become.

Founded in 2017, Global Climbing Day was created with the aim of lowering the barriers to entry in climbing. While the sport is incredibly inclusive, many still think they need a certain level of experience or skill to really call themselves a ‘climber’, and the event particularly seeks to encourage marginalised groups to participate.

Here’s what’s happening on Saturday 20th of August around the country for Global Climbing Day.

Read More: The North Face Explore Fund Launches Down Under to Champion Equity in the Outdoors

Supporting Local Climbing Gyms

Climbing gyms are the hubs of the climbing community. Although outdoor climbing is awesome (and often the goal), climbing at indoor gyms allows people to regularly hone their skills and catch up with friends regardless of the weather or time of day.

But climbing gyms have had a tough time in recent years, often remaining closed for many months, and they’ve become the focus of this year’s campaign.

Check out the list of participating climbing gyms and pay one of them a visit this Saturday to get involved!

Community Events for Marginalised Groups

Two big events are being run by ClimbingQTs and the Affinity Initiative, both early recipients of the new Explore Fund grant recently launched by The North Face.

 

ClimbingQTs

The ClimbingQTs are holding their first ever national meet up on Saturday 20th August from 10am – 12pm (midday):

VIC: BlocHaus Port Melbourne (FREE entry for newbies)
NSW: BlocHaus Marrickville (FREE entry for newbies)
SA: Adelaide Bouldering Club (2-for-1 climbing)
QLD: Urban Climb West End Boulder Hall ($10 entry + 1 week of FREE climbing)
ACT: BlocHaus Canberra (FREE entry for newbies)
WA: Portside Boulders x Rock Wallabies ($13 entry + FREE entry for newbies)

Everyone is welcome, members and non-members, rainbow, trans, questioning, still deciding and allies. Shoot them a message on Instagram if you’d like to know more.

 

The Communities Brought Together by Climbing - A Day with Riley from ClimbingQTs, pat corden, people, climbing, ropes

 

Affinity Initiative

Affinity Initiative create a space for black, Indigenous and women of colour, and will be running an Intro to Outdoors session for people of colour at Werribee Gorge (Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Country) near Naarm Melbourne.

The event (and the backup Sunday event!) are now full. Make sure you sign up using this form if you’d like to get involved in future events throughout the year.