Climbing Beyond Boundaries: Opening Up the Outdoors to All Backgrounds
As the Chair of the BMC Midlands, my mission is to represent all voices in the outdoor sphere, promoting club membership and inclusivity in climbing. Climbing is about challenging ourselves, connecting with nature, and creating lasting friendships. However, we must also acknowledge that the climbing community lacks diversity, with many climbers coming from traditional, often privileged backgrounds. If we’re to truly make climbing accessible and welcoming, it requires the support of seasoned climbers to reach out and uplift those who may feel hesitant to enter the sport due to background or experience.
In a recent conversation, a seasoned climber remarked that my efforts to encourage experienced climbers to help those from non-traditional backgrounds felt like a “turn-off.” This sentiment isn’t isolated—I’ve heard similar feedback from others in influential roles who feel these discussions stray from the “core” of what climbing “should be.” However, these perspectives, while vocal, do not reflect the wider demographic of climbers I’ve encountered. In fact, climbing is filled with individuals who are eager to share their passion and support others. People like Sean from the Shrewsbury Mountaineering Club embody this spirit. After a casual conversation, Sean reached out and invited me to climb together. He consistently demonstrated the openness, patience, and generosity that makes climbing welcoming. These qualities aren’t isolated to climbing but can be found across all outdoor activities.
Why Climbing Needs Diverse Perspectives
Creating an inclusive climbing community doesn’t just help newcomers; it enhances the sport as a whole. People from diverse backgrounds bring fresh insights, skills, and experiences, deepening our understanding of climbing and broadening its appeal. By engaging those who may feel intimidated by the sport’s traditionally exclusive culture, we build a climbing community that’s more representative and vibrant.
For this reason, my role as BMC Midlands Chair is about championing club membership and participation. Clubs offer novice climbers a pathway to connect with seasoned climbers who are open to sharing their knowledge and encouraging them. Clubs like Wolverhampton Mountaineers are already paving the way by running mentoring schemes that help indoor climbers transition to the outdoors—a fantastic initiative that demonstrates their commitment to inclusion.
Experienced Climbers: Be Ambassadors for Inclusivity
There’s a notion that climbing is about pushing boundaries and conquering difficult routes. While ambition is valuable, a community that prioritizes only certain voices and perspectives limits everyone’s experience. The best climbers aren’t just skilled; they’re generous with their knowledge and welcoming to all. Here are ways experienced climbers can create a more inclusive climbing environment:
1. Introduce Climbing in Small Steps: For beginners, climbing jargon and techniques can be intimidating. Instead of diving straight into advanced conversations, experienced climbers can support newcomers by introducing them to the sport in simple, digestible ways. For example, a day at a beginner-friendly crag or sharing foundational tips can boost a novice climber’s confidence.
In my experience, some climbers use name-dropping of challenging crags or obscure “legendary” climbers to set themselves apart, which can make others feel excluded. I recently mentioned one such “legendary” climber to my MCI instructor, only to be met with a blank look. It was a reminder that climbing doesn’t need to revolve around names or egos but should focus on the shared experience and camaraderie.
2. Provide Encouragement, Not Judgment: Climbing is for everyone, regardless of their skill level. Rather than focusing solely on high achievements, it’s important to foster a sense of exploration and fun, making the sport feel welcoming and accessible.
3. Listen to New Voices: Every climber has a unique story and reason for taking up the sport. By actively listening to the experiences and perspectives of newcomers—especially those from non-traditional backgrounds—experienced climbers can offer more meaningful and supportive engagement.
Overcoming Stereotypes and Building Bridges
One stereotype I often encounter is that “serious climbers” are self-centered or dismissive of those less experienced. However, the most accommodating and inclusive people I’ve met in climbing see the sport as part of a broader life journey. I view myself as a “person who climbs” rather than a “climber.” This difference allows me to stay open to other outdoor activities and people, making climbing an opportunity to connect with others rather than a solitary pursuit.
The more we focus on the joy of shared experiences, the less room there is for arbitrary hierarchies of skill. Let’s build a climbing community where stories are about camaraderie, the memorable days spent outdoors, and the laughs shared—not just the toughest routes conquered.
Advice for New Climbers: Don’t Be Discouraged
If you’re new to climbing and feel intimidated, remember: for every climber who might turn you away, there are many more who will be thrilled to welcome you. Not every climber or club may align with your values, but plenty will. Seek out those who embrace the opportunity to introduce others to the outdoors and understand that climbing is for everyone.
Finding Common Ground
Both seasoned climbers and newcomers have much to gain from supporting and learning from each other. If you’re an experienced climber, consider expanding your circle and mentoring someone new. And if you’re new to the sport, don’t let a few closed doors stop you—many others are wide open. Climbing is as much about community as it is about summits, and the rocks—and the people—are there for all of us.
Let’s make climbing a sport that welcomes all perspectives, backgrounds, and abilities. There’s room on the rock for everyone.
